- Sep 20, 2004
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KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan Azlan Shah has applauded the Sikh community in Malaysia for its contributions to the country’s economic, cultural and political life.
Despite their small number, the Sultan of Perak said the Sikhs have managed to retain their distinct cultural identity.
He said their strong religious beliefs, cultural practices and strong sense of community had undeniably afforded them resilience and distinction.
Sultan Azlan said the Sikhs made their entry into Malaysia in the 19th century and quickly became known for their gallantry in the security forces and their competence in maintaining law and order.
Perak was an early settlement which notably acted as the launch pad to various security deployment in other parts of the country, he added.
“Today, the community’s role and influence extends to other fields, with prominence in professions such as medicine and law.
“On the whole, they form an invaluable and integral part of our colourful social fabric and deserve due recognition for their contribution, as much as any other citizen, to Malay-sia’s economic, cultural and political life,” Sultan Azlan said at the launch of the book titled Sikh Community in Malaysia here yesterday.
He said the book not only allowed the community to know its ancestry, cultural heritage and origins, but also promoted an understanding and appreciation among the wider Malaysian audience of their Sikh comrades.
Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim told reporters later that the ministry would work to highlight the cultural heritage of other minority communities such as the Malacca Portuguese, Babas and Nyonyas and others in Sabah and Sarawak.
“We may start a series of shows on RTM highlighting the cultural and musical background of the Sikh community next week,” he added.
Editorial chairman Tan Sri Darshan Singh Gill said his team of writers took about 18 months to complete the book.
“Copies of the book will be distributed to Cabinet members and we will ask the assistance of Wisma Putra to also send copies to foreign embassies and high commissions here, and Malaysian missions overseas,” he added.
Despite their small number, the Sultan of Perak said the Sikhs have managed to retain their distinct cultural identity.
He said their strong religious beliefs, cultural practices and strong sense of community had undeniably afforded them resilience and distinction.
Sultan Azlan said the Sikhs made their entry into Malaysia in the 19th century and quickly became known for their gallantry in the security forces and their competence in maintaining law and order.
Perak was an early settlement which notably acted as the launch pad to various security deployment in other parts of the country, he added.
“Today, the community’s role and influence extends to other fields, with prominence in professions such as medicine and law.
“On the whole, they form an invaluable and integral part of our colourful social fabric and deserve due recognition for their contribution, as much as any other citizen, to Malay-sia’s economic, cultural and political life,” Sultan Azlan said at the launch of the book titled Sikh Community in Malaysia here yesterday.
He said the book not only allowed the community to know its ancestry, cultural heritage and origins, but also promoted an understanding and appreciation among the wider Malaysian audience of their Sikh comrades.
Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim told reporters later that the ministry would work to highlight the cultural heritage of other minority communities such as the Malacca Portuguese, Babas and Nyonyas and others in Sabah and Sarawak.
“We may start a series of shows on RTM highlighting the cultural and musical background of the Sikh community next week,” he added.
Editorial chairman Tan Sri Darshan Singh Gill said his team of writers took about 18 months to complete the book.
“Copies of the book will be distributed to Cabinet members and we will ask the assistance of Wisma Putra to also send copies to foreign embassies and high commissions here, and Malaysian missions overseas,” he added.
