Before and after the general election on March 8, I was asked a similiar line of question by Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Why Buddhists are so quiet on issues affecting the people?
This was raised because in comparison to the other major religious groups, which in one way or another has been voicing our publicly their views and concern on the state of the nation.
The Hindus' was actively putting across their views and demands via Hindraf, the Christians were having forums in their churches and advocating their rights via sms'es and internet and Muslim groups issuing statements on their views and concerns.
What did the Buddhists do?
Nothing. Form is emptiness, emptiness is form. Right. Spot on!
When one aspiring politician raised the same issue with me few days after the election, I commented the Hindus and Christians already make their positions very clear and no one would doubt who they voted in the election. But what will be the implication if the Buddhists jumps into the bandwagon and be vociferous in their quest for their needs. Will it create a situation of the "nons" on one side of the field and the others on the opposing side? So, the Buddhists just kept quiet.
Well, this line of justification is only to pacify ourselves (the Buddhists) that we are peace loving and status-quo people and do not like to start any inkling of possible confrontation with the authorities or powers-that-be.
Buddhist leaders in this country has the tendency of solving arising issues or problems affecting the community in a "closed-door meeting" and non-confrontational approach. Most Malaysians will not even notice, because it was not in the press or blogs, that issues affecting development of Buddhist temples can take nearly 20 years to solve! In some cases, the Buddhist leaders always hoped that when the general election is looming, the powers-that-be will fast-tracked the approval for the temple development. Occasionally the wishes became a reality but sometimes it turns into another round of nightmare after the election. The actual approval are not forthcoming and will take another term of government before the matter is seriously look upon again before the next election.
Buddhists are really very patient. We will meditate and have prayers over the matter again and again. Year in, year out. We always hoped the solution will be forthcoming during the term of the current menteri besar, if not we would have to start all over again if a new MB came along.
Going back to the subject matter, are Buddhists really too soft on issues affecting the community?
It's not really the case but it's just that Buddhists especially the leaders are usually low risk takers and are not keen to rock the boat. They prefers the "follow the usual way" approach. When they faced any problems related to temple lands or visa for missionary monks, they will approach politicians from MCA to help them to solve it. How often have we heard of Buddhists approaching non-MCA or non-Gerakan political parties for help to solve problems related to their community? With the MCA and Gerakan washed-out from the west coast states, will the Buddhists shift their source of assistance to parties from Pakatan Rakyat? We shall wait and see.
Buddhists need to be aware of their rights just like any other religionists of this country. We are not seeking to be treated better at other peoples' expense nor be given special treatment. We just need to voice out our concerns and needs to the powers-that-be, whichever side of the political divide.
The Barisan Nasional need to take cognisance that the only religious group that did not openly state their demands and show any sign of their political stand is the Buddhist community. If BN is wise, they better do the needful to ensure this community will maintain their non-political stance. Buddhists has been keeping a low profile in the recent general election. No public demands or press conferences to demand for anything at all. As seems the Buddhists are very contented indeed. Is that so? Or the Buddhists has been taken for granted?
Bear in mind that while the Buddhists is the second largest religious group comprising 20.2% of citizens of Malaysia, we are only accorded ONE religious public holiday while the others like Christians and Hindus are having at least one and a half public holidays. Christians are having Christmas and Good Fridays in Sabah & Sarawak. The Hindus public holidays includes Deepavali national holiday and Thaipusam in five states and Kuala Lumpur.
Maybe the government want to consider Ullambana, Kwan Yin Birthday or Kathina? Maybe not. Already too many public holidays! Just provide us suitable tracts of land and a matching grant to develop our Dhamma education centres.
For many years the Federal government has funded official events to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa , Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali, Gawai (Sarawak) and Kaamatan (Sabah). What about Wesak Day? When will the Federal and State governments, BN or PR , realised they forgotten or conveniently forgotten to sponsor an official event to celebrate Buddhists most important religious event?
Shall we as usual, keep quiet and wait and see which government, BN or PR, to be the first to response to this matter! Or shall we take this directly to the states and federal governments?
I am looking forward for the PM, Chief Ministers and Menteri Besars for all Malaysians to attend a Wesak Open House this year.
