Lee Kim Shin: The Far-Reaching Significance of the Blessing Dharma Assembly – Hopes for Smooth Development of Ciguang Temple’s Works

(Miri, 8th) Sarawak Minister of Transport, Dato’ Sri Lee Kim Shin, stated that the annual Chinese New Year Blessing Dharma Assembly is a very meaningful event, allowing devotees to pray for peace and smoothness in the coming year and reflecting the importance that Chinese society places on traditional culture and spiritual sustenance.
He expressed hope that all future works at Miri Buddhist Retreat Association’s Ciguang Temple would proceed smoothly, and also wished for the continued prosperity of the local economy, social stability, national peace and tranquility, and favorable weather.
He made these remarks in his speech when attending the annual "Chinese New Year Blessing, Tai Sui Pacifying, White Tiger Offering, Heavenly Dog Offering, Five Ghosts Offering, Sun and Moon Star Lord Worship, and God of Wealth Worship Series Dharma Assembly" organized by the Miri Buddhist Retreat Association’s Ciguang Temple at Canada Hill last night. A lantern lighting ceremony was also held, personally presided over by Lee Kim Shin.
He said that during the Chinese New Year, many Buddhist groups organize blessing dharma assemblies, allowing devotees to pray for peace and smoothness in the new year by chanting sutras and paying homage to the Buddha. Activities include Tai Sui worship, Chinese New Year blessing dharma assemblies, and traditional blessing rituals, which have long been cultural traditions in the Chinese community, reflecting people’s good wishes for peace, health, and a smooth life.

He pointed out that Ciguang Temple is not only an important place for propagating the Dharma but also a place where devotees can cultivate their hearts, study the Buddha’s teachings, and spread good thoughts. Over the years, the temple has actively promoted religious and community activities, bringing many positive impacts to society.
Lee Kim Shin expressed that Sarawak is a society of multiracial and multi-religious harmony and coexistence, with different religions respecting and accommodating each other. This spirit of harmonious coexistence is one of Sarawak’s most precious assets.
He said that the Sarawak government has always adhered to a policy of inclusiveness and openness, supporting the development of various religious groups, and, through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), provides assistance to different religious organizations, allowing them to develop and promote their faiths in a good environment. Ciguang Temple has also benefited, and continues to spread positive values and goodwill in society.
He revealed that, in recent years, the Sarawak government has allocated more than RM2 million to assist relevant religious constructions, and at the same time, through UNIFOR, provided about RM90 million to help various religious organizations develop. He called on the people of Sarawak to cherish the hard-won environment of religious harmony and to continue maintaining unity.

He also pointed out that the Sarawak government is actively promoting its development goals, hoping to make Sarawak a high-income region by 2030, and, at the same time, continuously striving for the autonomy and rights that Sarawak deserves under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said that, while everyone gathers to pray for blessings, many places in the world are still facing war and turmoil. For example, the recent tense situation in the Middle East, where many people are suffering due to war. Therefore, he hopes that, through the blessing activities, everyone can jointly pray for world peace and for people to live and work in peace, for a society filled with kindness and understanding, for national stability, and for people's well-being.
In addition, this dharma assembly was hosted by Miri Buddhist Retreat Association mentors Venerable Da Ciguang (Lyu Chaojing), Master Zheng Bingyuan, Master Xie He'an, and Master Luo Guohua. It attracted many devotees to participate and welcome the arrival of the new year together.