PM POSTS WESAK DAY WISHES

Values bind us together as Malaysians, says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR

THE Wesak Day celebration is a hallmark of the nation’s democracy, in that freedom of religion is a significant factor in the cohesion of Malaysia’s creed, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

He said it had become one of the focal points of the Malaysian way of life.

“Tomorrow, our Buddhist friends will be celebrating Wesak, a special day for Buddhists around the world, to honour the birth, enlightenment and passing of Buddha. Peace, service and recognition of common humanity are not only universal values shared by Buddhist devotees, but they are also the same values that bind us together as Malaysians,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday, in conjunction with Wesak Day.

Najib noted that it was also a day on which efforts are made to bring happiness to others, especially the disadvantaged.

“That we care for the sick, feed the hungry and welcome strangers no matter where they come from. That we treat others as we would want to be treated.”

“We must uphold these important values to build a stronger and better Malaysia.”

He said Wesak Day was an opportunity to mark the contributions of Buddhists to the nation’s progress, and to recommit to building a brighter future for all.

“Happy Wesak Day!” he wrote.

Wesak Day is celebrated by Buddhists to mark three momentous events in Gauthama Buddha’s life, which are his birth, enlightenment and his departure from the human world. Bernama