On 23 May 2026, Phra Khru Siriphotivithes, Chief Abbot of Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple in Selangor, and Mr. Anan Pikultipsakorn, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Royal Thai Embassy, Kuala Lumpur, attended the opening ceremony of the National Vesak Conference 2026, co organized by Ministry of National Unity, Ministry of Transport, and the Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council (MBCC) at Menara Ken, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. YB Tuan Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport, delivered the opening address, while YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, officiated the opening. YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), foreign missions accredited to Malaysia, government and private sector representatives, international organizations, religious bodies, the media, and guests, totalling approximately 1,000 participants, attended the event.

 

Prime Minister Anwar emphasized the importance of celebrating Vesak Day as a mark of respect for the Buddhist community. Even though Islam is the religion of the country and the Malay and Bumiputra communities constitute the majority of Malaysia’s population, the MADANI government has been promoting values of benevolence (Metta), etiquette and humanity, as well as unity among communities that are diverse in religion and ethnicity. The HARMONI MADANI concept focuses on dialogue and does not support incitement to hatred, fear, or division for political gain, urging Malaysians to stay united.

 

This conference marked the first time that a Malaysian Prime Minister has been directly involved in celebrating Malaysia’s Vesak Day festivities. Minister Anthony, a Christian of Chinese descent who supports unity and mutual respect among religions, stressed that differences are not a weakness but rather a source of strength for Malaysia’s rich diversity of civilizations and beliefs.