by Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, March 2: Sakya Chospel Ling building committee chairman Dato Steve Ng Thian Yew has lauded the Sarawak government and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for their pluralistic support of other religions.
Ng said the Sarawak government’s support of other religions is a testament to the region’s uniqueness in the world.
“We are grateful for our Premier and his esteemed Cabinet to be in Sarawak, where all peaceful forms of worship are welcome,” he said.
“There should not be a polarised society, being hateful and filled with greed as these are all the negative emotions taught by Lord Buddha and should be avoided,” he added.
Ng, who is also the managing director of Plaza Merdeka Holdings, made this remark at the welcoming dinner for His Holiness The 42nd Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and his entourage to Kuching at a leading hotel tonight.
He also briefed the guests on the construction of the Sakya Chosphel Ling building and revealed that the revised plans for the buildings have been submitted to the relevant authorities.
“We hope to be able to obtain the necessary approvals soon,” he said.
Ng explained since the end of the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) period, they have recommenced the process for the new centre.
“We have been blessed with help from the Unit for Other Religion (Unifor) and others, and we look forward to being able to commence with the construction by early next year at the latest,” he revealed.
Ng reiterated and promise to His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin and also the 41st Sakya Trizin that the centre would be built.
“I would also like to request that all the leaders of the different centres and our committee members of Sakya Chosphel Ling, The Kuching Sakya Association, Kuching Sakya Jamtse Buddhist Society and Sakya Tsechen Khakyab Ling to collectively work together to mutually support our common goals of protecting and spreading the Dharma,” he said. — DayakDaily
