PUTRAJAYA: A national Buddhist centre and houses of worship of other major faiths will be built here as part of the Governmentâs plan to have a multiÂreligious enclave at the nationâs administrative capital.
âIt represents and underscores the Governmentâs commitment to religious freedom, as stated in our Constitution,â International Trade and Industry Minister II Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said.
He was present yesterday at the groundbreaking ceremony of Pusat Buddhis Dhammaduta Malaysia at Precinct 20.
The centre, which will be built on a 0.27ha governmentÂowned land, is next to a Hindu temple that is being constructed now.
Named the Devi Sri Lalithaambigai Alayam complex, it will feature elements from temples in north and south India.
Ong called yesterdayâs event âa groundbreaking momentâ for Buddhists in Malaysia as the national centre would be a âBuddhist capitalâ for them.
The Government, he said, had also set aside land around that area for other major nonMuslim faiths such as Christianity, Taoism and Sikhism.
About RM8mil will be raised by the Buddhist Missionary Society of Malaysia (BMSM) to construct the twoÂstorey building with a garden rooftop and a builtÂup area of 1,858sq m.
BMSM president Loh Pai Ling said the building would house a resource centre, training facilities and an education centre.
âIt will feature contemporary designs with significant and symbolic elements to showcase the Buddhaâs wisdom and compassion in modern times,â she said.
The building, which will also become BMSMâs national headquarters, is slated to be completed by August 2018.
Loh said it would be a convenient place of worship for about 2,000 Buddhists residing and working in Putrajaya.
BMSM Putrajaya branch will also organise activities to promote interÂfaith harmony and greater understanding among major religions in Malaysia.
MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the party would donate RM100,000 to its construction.
BMSM was founded in 1962 by the late Venerable Dr K. Sri Dhammananda for the propagation of Buddhism.
It has about 11,000 members nationwide. It is also a coÂfounder of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism, and is part of other interfaith groups.
Extracted from The Star on 8/5/17