Official launching Ceremony of Malaysia Buddhist Consultative Council (MBCC)

Committee members representing the six components of Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council at the Official Launch of MBCC on Sunday 18/12/16. 

The Official Launching Ceremony of Pertubuhan Perundingan Buddhis Malaysia
马来西亚佛教咨询理事会Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council on 18 December 2016.

The Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council (MBCC) registered as an organisation under ROS on 29th April 2015, was officially launched at a gracious event on 18th December 2016 at the Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, by Ven. Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana Nāyaka Mahā Thero in the presence of all the leaders of the Councils and Societies forming MBCC.

The launch commenced with those present singing the National Anthem, 'Negara Ku', which was followed by 三宝歌高清版 'Song Of The Triple Gem'.

Members of the Mahā Saṅgha then led those present in the,
Vandanā 'Homage to the Buddha',
TiSaraṇa 'Three Refuges', and
Observance of the Pañca Sīlā 'Five Precepts'.

This was followed by the Opening Speech by MBCC President and advice from Ven. Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana Nāyaka Mahā Thero who then launched MBCC.

The launch continued with presentations introducing MBCC and its Organisational members.

Before noon, Dāna was offered to the Saṅgha, followed by lunch for all present.

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An extract from the Opening Speech
by MBCC's President,
Bro. Eddie Wong Eng Tat.
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The Launching is to introduce MBCC and to make known to Saṅgha members, Interfaith leaders, leaders of Buddhist organizations and to the public through the various press releases.

MBCC comprises of all the major traditions of Buddhism, namely,
Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana, represented below:

1. Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia (BMSM)
2. Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia (VBCM)
3. Sasana Anhiwurdhi Wardhana Society (SAWS)
4. Malaysian Fo Guang Buddhist Association (BLIA)
5. Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia (TBCM)
6. Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM)

The MBCC was initiated as a platform for the registered Councils and Societies to unit and present a common voice to issues pertaining to religious matters with the following objectives and aims:

Objectives:
1. To discuss and resolve common issues of the Buddhist community
2. To co-ordinate with the government authorities on matters pertaining to the Buddhist religion
3. To purchase, take on lease or license or hire or otherwise acquire movable or immovable property of any kind for the furtherance of the objects of the Council.

The Aims of MBCC:
1. To promote collective effort and friendly co-operation amongst the registered Buddhist Organisations
2. To promote and protect the common interest of the Buddhist community.
3. To promote understanding, mutual respect and co-operation between Buddhist and people of different religions.
4. To provide welfare services to the Malaysian community

MBCC’s panel of Religious Advisors comprises:
Venerable B. Sri Saranankara Nāyaka Mahā Thero
Venerable M. Mahinda Mahā Thero
Venerable Chi Chern,
Venerable Jue Cheng
Venerable Konchok Yeshe,
Venerable Dr. Karma Tashi Choedron
Venerable Karma Yeshe Palmo.
The Council has also invited Venerable Jit Heng of Malaysian Buddhist Association.

MBCC’s Early Beginnings:
The formation of MBCC commenced in year 1999, initiated by YB Dato Ong Ka Ting and some leaders of the Buddhist community after a brief discussion on the various issues confronting the Buddhist community. There was a need to have a united voice to liaise with the government.

YB Dato Ong Ka Ting entrusted Dato Fu Ah Kiow to convene on his behalf preliminary round of meetings and the formation of the Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Committee came into being on 17th March 2000, with Venerable Seck Chek Huang as President. The MBA President shall be the permanent President of MBCC and the committee shall be nonregistered. The then Saṅgha Nāyaka of Malaysia, the late Venerable Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda Nāyaka Mahā Thero also instrumented in the formation and involvement in MBCC until his demise in 2006.

The Future:
With the formation of MBCC, there is now a platform for major Buddhist organizations to promote collective effort and friendly cooperation in organizing the Wesak Day Open house, the All Night chanting and blessing services in conjunction with the Merdaka Day, Malaysia Day celebrations, joint Maha Saṅghika Dāna and others. It’s formation lends a United voice for All Buddhist organizations to the government towards addressing issues.

MBCC will continue,
- taking measures to counter pseudo Buddhists groups, cults, deviant spiritual leaders and bogus monastics.
- fostering and engaging in interfaith dialogues to increase mutual understanding.

MBCC will engage with all Buddhist communities in Malaysia to bring togetherness in unity and peace to share the Dhamma and promote the teachings of the Buddha and all great Masters of their respective Buddhist traditions.

May kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity pervade all Dhamma realms!

Sādhu Sādhu Sādhu
Or mi toh for
Om Mani Padme Hum