JENJAROM: In conjunction with the celebration of International Day of Human Fraternity on February 4 as well as the upcoming Chinese New Year, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Malaysia Dr. Mubarak Saeed AlDhaheri visited Dong Zen Temple and Happy Village in Jenjarom, Selangor, last Tuesday.

The visit to a Buddhist temple in Malaysia reflects tolerance and respect practiced by the UAE, where more than 200 nationalities from different cultures and religions live peacefully in the Muslim country.

Prior to giving a speech, Dr. Mubarak lit a candle and presented a bouquet of flowers as a mark of respect for Buddha.

In his speech, the ambassador highlighted that all human beings are equal in their rights, duties and dignity, regardless of their religions or cultures, as emphasized in the Human Fraternity document signed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmad Al Tayeeb and Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

The signing of the “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” was later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly proclaiming February 4 as the International Day for Human Fraternity, starting 2021.

“The Human Fraternity Document is indeed very significant in today’s world. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, peace, and understanding among all individuals, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds,” said Dr. Mubarak.

Dong Zen Temple Chief Abbess Ven. Jue Cheng, who is also the Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, accompanied Dr. Mubarak’s delegation to visit the temple, where a Chinese New Year lantern festival and art exhibition will be held.

The temple will be launching its Chinese New Year lantern festival Wednesday.

The temple is open to the public from 10 am to 10 pm from Feb 7 to 25 during the lantern festival.

Dr. Mubarak also visited a Chinese village called Happy Village near the temple.