THE Sikh community, although small in number, had contributed tremendously to the development of the state and the country.
The community has always stood out and made its presence known, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He added that the Sikh community is also most noted for its generosity and community spirit, especially in times of need.
“I still remember how the Sikhs took the initiative to set up food banks, opened gurdwara kitchens and prepared thousands of hot vegetarian meals for the victims during last year’s floods in Selangor and Pahang.
“Such initiatives are especially important in times of need, particularly during the difficult period.
“It is also very much in line with the state’s Penang2030 vision, which aims to uplift vulnerable communities and reduce inequalities.
“We hope to boost the participation of youth, women and senior folks in our community life.
“Today, I stand here knowing that the Sikh community will continue to thrive in Penang and will be ever ready to extend its generosity and kindness through combined efforts to help the less fortunate among us.
“As a responsible government, the Penang government will undoubtedly be there for you through thick and thin for the betterment of our state, as well as the happiness and well-being of the people,” Chow said in his speech during the Vaisakhi Open House 2023 celebration that was organised by the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang at Fort Cornwallis today.
The event was graced by the presence of Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his consort Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor.
Chow said the state greatly appreciates the involvement, role and contributions of its local religious houses of worship that have always come forward with various efforts and initiatives.
“Hence, as a gesture of appreciation and support, the state government had disbursed a total of RM10.52 million since 2016 to assist the non-Muslim houses of worship to maintain their premises.
“This includes some RM500,000 for our Sikh gurdwaras in Penang. Since 2009, the state government has also provided financial support to the Punjabi schools, which to date, has amounted to a total of RM1.074 million.
“We fervently hope that through such efforts, we will be able to further assist and support the operations and noble initiatives of the houses of worship for the benefit of our multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multi-religious society in the state,” he said.
Chow added that the state government would remain committed to continuing the empowerment agendas and policies that benefit the people in the state.
“This is in line with the aspirations of the Penang2030 vision, and the ideals of the Malaysia Madani concept under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Various i-Sejahtera welfare programmes have been implemented since 2008, and these will continue with an allocation amounting to RM53 million this year,” he said.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, who was also present, said that Vaisakhi is one of the most important religious events in the Sikh calendar.
“It is good to see many people attended the open house today.
“This is a good example of cultural diversity in Penang,” he said.
Among those present were Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, who is also the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms), Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia B. Nagabhushana Reddy, Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang president Santokh Singh, Penang Sikh Association president Datuk Dr Kuldip Singh Sohan and Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Alissala Thian