In Kelantan, money does grow on trees

Oct 5: Who says money does not grow on trees? This age-old warning against extravagance appeared to be challenged by the creativity shown by 32 Buddhist monasteries in Kelantan.

The monasteries recently came together to help the PAS-led state government with the construction of the 'People's Highway', the stalled Federal government project which the state took over earlier this year.

The various Buddhist Wats creatively decorated ringgit notes of various denominations to resemble plants, and presented them to Menteri Besar Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat at a special ceremony today (pic).

The contribution was the result of efforts by the monasteries to get the Kelantan-Siamese community involved in the construction of the RM73 million highway linking Kota Bharu and Kuala Krai.

Wat Machimaran from Tumpat presented a 'money tree' worth RM5,510 while the Keng Choo Temple in Tanah Merah handed over RM2,000, all in a compact work of art.

Phrak Khru Vithat Thammarat, the senior Buddhist monk from Wat Machimaran in Tumpat, said the donation drive was motivated by the Buddhist community's desire to do good.

“Good deeds are rewarded and bad deeds are punished. So we must together do good. Ask our teacher [Nik Aziz]. Let us not waste time talking like empty vessels," he said.

Kelantan's plan to take over the highway project had been heavily criticised by UMNO leaders, who last June organised a protest outside the state administration building in Kota Bharu, where several people turned up with spades and hoes to poke fun at the state's ability to fund the project.

The project had been proposed as early as 1986 under the 5th Malaysia Plan. When completed, the highway will boast of nine flyovers and two rest areas.

Meanwhile at the ceremony today attended by state leaders, Nik Aziz also presented land ownership approval letters to 12 Buddist Wats in Tumpat.

 

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