Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) secretary Venerable Ji Zun said the association was proud to enhance the duty of the Sangha (monastic) mission, which was undertaken by the congress.

“The MBA has been actively involved in disaster relief, charity and education.

“When it comes to any Buddhist affairs, the association’s committee members will be there.

“I sincerely thank them for their contributions to the community,” he said at the 11th World Chinese Buddhist Sangha Congress general meeting at Bayview Hotel Georgetown in Penang.

Some 250 delegates from 10 countries around the world attended the three-day meeting from April 12 to 14.

A lion dance welcoming the delegates to the congress. Present are (from left) Lim, Most Venerable Ching Hsin and Venerable Seck.

The delegates were from the United States, Taiwan, China, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Canada and Malaysia.

Ven Ji Zun also expressed his appreciation to the committee and volunteers of the World Buddhist Sangha Congress who had contributed to the success of the meeting.

In his opening speech, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said freedom of religion did not give people the right to criticise, humiliate, belittle or insult other religions.

“While the Penang government upholds freedom of religion, it does not give one the right to belittle and diminish other religions,” Lim said while opening the event on Wednesday.

Also present were MBA president Venerable Seck Jit Heng and World Chinese Buddhist Sangha Congress president Most Venerable Ching Hsin.

Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/