2024年槟州全民庆卫塞 - 和谐相处，福祉社会 槟州首席部长曹观友致词稿

2024年槟州全民庆卫塞 - 和谐相处，福祉社会
槟州首席部长曹观友致词稿
2024年5月18日

很高兴与大家相聚在这里，共庆2024年槟州全民庆卫塞。也很荣幸再一次与马佛总合作筹备这一次的庆典。

槟州政府常常鼓励非政府组织能够与州政府合作主办各类型的活动，尤其我在2018年推出的“槟城2030”愿景时，也强调民间力量，以冀能整合起来共同推动社区。这几年来，我们也获得了许多非政府组织的支持，一同主办了多项大型活动，包括节日庆典，就如今天的卫塞节，一直以来都取得了非常好的成绩。

我在此感谢马佛总多年来的努力，让槟州的卫塞节庆典除了吸引信徒，也吸引许多游客的参与。

今年槟州全民庆卫塞主题为 “和谐相处，福祉社会”，这也是团结政府及槟州政府一直以来倡导的理念。我们身处在多元种族的国家，能够和谐共处是我们最大的特点。我相信，我国自独立以来，各族群都能和睦共处，守望相助，只是有少数的极端分子进行破坏。

无论如何，我国人民都已越来越成熟应对这些种族课题，希望大家能继续教育下一代，传送正确的理念，打造一个更和谐的马来西亚，进而不分彼此回馈予社会，成为全球各族和谐共处的榜样。

在推动种族和谐上，槟州政府设立了非伊斯兰膜拜场所修复基金，也成立了槟城和谐机构，以推广宗教和谐概念。自第15届州选后，州政府继续启动RIBI基金，截至目前(2023年10月至2024年4月)，槟州政府批准了43项非伊斯兰膜拜场所修复基金的申请，总额达173万令吉，希望透过这些拨款协助各大膜拜场所进行提升。

槟州政府承诺，将继续这些政策以协助州内的膜拜场所，支持各族的平衡发展。当然，也希望大家与州政府配合，一同提倡和谐、融洽的社会。

最后，希望大家在接下来几天的活动获益良多，预祝大家卫塞节快乐，祝大家身体健康，平安喜乐。

 
I am delighted to be here with all of you to celebrate the 2024 Penang State Wesak Celebration. It is also a great honour to collaborate with the Malaysian Buddhist Association in organizing this celebration once again.

The Penang State Government consistently encourages Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to collaborate with the State Government in hosting various events. When I launched the "Penang 2030" vision in 2018, I emphasized the power of community involvement, hoping to unite efforts to advance our society together. Over the years, we have received significant support from many NGOs, co-hosting numerous major events, including festive celebrations, with remarkable success.

This time, we are thrilled to co-organize the Wesak Celebration with the Malaysian Buddhist Association. I extend my gratitude to the Association for their continuous efforts over the years, making the Wesak Day celebrations in Penang a significant event that attracts not only devotees but also numerous tourists.

This year’s theme for the Penang State Wesak Celebration is "Living Harmoniously, Thriving Society", a principle consistently advocated by both the Unity Government and the Penang State Government. We live in a multi-racial country, and our ability to coexist harmoniously is our greatest strength. Since our independence, various ethnic groups in our country have coexisted peacefully, supporting one another despite occasional disruptions by a minority of extremists.

Nevertheless, the people of our country are becoming increasingly mature in dealing with these racial issues. It is our hope that everyone will continue to educate the next generation, instilling the correct values to build a more harmonious Malaysia. In doing so, we can contribute to society without distinction and set an example for harmonious coexistence globally.

In promoting racial harmony, the Penang State Government has established a fund for the development of Non-Islamic Places of Worship (RIBI) and founded the Penang Harmony Corporation (HARMONICO) to promote the concept of religious harmony. As of 2024, the Penang State Government has approved 43 applications for the Non-Islamic Places of Worship Fund, totaling RM 1.73 million. Through these grants, we aim to assist various places of worship in their enhancement efforts.

The Penang State Government is committed to continuing these policies to support places of worship in the state and to ensure balanced development among all communities. We also hope that everyone will cooperate with the State Government to promote a harmonious and cohesive society.

Finally, I hope everyone benefits greatly from the upcoming events and wish you all a happy Wesak Day, good health, and joy.

Thank you.