Simanggang temple holds thanksgiving, prayer ceremony for King

KUCHING (Sept 8): The Ciyun Temple of Simanggang Soon Heng Society held a thanksgiving and prayer ceremony at the temple in Simanggang, Sri Aman on Saturday night in conjunction with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s birthday.

The ceremony was in response to the directive from the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) and the Association of Sarawak Chinese Temples Federation, according to a release.

It added the ceremony, headed by Soon Heng Society deputy chairman Temenggong Kueh Aik Seng, was organised to pray for the King’s longevity as well as the prosperity of the nation.

Kueh said it is very appropriate for religious organisations to call upon their respective places of worship to hold thanksgiving and prayer ceremonies for national celebrations in their own ways.

He believed that this practice is commendable and serves as a foundation for promoting social harmony and national progress.

During the ceremony, prayers were recited to express gratitude to the deities and to seek divine protection for national peace, stability and sustainable development.

It was conducted in the Teochew dialect following the temple traditions.

Among the attendees were Sri Aman Buddhist Association president Foo Chin Shui, Soon Heng Society vice chairman Goh Yong Seng, secretary Goh Kaw Sze, assistant secretary Sim Yong Kheng, youth leader Tan Ting Lung, women chief Tan Miaw Hiang, and the youth and women wings’ committee members.