STATEMENT BY
MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE COMMEMORATION OF THE
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF VESAK 2024
MONDAY, 20 MAY 2024, ECOSOC CHAMBER, UNHQ
Mr. Co-Chairs,
Venerable monks,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, I would like to take this opportunity to wish a ‘Happy Vesak’ to everyone celebrating this holy day.
2. I also join previous speakers in expressing gratitude to the Co-Chairs of this Vesak Day commemoration – His Excellency Mr. Mohan Pieris, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka and Ambassador Suriya Chindawongse, Permanent Representative of Thailand – as well as to all committee members for organising today’s event, which is also a special occasion to mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of General Assembly resolution 54/115.
Venerable monks, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
3. Today, we gather with our Buddhist friends to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. This momentous occasion offers us the opportunity to reflect on his profound teachings and renew our commitment to timeless principles such as compassion, tolerance, and the inherent dignity of every individual. Such reflections gain heightened importance at present, amidst the increasing challenges and polarisation of our world.
4. As a multicultural and multireligious country, Malaysia embraces the diversity of faiths, beliefs and religions among its people. Around 20 percent of the 33 million who calls Malaysia home adhere to Buddhism. To honour our Buddhist fellow citizens, Malaysia observes the significance of Vesak, which has been designated a public holiday since 1962. This observance underscores Malaysia's long history of fostering tolerance, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence among diverse communities, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of faiths and cultures in the nation.
5. We remain convinced that celebrating our diversity is vital, not solely for cultivating mutual understanding, harmony, and unity; but also for nurturing social cohesion and fostering sustainable development within our communities.
Venerable monks, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. This commemoration of Vesak reminds us that wisdom is not exclusive to anyone, as each of us is born with unique perspectives. We can learn valuable lessons from this diversity, with mutual respect and understanding as key virtues to achieving peaceful co-existence among people of different cultures, religions, and civilisations. On this Vesak Day, may we continue to learn from each other and support each other’s paths to enlightenment .
I thank you.