On 2 December, a special tribute for SGI president Daisaku Ikeda was held at the Ikeda Peace Auditorium, SGM Culture Centre. Some 900 people consisting of SGM leaders and individuals from various fields who have ties with President Ikeda gathered to honour his life and legacy. A moment of silence was observed before his remarkable achievements were highlighted.
In his speech, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai commended President Ikeda’s global efforts for peace, culture and education, emphasizing his dialogues with leaders and roles in diverse fields, all contributing to the pursuit of peace. Mr Koh added, President Ikeda left behind a great volume of writings that will serve as a lasting spiritual nourishment for generations to come.
Pro Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim described President Ikeda as “one of the wisest humanity ever born,” praising him for dedicating his entire life to promoting peace and serving mankind.
Uganda’s High Commissioner, H.E. Ambassador Oyella Betty Bigombe, revealed her past meeting with President Ikeda in Japan and expressed astonishment at his sincere interest in learning about Africa. Drawing from her personal experiences with wars, she commended President Ikeda for his dedicated efforts to end wars and conflicts that jeopardize people’s lives and dignity.
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad sent a condolence message, stating that the demise of President Ikeda is a loss not only to the Soka Gakkai members, but all those who share his ideals.
Local artist C.N. Liew and Cao Tang Men Eastern Art Society president Dr Cheah Thien Soong gifted their eulogies in calligraphy – which beautifully include Daisaku Ikeda’s name as the initial letters – to President Ikeda’s family. Dr Cheah also gifted his artwork to SGM.
Other guests who also shared their tribute messages on-site included Sentosa assemblyperson YB Gunarajah George, Sejahtera Leadership Initiative CEO Dr Haji Zulkifly Baharom, New Era University College’s Institute of International Education dean Assoc Prof Dr Tey Shi Bin and Tadika Seri Soka chairman Prof Dato’ Dr Christopher Boey.
At the event, videos on President Ikeda’s 76 years of buddhist practice and his visits to Malaysia (in 1988 and 2000) were screened.
The tribute event ended with SGM youth division members presenting a song titled “Eternal Journey with Sensei” in high spirit. They expressed their determination to carry on President Ikeda’s legacy, vowing to strive for peace in the same spirit as their mentor.
