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LETTER | An appeal to preserve Dhamma Sakyamuni Caves Monastery
LETTER | On behalf of the Dhamma Sakyamuni Caves Monastery in Ipoh, we humbly appeal to YTL Corporation Berhad's esteemed leadership and conscience for the preservation of this historical heritage site.
We are mindful that the matter between YTL Cement, through Associated Pan Malaysia Cement (APMC), and the monastery arises from land ownership and quarrying rights at Gunung Kanthan, Perak.
While APMC holds a state-granted lease for quarrying, legally upheld by the courts, the monastery continues to uphold its claim of heritage and religious significance, appealing for its protection.
As one who has consistently testified to the guiding role of faith in your life and stewardship, we believe you will appreciate the profound spiritual and cultural importance of this monastery.
It is not merely a physical structure, but a living testament to Malaysia’s multi-religious harmony, a sanctuary of devotion, and a heritage that has inspired generations.
We recognise that corporate responsibilities often require difficult decisions, and that profitability is an essential consideration.
Yet, as you have often emphasised, true greatness rests upon trust, integrity, and service to the community.
Preserving this monastery would be a lasting act of stewardship - one that harmonises faith with responsibility, and profit with conscience.
We therefore respectfully request that YTL Corporation explore any possible means to safeguard this heritage, even if it entails some measure of compromise.
Such an act would not only honour Malaysia’s diverse spiritual traditions, but also strengthen YTL’s reputation as a values-driven enterprise committed to serving society.
This appeal carries the collective support of the religious advisors of the Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council, whose moral authority lends weight to its urgency.
With their endorsement, we earnestly request your esteemed leadership to reflect on how YTL’s legacy may be profoundly enriched by safeguarding this sacred heritage.
Such a commitment would not only preserve a spiritual treasure for future generations, but also stand as a lasting testament to YTL’s values of faith, integrity, and service to the nation.
This appeal letter is jointly supported by the following MBCC religious advisers:
Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) president Sek Jit Heng
Malaysia's Buddhist chief high priest (chief Sangha Nayaka) K Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thero
Malaysia's chief Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka Sri Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thero
Aloka Foundation founder and spiritual director Bhante Mahinda
Malaysia Young Buddhist Association religious adviser Chi Chern
Selangor-Kuala Lumpur MBA president Shi Ming Ji
Chief abbess of Fo Guang Shan in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and India Jue Cheng
Sangha adviser of Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia Drupon Kunchok Yeshe
Sangha adviser of Vajrayana Buddhist Council Yeshe Palmo
Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia education director Karma Tashi Choedron
Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council is the national umbrella body that unites major Buddhist traditions and represents the collective voice of Buddhists in the country.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
LETTER | On behalf of the Dhamma Sakyamuni Caves Monastery in Ipoh, we humbly appeal to YTL Corporation Berhad's esteemed leadership and conscience for the preservation of this historical heritage site.
We are mindful that the matter between YTL Cement, through Associated Pan Malaysia Cement (APMC), and the monastery arises from land ownership and quarrying rights at Gunung Kanthan, Perak.
While APMC holds a state-granted lease for quarrying, legally upheld by the courts, the monastery continues to uphold its claim of heritage and religious significance, appealing for its protection.
As one who has consistently testified to the guiding role of faith in your life and stewardship, we believe you will appreciate the profound spiritual and cultural importance of this monastery.
It is not merely a physical structure, but a living testament to Malaysia’s multi-religious harmony, a sanctuary of devotion, and a heritage that has inspired generations.
We recognise that corporate responsibilities often require difficult decisions, and that profitability is an essential consideration.
Yet, as you have often emphasised, true greatness rests upon trust, integrity, and service to the community.
Preserving this monastery would be a lasting act of stewardship - one that harmonises faith with responsibility, and profit with conscience.
We therefore respectfully request that YTL Corporation explore any possible means to safeguard this heritage, even if it entails some measure of compromise.
Such an act would not only honour Malaysia’s diverse spiritual traditions, but also strengthen YTL’s reputation as a values-driven enterprise committed to serving society.
This appeal carries the collective support of the religious advisors of the Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council (MBCC), whose moral authority lends weight to its urgency.
With their endorsement, we earnestly request your esteemed leadership to reflect on how YTL’s legacy may be profoundly enriched by safeguarding this sacred heritage.
Such a commitment would not only preserve a spiritual treasure for future generations, but also stand as a lasting testament to YTL’s values of faith, integrity, and service to the nation.
This appeal letter is jointly supported by the following MBCC religious advisers:
Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) president Sek Jit Heng
Malaysia's Buddhist chief high priest (chief Sangha Nayaka) K Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thero
Malaysia's chief Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka Sri Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thero
Aloka Foundation founder and spiritual director Bhante Mahinda
Malaysia Young Buddhist Association religious adviser Chi Chern
Selangor-Kuala Lumpur MBA president Shi Ming Ji
Chief abbess of Fo Guang Shan in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and India Jue Cheng
Sangha adviser of Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia Drupon Kunchok Yeshe
Sangha adviser of Vajrayana Buddhist Council Yeshe Palmo
Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia education director Karma Tashi Choedron
MALAYSIAN BUDDHIST CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL is the national umbrella body that unites major Buddhist traditions and represents the collective voice of Buddhists in the country.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
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