13/07/2026

MONDAY | JULY 13, 2026

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Radiant tunes from world without light

Buddhism event on sacred scriptures runs until July 19

PETALING JAYA: Tenaganita has welcomed the government decision to recognise 78 Rohingya refugees under the Refugee Registration Document pilot programme, describing it as an important first step towards granting refugees protection, dignity and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. “Under the pilot programme, 25 of the 78 recognised refugees have been approved to participate in an employment scheme,” it said. “Allowing refugees to work legally would benefit both refugees and Malaysia, as it enables them to become self-reliant, contribute to the PASIR PUTEH: The soulful sound of the traditional seruling (flute) propelled visually impaired musician Mohd Azhar Zulkifli onto the international stage, where he showcased his talent in Beijing about a decade ago. Known widely as “Azhar Seruling Emas,“ the 40-year-old calls the Beijing performance one of the most meaningful moments of his life, remarkable given he had never even known what a seruling looked like before taking it up, having been born blind. His journey began when actor Sabri Yunos invited him to join the Astro Karoot Komedia programme. “At the time, I had never played the seruling . However, I saw the offer as a form of encouragement to step out of my comfort zone and explore something new,“ he told Bernama, recounting intensive training from 8am to 7pm. Unable to read musical notes or watch the finger techniques of other musicians, Mohd Azhar taught himself entirely by ear. “I learnt on my own. While others can see and refer to musical notes or guidebooks, I relied entirely on my hearing. I listened over and over again before trying to reproduce the sounds until I became skilled at it,“ he said, adding that it took roughly a week to grasp the basics. He described the instrument’s soothing tones as a form of therapy. Mohd Azhar plays two types of seruling – the six- petik , known for its fuller, more melodious sound, and the seven- petik , favoured for P. Ramlee-style songs for its rougher, louder tone. His repertoire spans Al Baladi, Ulek Mayang, Ya Habibi, Gadis dan Bunga and Hindi songs, although he considers patriotic tunes the hardest to master given their demands on note control, tone shifts and key changes. “To master the seruling , one needs not only a strong interest but also good breathing control techniques and precise finger movements to produce the correct melody,“ he said. A recipient of RM450 in monthly assistance from the Social Welfare Department, Mohd Azhar hopes to pass on the seruling tradition, currently mentoring his 22-year-old nephew, Mohamad Aidil Ashraf Azizi. He has also composed original music, including Membiru Langit Terbentang , proving that blindness is no obstacle to creativity. Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Tripitaka recital led by monk aims to promote compassion, mindfulness, wisdom

playing a stronger leadership role within Asean by advocating an end to the conflict, persecution and atrocities in Myanmar. “Lasting solutions for refugees will only be possible when peace, justice and accountability are restored in their country of origin.“ The organisation expressed hope that the pilot programme would eventually evolve into a comprehensive refugee protection framework that is transparent, rights based and developed in consultation with civil society, employers and refugee communities. “Malaysia has an opportunity to demonstrate that protecting refugees and advancing the country’s social and economic interests can go hand in hand,“ it added. encouraging people to meet their needs without becoming consumed by material desires. “The teachings never say don’t be involved in economics or business. They say you need what is necessary in your life, but you don’t need more than necessary.” He likened the principle to taking medicine only when needed. “If something is necessary, you should have it. But overload, you don’t need. If everyone followed this path, I think we wouldn’t have these turbulent issues.” Rinpoche also highlighted meditation as an effective way of coping with stress, saying it has become one of the most valuable practices in his own life despite the demands of leading religious institutions and teaching around the world. “I think, seriously, we have more stress than you,” he joked. “For me, meditation has been my best helper,” he said, adding that even a short session brings calmness and mental clarity. Rinpoche also urged parents and religious communities to rethink how they introduce spirituality to children, saying traditional methods may no longer resonate with young generations. Instead of requiring children to sit through lengthy prayers or chanting sessions, he encouraged presenting religious teachings through stories, cartoons and other creative content. He pointed to animated adaptations of religious stories as an example of how spiritual teachings could be made more engaging while still conveying the values of kindness, compassion and love. The Malaysia Grand Tripitaka (Kangyur) Recital, being held for non-Muslims from July 11 to 19 at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, features teachings and retreats led by Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche and aims to promote the values of compassion, mindfulness and wisdom in contemporary society.

KUALA LUMPUR: Buddhist monk and teacher Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche has urged people to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) rather than fear it, describing the technology as an inevitable part of modern life that should be used to advance knowledge, compassion and positive values. Speaking during a question and-answer session at the Malaysia Grand Tripitaka (Kangyur) Recital yesterday, Rinpoche said people should adapt to technological advancements rather than resist them while ensuring AI is guided by wisdom and good intentions. “I think people should learn AI. When I say this as a monk, maybe someone thinks it’s funny but it’s reality,” he said. “If you ignore it fully, I think it’s very difficult. Even among monks and teachers, those who are more

Abhidhamma Pitaka, which focus on moral discipline, meditation and wisdom respectively. Rinpoche said the teachings, compiled by senior monks after the passing of Buddha, are timeless. “These three things are not changing for the new generation or the old generation. We always need these three things.” He said the scriptures continue to provide practical guidance for everyday life, adding that wisdom is essential in directing awareness while supporting moral discipline and mindfulness. Addressing questions on economic uncertainty and the pressures of modern living, Rinpoche said Buddhist teachings advocate the “middle path”,

involved with AI can deliver their message much more than others. “Those who have a lot of knowledge but don’t have a connection with the media are now being isolated.” He stressed that technology itself is neither inherently good nor bad but the outcomes depend on how it is used. “We have to deal with it and with good mental motivation,” he added. Rinpoche also discussed the enduring relevance of the sacred scriptures in Buddhism, known as the Tripitaka or the “Three Baskets” of teachings, in helping people navigate an increasingly complex and digital world. The Tripitaka comprises the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and

Rinpoche (left) leading the Tripitaka recital during the event at Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

NGO lauds initiative to recognise Rohingya refugees

to work, and an explanation over reports that the transfer to the Special Refugee and Asylum Seeker Isolation Centre involved 127 men and only one woman. “Greater transparency is essential to strengthen public confidence in the programme,“ it said, adding that refugee registration must be accompanied by policy coherence, stressing that continued immigration raids, arrests and evictions targeting refugee communities could undermine trust in the registration process and discourage refugees from coming forward. “Beyond the pilot programme, Malaysia has to move towards a comprehensive refugee policy that provides a clear framework for refugee management

formal economy, help address labour shortages and reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.” However, the organisation urged the government to ensure that the programme is implemented in a transparent, fair and rights-based manner. It called on the government to publicly clarify the criteria for refugee recognition and work eligibility, the duration and conditions of the temporary stay document, sectors in which refugees may work, application timelines, appeal mechanisms and pathways for those who are not recognised or approved for employment. Tenaganita is also seeking clarification on why only 25 of the 78 recognised refugees were approved

and protection. “Such a framework should include orientation programmes to help refugees understand Malaysian laws, culture and social norms and access to education for all refugee children, in line with Malaysia’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Child Act, and sustained efforts towards durable solutions.” It also urged the government to develop a national action plan to address growing hate campaigns targeting refugees, particularly the Rohingya, saying misinformation, xenophobia and incitement must be addressed decisively to prevent hate crimes, discrimination and further social division. Tenaganita said at the regional level, Malaysia should continue