Even though Buddhists comprised the second largest religious community in Malaysia, its presence and contribution to the nation's well being and development are seldom recognised and officially endorsed by the government. It is partly due to the Buddhists practice of not seeking glory and also the government's (BN and PR alike) "not aware" of the Buddhists existence because Buddhists did not make any noise or demand.
The Malacca state government recently announced the name change of an existing road to Jalan Dr Seet Kim Beng in honour of the late Venerable Seet Kim Beng for his contributions towards Buddhism and education in this country. This is the first time a public road is name after a Mahayana Buddhist monk. Venerable Kim Beng was the former president of the Malaysian Buddhist Association and founder of the Siang Lin Primary School in Malacca. Hopefully the second road to be named after a Buddhist monk will be a reality soon in Kuala Lumpur.
And now I am waiting for Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to officially declares Jalan Pangkor in Penang to be renamed Jalan Datuk Chuk Mor. The late Ven. Chuk Mor was the founder president of MBA and established the Triple Wisdom Hall where it is situated along Jalan Pangkor. If Koh Tsu Koon can recommend a datukship for the late Ven. Chuk Mor, don't tell me Lim Guan Eng cannot perform this simple gesture of gratitude to remember the Father of Malaysian Buddhism!
Historically Buddhism has been in place in Malaysia since the 2nd century. Historical artifacts unearthed by archaelogists in different parts of the country are clear evidence of Buddhist influence since the early days before the arrival of Islam and Christianity. Until today there are still traces of Buddhist and Hindu influence in lost kingdoms which have not been seriously explored like the Lost City of Kota Gelanggi. Why further efforts to search and explore the possible great civilization in our doorsteps was not taken up by the authorities has raised many questions which left unanswered.
The government had spent millions to excavate, develop and promote many historical sites to attract locals and tourists alike on the rich history of this land. Historical sites like Kota Lukut near Port Dickson and Fort Cornwallis in Penang are places which can teach our younger generations the traces of this nation. Ancient Buddhist-Hindu sites like Lembah Bujang in Kedah and possibly Kota Gelanggi are important civilizational assets that cannot be replaced or replicate.
Genuine efforts must be taken to tell the story behind these ancient sites as the early Buddhist-Hindu influences are still noticeable in our society today via the customs and practices in the royal households and some words in the Malay language. - Loka
5 comments:
Isn't Jalan Gunaratana next to Mahindarama Temple at Kampar Road, Penang is named after the abbot of the temple? It had been long existed.....
Can anyone provide relevant announcements or background on Jalan Gunaratana?
As you have study history before, Gangga Nagara was a Buddhist kingdom based in Perak and it was believe that Gangga Nagara is in Bruas. Excavation of 2 Buddhist statues in Sg. Siput (U) a few years back supported that the Buddhist kingdom was once based in Sungai Siput (U) too. The statues? One was in Muzuim Negara and one in Muzium Perak, however, both statues has not been shown to the public since some times ago.
With the blessing of Buddha, I will try to get back the statues via Kelab Sejarah Sg. Siput if I succeeded the Chairmanship .... curently held by a Muslim.
Casey,
Yes, there are various Buddhist-Hindu kingdoms in olden Tanah Melayu or Golden Chersonese, Gangga Negara is one of them.
Maybe can approach the current Culture deputy minister Heng Saik Kie who is from Perak to look into this.
There are some bigots who tries to hide and reshaped history, even ancient ones.
Hopefully some Buddhist will specialize in archaelogy and become a researcher on this area.
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