| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 22 May 2017 | Asia Samachar
TURNING IN PUSING: Lakhbir Singh speaking at the meeting called at Gurdwara Sahib Pusing on 13 May 2017 – PHOTO / VIDEO GRAB SHARED ON FACEBOOK
A pressure group has fired initial salvos in an attempt to overthrow the present leadership of Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC), largely on the premise that Jagir Singh and his team at the council are against the Dasam Granth (DG).
On 13 May 2017, a meeting was held at Gurdwara Sahib Pusing, Perak, to drum up support from the 42 gurdwaras in the state, with one of their leaders calling the MGC elected head a ‘kaminaa’ in his speech in the darbar sahib.
Former granthi Lakhbir Singh and Paramjeet Singh from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Academy (SGGS Academy) were among those who gave speeches. However, it is understood that less than half a dozen gurdwaras were represented at the meeting.
“Let me blunt. Jagir Singh is a kaminaa,” said Lakhbir, who told the audience that he had served as a granthi in the state for three years ago many years ago.
“It won’t be long before they will want to exclude from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib the raag mala, baanis of the bhagat and the sevaiyaa of the Bhatt,” he added.
In the same talk, Lakhbir also labeled Dr Karminder Singh – a senior Malaysian civil servant who has given numerous talks on Sikhi, including on stages organised by the MGC – as ‘dhusman’ (enemy).
Kaminaa can mean, among other things, rascal, menial, sordid, unworthy, villainous or disgraceful. A possible origin for the word is Farsi carrying the meaning of ‘minumum’, according to an entry at Quora.com. The word was used for the low-caste Muslims who were mostly the converts from the Shudra and Dalit Hindu castes.
Some parties who spoke to Asia Samachar have questioned the accuracy of some of the statements made by the group, including allegations that the MGC will some day remove bani from the Sikh scripture.
On its part, MGC has called an emergency general meeting (EGM) on this Saturday (27 May 2017).
“The EGM is to allow members ot discuss the latest developments. It’s a closed-door meeting,” Jagir told Asia Samachar.
In a separate development, MGC today released a letter denouncing a pamphlet, that has been widely distributed, as making ‘completely false’ allegations against the MGC leaders, including that they intend to ban the reading Benti-Chaupi and singing ‘Deh Shiva Bar Moheh’. [Letter will be uploaded shortly].
The latest series of meetings to overthrow the MGC leadership seems to be a response to the string of the council’s programmes to promote the slogan ‘Ek Granth, Ek Panth, Ek Maryada’, meant to rally Sikh organisations, gurdwaras and individuals towards the SGGS.
While the MGC intends to underline the role of SGGS for the Sikhs, certain groups have taken the ‘Ek Granth’ series as an attempt to sidestep the Dasam Granth and other writings of Guru Gobind Singh.
Some quarters accept DG, a collection of work earlier known as Bachitar Natak (BN), as the complete writings of the Tenth Sikh Guru, while some groups challenge the authenticity of the claim.
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE! Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
| Letter | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 22 May 2017 | Asia Samachar |
SPREADING FALSEHOOD: MGC says the pamphlet is making ‘completely false’ allegations against the council — PHOTO / SOCAL MEDIA
22nd May 2017
Sardar Ji / Sardarni Jio,
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Subject: Completely False allegations against MGC
Completely FALSE allegations have been made against MGC leaders in a viral pamphlet (Originator’s name not stated) that MGC intends to BAN the following:
1) Reading Benti-Chaupi Paath
2) Singing “Deh Shiva Bar Moheh“ Shabad
3) Stop doing our Ardas in Gurdwaras and our homes
4) Stop Panj Bania Amrit Ceremony
MGC has again and again re-iterated its full acceptance and compliance with PANTH approved SIKH REHAT MARYADA (AKAL TAKHT).
Thus, answers to the 4 FALSE allegations above are as follows:-
a) Benti Chaupi is specifically sanctioned by the SRM to be read together with Rehras and also sanctioned by SRM as part of AMRlT Sanskar Bani. This is being practised in every Gurdwara in Malaysia today. Therefore any allegation to the contrary is false.
b) Relating to “Deh Shiva Bar Moheh”, MGC has already written to Akal Takht for ruling in this matter. Until such time the ruling is received, the Gurdwara committees are at liberty to decide whether to read “Deh Shiva” or other Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji di Bani.
Thus, it is false to say there is BAN on “Deh Shiva”. There has never a letter been issued by MGC to Ban “Deh Shiva”
c) To “Stop doing Ardas”, is a very stupid allegation. More stupid is to say to stop people doing it at homes.
The SRM on page 9 clearly stipulates when the Ardas is to be recited and the contents of the Ardas.
All the Gurdwaras are faithfully following this.
The Gurdwaras are bound to follow the SRM and cannot stop doing Ardas.
lf Ardas is not allowed, then what is left for Gurdwaras and Sikhism.
d) To “Stop Panj Bania Amrit Ceremony” is again a false allegation. The SRM on page 25 clearly stipulates the 5 Bania (JAP, JAAP, 10 Sawayyeh, Benti Chaupi and Anand Sahib) as to be recited during the Amrit ceremony.
Even MGC leaders who have taken Khande Di Pahul Amrit, the above 5 Bani were recited at their Amrit Sanskar ceremony.
Conclusion:
Sanggat J i, the above are all false allegations against the MGC. Because the allegations had gone viral, MGC has been forced to respond.
The same allegations as above had been made by the Academy leaders in the last few months The numerous video clips produced by them on the matter are proof of this. Their involvement is there for all to see.
Sanggat Ji, reject these people who spread falsehood, sow hatred and indulge in dividing the small Sikh Community
Dhanwad.
(Signed)
Jagir Singh
[The letter has been confirmed as originating from the MGC]
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE! Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
The world’s second-largest healthcare Group Integrated Healthcare Holdings (IHH) has emerged as the front runner for the healthcare assets of siblings Malvinder and Shivinder Singh of Religare, after the Malaysian hospital chain ended its decade-long association with Apollo Hospitals last week, reports Economic Times, quoting unnamed people with knowledge of the matter.
IHH, which operates the Parkway Pantai chain of hospitals, is competing with a private equity consortium of TPG and General Atlantic to acquire controlling stakes in both Fortis Healthcare and Fortis Malhar — which will also house SRL Diagnostics following a group restructuring exercise — valuing India’s second-largest hospital chain and its diagnostics arm at US$2.8 billion, the report said.
As promoters, Singh brothers currently hold 52.3% in Fortis, according to stock exchange notifications. Of this, 85.6% is pledged. The company’s market cap stands at Rs 10,534 crore. The promoters will dilute minimum 26% and cede management control. The acquisition is likely to trigger an open offer for an additional 25% equity.
SRL, which claims to be India’s largest diagnostics chain, is being spun off from Fortis into its existing listed subsidiary Fortis Malhar and renamed SRL Diagnostics as part of a major reorganisation. The Singh brothers, the majority shareholders in Fortis, will control 40.6% in the diagnostics arm when it’s listed, according to an exchange filing last August. Subsequently, the Group’s hospital business will be housed under the listed company Fortis Healthcare. The entire process is expected to be completed by the middle of 2017.
With a control premium, the deal could value Fortis at around Rs 11,000-11,500 crore. Additionally, SRL could be valued at Rs 4,500-5,000 crore, said the officials, making it the largest M&A in Indian healthcare. However, if a deal gets consummated prior to the reorganisation, then the recast may not go through, said officials in the know on condition of anonymity as the talks are still in the private domain, the report added.
“IHH is always looking at various value-accretive opportunities. However, it is not appropriate for us to comment on specific transactions and we will update the market if there are any material developments,” the report quoted a company spokesperson. A spokesperson of RHC Holding Pvt Ltd, one of the promoter holding companies of Fortis, declined to comment on speculation. HSBC is the financial advisor to IHH.
The report, entitled ‘IHH leads race to acquire Singh brothers’ healthcare operations’, appeared yesterday (Economic Times, 22 May 2017). See here.
THE REPORT ADDED:
The transaction will involve a combination of primary and secondary share sales. The proceeds will help deleverage the balance sheet and also delist Fortis Hospital Trust Singapore. The company had planned an asset-light model by placing its businesses under a trust, which raised Rs 2,260 crore on listing in October 2012. Fortis is the sponsor of the Religare Health Trust (RHT) with a 29.6% stake. However, the transfer of assets to RHT has been putting pressure on the margins due to a hefty services fee. Last October, Fortis Healthcare completed its acquisition of 51% economic interest in Fortis Hospotel, a subsidiary of RHT. The final structure of the transaction is still being worked out and the negotiations are expected to conclude by June end.
ET had reported on May 4 that IHH and TPG-GA were the two strongest contenders for the Fortis takeover. “Compared to the other potential suitors like Bain and KKR, it’s now a clear two-horse race between the Malaysia strategic (IHH) and the TPG-GA consortium. But the Apollo divestment paves the way for IHH to now aggressively pursue Fortis,” said a senior legal source aware of developments. “If they succeed they will become the predominant player with opportunities in green field and brownfield expansions.”
There is no exclusivity agreement signed with the bidders yet. Last December, TPG on its own had exclusive negotiations with the Singh brothers but those talks did not fructify then following which other candidates joined the race.
The bidders are keenly watching if the courts will come in the way of the recent asset sales by Religare. Japanese pharma giant Daiichi Sankyo had informed the Delhi High Court that the insurance sale violated an order requiring permission to part with unencumbered assets. Last year, a Singapore arbitration panel had directed the Singh brothers to pay Daiichi Sankyo Rs 2,500 crore for withholding critical information while selling Ranbaxy to it a decade ago. RHC officials insist that the court order in the Daiichi case is only applicable in respect of unencumbered assets of the parties to the litigation, namely RHC Holding Pvt Ltd and Oscar Investments Ltd and the operating listed entities and other subsidiaries of the group, including Fortis and SRL, are not party to the litigation.
The Parkway Pantai, which operates in Singapore, Malaysia, China, Brunei and the UAE, has a strong presence in India.
It entered the country in 2015 buying 51% in Hyderabad-based Continental Hospitals for Rs 300 crore and 74% in Global Hospitals, also based in Hyderabad, for Rs 1,280 crore. The Singh brothers have suggested combining IHH’s India investments and merging them with Fortis, said officials.
Interestingly, IHH and Fortis competed aggressively after the Singh brothers unsuccessfully tried to acquire Parkway some years ago. IHH considers India its fourth home market after Malaysia, Singapore and Turkey.
Khazanah, the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund, had initially picked up a stake in Apollo Hospitals for Rs 293 crore in 2005 through a secondary deal and later hiked its holding in 2008. It is estimated to have spent around Rs 400 crore to buy the stake. Subsequently, IHH Healthcare had picked up close to an 11% stake in Apollo Hospitals in 2011 through an inter-se transfer, after which IHH Healthcare was listed on the Bursa Malaysia and the Singapore Exchange.
However, IHH Healthcare’s independent acquisitions in India didn’t seem to go sit too well with the Apollo Hospitals promoters. In March 2017, IHH made a partial exit, selling a little over 6% in the market. Following Thursday’s sale, IHH ended its 12-year association with Apollo after netting Rs 1,900 crore from the investment. The company said it will use the proceeds to fund the working capital needs of the Group.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE! Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com
| Letter to Editor |Putrajaya, Malaysia | 23 May 2017 | Asia Samachar |
This article is in reply to Associate Professor Sarjit S. Gill’s article entitled “Malaysian Indian Blueprint Lacks Inclusiveness”. See here.
Our Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak has steadfastly announced on 23rd April 2017 that this Malaysian Indian Blueprint (MIB) is to be the benefit of all within the Indian community. This is a commitment on his part of the inclusivity of the document, bringing together all communities that make up the Indians in Malaysia. This includes Telugus, Malayalees, Punjabis, Gujeratis, Sindhis, Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils as well as the Tamils.
In saying this, the MIB was conceptualized with the express direction to pinpoint the major issues faced by the whole community, including the Sikhs. Some of the main issues faced by Sikhs in Malaysia revolve around community perception and social inclusion. As correctly pointed out, the Punjabi language is facing challenges related to perceived lack of interest from the community and its our duty to safeguard our culture and tradition, including the Punjabi language.
Unit for Socio Economic Development of Indian Community (SEDIC), which has been assigned to implement the MIB has always been inclusive in our approach. Since 2015, we have funded various Sikh NGOs to conduct Punjabi language classes to students in pre-Schools, national primary schools & secondary schools, Sikh women empowerment programs, educational and youth programs by Gurdwaras in Malaysia and other youth, social and sports related programs.
It also has to be noted that since 2009 and before SEDIC was formed, the Prime Minister has directly funded various Sikh NGO-based activities which runs into millions of Ringgit, including the infrastructure development of the Gurdwaras in Malaysia.
The MIB has been launched after extensive consultation from various stakeholders in the community. Consultation with the stakeholders is only one of the many sources of data collected for the purpose of drawing up this blueprint. Relevant literature on the Malaysian Indian community covering all sub-ethnic groups were reviewed, special inputs from special interest groups were also solicited, high ranking government officials in the relevant government ministries and agencies too gave their inputs. Besides this, MIC President Datuk Seri Dr. S. Subramaniam organized two town-hall meetings with prominent NGOs from the Indian community covering all ethnic groups.
Now that the MIB has been launched by the Prime Minister and he has given the assurance that the MIB will be implemented by the Government, it is time that the Indian community gives its fullest support to achieve the targets set forth in the document. There is a serious need to have a partnership between the Government and the Indian community to help realize the objectives of the blueprint. There is always room to address the gaps objectively and provide inputs to help shape the way forward. The Government, more specifically the SEDIC which is the implementation entity of the MIB, will continue to adopt a very inclusive approach in the implementing the blueprint. So, let us all come together for this noble cause.
Prof Dr N. S. Rajendran
Prof Datuk Dr N. S. Rajendran,
Director General,
SEDIC, Prime Minister’s Department
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
| Malacca, Malaysia | Roti for the Soul | Asia Samachar| 23 Aug 2016 |
MOMENTS at the Sant Baba Sohan Singh Yaadgiri Semagam 2017 at Malacca – PHOTO / SARJIT KAURBy Sarjit Kaur | Malacca
Tears stung our eyes as we walked down the langar hall. This was even before we got down to work. My sister and I scanned the area for a seat and joined a group of men. Our enemy in disguise was a sea of Bombay onions.
As I peeled the onion, I reflected on what it signifies. Our life is like an onion. Layer by layer we go through different chapters and journeys. One onion I picked was stained on the outside, but as I peeled, a beautiful skin surfaced. Another onion had a vibrant purplish skin, but as I cut them into pieces, certain inner parts were rotten. What matters is what lies within, I monologued.
The Man with the Black Umbrella
We were in Gurdwara Sahib Malacca for the Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji’s 45th Salana Yaadgiri prayers from 19 to 21 May 2017. My childhood friend, Darshen Kaur related the poster that her husband had crafted. It was a half-faced sketch of Sant Baba. His portrait stood regal against an ochre-gold background. If you zoom in, at the bottom of the poster you will see a silhouette of a man with a black umbrella – which is Sant Baba’s signature.
The story has it that once, Sant Baba was walking with certain members of the Sangat and it started pouring. It came to the attention of the Sangat that he was spared from the rain. Not wanting undue attention, Babaji immediately hugged one sewadar member and got his clothes wet as well. From then onwards, he started using the black umbrella.
That picture was symbolic in describing the humility and simplicity of this golden man, who touched thousands of hearts with his wisdom and grace. The man who laid a strong foundation and played a monumental part in the spirit of Sikhi in Malaya from the 1940s to 1970s. I commended this artist for his new age and uplifting work.
Baba Sohan Singh in an undated photograph
Sant Baba would come to our house in a rickshaw, with his faithful black umbrella. Mum would prepare his favourite kereleh (stuffed bitter gourd), saag with roti. My sister, Harcharan Kaur has this priceless 50 year old picture of him, in her wedding album. It was taken in front of our home in Ayer Leleh in 1967 when she got married. The little girl with the duphata on the right of Sant Baba, is my sister, Iswander Kaur, who continues to hold a Malacca basecamp for our family.
Our Global Sikh Village
Darshen makes it a point to return from Hong Kong yearly to pay tribute to this amazing man. Her FB posting while checking in at the Hong Kong international airport alerted me to pack my bags for this trip. My incredible nephew, Dillon took leave from his work in Melbourne to be with us. The family of our partner firm’s CEO from Singapore was here since Thursday. For our family, it has been a yearly affair and the second and third generations have begun to walk in our shoes. My eldest sister, Ajaib Kaur who is the most senior and veteran sewadar has been coming for Sant Baba’s prayers for the last 38 years since she moved to Tampin in 1979.
People are lured back. Thousands would throng to historical Malacca to pay tribute to the man who had touched the lives of their parents and grandparents. Seasoned visitors from outstation and abroad, would hedge and pay rental one year in advance to avoid disappointment in securing a place to stay. Each with a fixed commitment in their diary and hearts. The food stall and restaurant operators around the vicinity of the gurdwara get their well-deserved break, this time of the year.
We had the privilege of savouring Indonesian food on our local soil. Pretty ladies in a row from Medan served mee hoon soto on Friday. The dish comprised a combo of mee hoon, potatoes, beans sprout, green cili padi paste which is soaked in yellow coconut gravy. Hu la la! It was delicious, refreshing and had the diverse flavours of life – sweet, sour, savourish, spicy and pungent.
We also had guests coming all the way from Australia and UK. How small our world has become with our Sangat connecting globally. We saw the inclusiveness in our Sangat, that every community aspires. That weekend, we became a global Sikh village. These platforms are important, for they bring us together. We were grateful to the strong leadership and Sangat of Malacca for hosting us, through their months of meticulous planning and execution. It is one mammoth event in our annual Malaysian Sikh calendar. (Third photo on the left in collage: Ladies in a row / Mee Hoon Soto Medan)
Connecting to the Young and Future Leaders
Nirvair Khalsa Jatha from the UK, had an unprecedented crowd waiting for him at the Darbar Sahib upstairs. At 9 pm, the hall was already packed with the Sangat waiting in anticipation, while other jathas performed. My friend, Charanjit Kaur wanted to watch him perform live, as compared to seeing him on the big LED screen downstairs. Inspired by her determination, I followed suit. Lo and behold, I found my space as one Sardarji got up to leave. The universe will always conspire with our good intentions. Nirvair’s Jatha made their appearance at 10.40 pm. Young and old were there, in full force. I was keen to find out his magic.
This Jatha is made up of young, new generation Sikhs born and bred in the United Kingdom. Their objective is to motivate the modern Sikh community by way of Gurmat Parchaar to follow the Khalsa lifestyle as commanded by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. They engage youths through their fluent spoken English and Punjabi.
Nirvair came on stage. A young chap at only 27; he had the wisdom twice his age. He projected a charismatic and powerful voice which connects. His organ and flute accompaniment set the musical stage. You can’t help fall in love with his haunting and poignant music. He spoke fluently in Punjabi and English with a strong British accent and conveyed his message respectfully. He had a great sense of humour and mimicked typical dialogues and conversations that generally takes place in our everyday life.
When he sang, his voice vibrated. He had all the ingredients the younger generation looked for. Meanwhile, people were still scouting for tiny spots to fit in. The youths resonated with their equivalent young icon. He put forth valid questions like “Why are we playing hide and seek with God” and “Why are we concerned about the form and not substance in our Sikh practice”. (Top right in collage: The packed Darbar Sahib during Nirvair’s session)
As I pen my thoughts, Nirvair’s tune keeps playing in my ears :
Gur Purey Meri Rakh Leyee
Gur Purey Meri Rakh Leyee
The meaningful message flashed on the screen on the light and dark side of life:
The Perfect Guru has saved me
He has enshrined the Ambrosial name of the Lord within my heart
And the filth of countless incarnations have been washed way.
The demons and wicked enemies are driven out, by meditating and chanting the Chant of the Perfect Guru.
Despite our diverse background and understanding, that night as a Sangat, we sang together in One voice. It was a beautiful repertoire of our existence, where we were united as One, just as our Creator had intended.
Our Journey Together is so Short
I watched the three golden ladies of Tampin sitting on chairs, outside the Darbar Sahib. Year in and year out, they are here diligently paying homage to Sant Baba. One day, these familiar faces will leave us, one by one. As I held the hands of Maherwan’s mum, who is well into her late 70s, her Filipino assistant smiled and conveyed that she doesn’t mind working and taking care of me when I am older. Her words jolted me. Our time will come, our time will come too, it dawned on me.
Our remaining journey together is so short. No one knows the duration of this journey, nor when their stop will come. My wise friend tells me his bags are ready and he would just pick them up, when his Messenger arrives. I realised I hadn’t packed my divine bags and still have too many unfinished business. Though I know, it is not my call.
For many, we have less time than the journey we have travelled. But then again, it’s not the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away. So while the remaining journey is short measurably, it can be sweeter and meaningful compared to the many years put together. The choice is ours. Let us cherish our friends and family. Let us be respectful, kind and forgiving to each other. Let us be filled with gratitude. Let us seek forgiveness. And if others have hurt us, let them already have our forgiveness. After all, our journey together is so short!
MOMENTS at the Sant Baba Sohan Singh Yaadgiri Semagam 2017 at Malacca – PHOTO / SARJIT KAUR
Sewa Culture in Gurdwara
The weather was scorching hot. I took a break and grabbed a cup of plain water organised in rows at the water counter. Oh … water never tasted so delightful and thirst-quenching. We sometimes forget the necessities that served us so well. If only we take the trouble to be more aware and conscious of our surrounding.
If I had a wish list, I hoped that we would do away with mineral water in plastic bottles for they caused a mess within and outside gurdwara compounds. A large container of water with paper cups would be more eco-friendly. Sponsors must think of biodegradable items. In the langar hall, I wish that we would inculcate a culture of taking only food that we could consume fully, so there is no wastage. Putting our eating tray outright to the tune of every dish that each sewadar happily scoops, should no longer be the norm. Less is more. Let us make that change.
I loved the young and smiling sewadars organising our shoes by alphabetical cum numerical sequence, at the shoes counter. Because of the orderly process, they could locate and present to you in a jiffy. Young kids were standing up on trolleys and holding the handle, so happy for a joy ride before basins of used cutleries were picked up by the adults. This stage is a fun place for early sewa conditioning for children. They act, play and internalise, what service to mankind truly means.
Silent Visitors to the Gurdwara
“I dreamt that our Dads were on the menja (punjabi woven bed) at my home. Both of them were chatting and laughing away like school boys”, said Darshen. “What blessings”, I responded. It was so assuring to hear that our late Dads were happy up there with their loved ones and friends. We realised that they were also part of this Semagam prayers – paying their visit. After all, they were good friends of Babaji.
As I was going to the back of the gurdwara, I noticed this special child lying flat on his back, with his mum, grandmum and two active brothers running around. He had a challenge with his back bone that wasn’t able to hold him upright since birth. He is 9 now. My heart just went out to him. They came from Bidor with the chartered bus from Ipoh and sought the grace of Guruji for his healing. I sought permission to do a simran. As I caressed his forehead and hands, Amrit Singh moved his hands and legs and attempted to vocalise, as if responding. Meditation has been a practice for the family as a whole, said his grandmum. I sensed strength and perseverance in their hopeful and faith-filled eyes. We prayed for his healing. They say – wishes do come true here.
Pay as you Wish
A tall and immaculately dressed gentleman from Pune who runs an online portal www.sikhgiftsonline.com had set up a booth at the main gate of the gurdwara. A writer by profession, Mr Singh promotes Sikh concepts and share Gurbani using frames, woodwork, keychains and pen drives as souvenir items. He uses the power of words to craft his message. I was particularly attracted to his key chains with words such as – Proud to be a Kaur, Kaur is my identity, Kaurageous, Kaur Connect etc. We had gone through an era of – Singh is King and now, we have a timely tribute to women! I commended him for his fresh perspectives and out of the box approach. (Second on left in collage: Picture of Kaur key chains)
I was equally fascinated over his ‘Pay as you wish’ business model. While he had a price tag to each item, you could pay more or less, in a donation box placed there. The accountant in me couldn’t understand why payment shouldn’t equate the price. He explained that the excess from those who paid more, would take care of those who had less but wanted to have those items. It becomes a zero sum game in the end.
I made my way to the donation counter and met my kampung (village) friend, Guddi who was on duty. She related her migration story to the UK and invited us to her home there. “Don’t worry, there are no rats or snakes unlike those days, in our house in Ayer Leleh.” I couldn’t contain my laughter. Old habits die hard. A lady with a large bag had a list of donors with varying sums to contribute. “In God’s house, there is no fixed sum, just pay as you wish,” I remember the wise words of Mr Singh.
Memories to Treasure
It was Sunday morning. We packed our bags. My eldest sister started feeling the sadness on Saturday itself. I took one final drive along Jalan Bunga Raya – a walk down memory lane before hitting the road home. What beautiful memories were made. The magic of our various connections still lingers on. Till we meet again next year.
Roti for the Soul is a compilation of heartwarming stories for the soul. Through her lens, Sarjit Kaur takes us on various journeys in life.
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
In light of the on-going controversy regarding Dasam Granth and increasing attack on the Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC), a council member had given an interview which was widely shared the social media. The interviewer has offered Asia Samachar to share the thoughts of DARSHAN SINGH, a member of MGC’s elected executive committee.
Darshan is an avid writer on consumerism, whose views are regularly featured in media letters to editor section. He is one of the four MGC xco members from the state of Perak for the 2016/17 term.
When contacted, Darshan has confirmed the content of the interview.
A: I am among the four Exco members representing Perak for the 2016/17 term.
Q: What is the role of MGC?
A : Amongst others it is to co-ordinate and promote understanding, fellowship, mutual respect and co-operation among Sikh gurdwaras and other Sikh organisations and facilitate functional integration for service to the Panth as per the Skh Rehat Maryada (SRM) and to pass ‘matas‘ on important issues after due consideration and deliberation.
Q: What is Sikh Rehat Maryada (SRM)?
A: The SRM is an official Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions. It was developed by the greatest Sikh scholars and theologians of the century. The present SRM is the only version authorised by the Akal Takht. Its implementation has successfully created uniformity in the religious and social practices of Sikhism. To me, it is an Operating Model and it is our responsibility to have a copy of it with us. Only the Akal Takht Sahib has the authority to command Sikhs, and no other.
Q: We have recently noticed much controversy on social media on issues relating to the Panth and MGC is attacked? What have you got to say about it?
A: (Smiles). We never had any controversy in Malaysia until recently when a group led by mischievous individuals wanted to destroy the SRM by installing the Dasam Granth in local gurdwaras, creating disunity amongst the local Sikh Sanggat. They cleverly started divans branded as “Darbar Patsahi 10” with an aim to emotionally charge the sanggat. Personally to me there can only be one Darbar, where only Parkash is of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj, our eternal Guru and no other. When MGC vigorously defended the SRM and stopped them from going ahead, this group became very unhappy and retaliated by taking their “battle” on to the social media, misleading and disuniting the Sanggat. We can see this happening almost daily. They have also created splinter groups employing guerrilla tactics. Interestingly majority of them operate in disguise under fake profiles.
Q: Is it true that the MGC has removed morning Nitnem Banis from 5 to 3?
A: This is a slanderous lie spread to mislead and provoke the Sanggat to act against the MGC. As I stated, the MGC is duty bound to protect the SRM and the SRM clearly lists morning Nitnem Bania as Japji Sahib Ji, Jaap Sahib Ji and Tav Parsad Sawiyeh and evening Banis as Rehraas Sahib and Kirtan Sohila, but this does not mean that we cannot recite any other Banis in addition to the ones listed by the SRM. The SRM lists minimum compulsory. The more Banis you recite, the better. It is mischievous to say that MGC is reducing the Bania. Who are we to impose such a mandate!
Q: There is also an allegation that MGC is against Dasam Granth and by doing this MGC would also question Amrit Sanchar?
A: Dasam Granth and Amrit Sanchar are two different issues. Amrit Sanchar [the Khalsa initiation ceremony of Khanda Da Pahul] is listed in SRM and the Bania to be recited are also specifically listed namely Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tav Parsad Sawiyeh, Benti Chaupai and Anand Sahib. All these Bania are SRM Parvanik (approved) and MGC will always protect the SRM against any attempt to destroy it. No issue on Amrit Sanchar and malicious allegation are deliberately made to disunite Sanggat.
Q: What about the Deh Shiva shabad?
A: As we know Deh Shiva Shabad appears in DG and has been an issue of contention. To get proper direction its right that we seek guidance from Sri Akaal Takht Sahib.
Q: There were issues with regards to Prof Inder Singh Ghagga?
A: To be clear, MGC did not invite Prof Inder Ghagga but MGC will also not stop intellectual discourse as long as it is conducted within approved parameters.
Similarly I am told that this group has invited one Baba Banta Singh and as I know Baba Banta Singh’s objective is to preach DG, should MGC stop him too? They created a ruckus in Ashby Road [Gurdwara Sahib Greentown in Ipoh, Perak] by attacking an old man, should non supporters of DG do the same with Baba Banta Singh too? No, that’s not right! We have to act civiliased and remained united. As long as a person is not declared a Tankhaiya or Panth Dokhi by Akal Takth Sahib, I will not interfere.
Q: Did MGC advise member Gurdwaras to stop doing Ardaas?
A: (A big laughter) … Where did you hear this from? This is a desperate attempt to mislead … (continues laughing_. I repeat, MGC will rigorously defend SRM!
Q: What is your advice to Sikh Sanggat Malaysia?
A: Sanggat Ji, SRM is our “standard operating model”. Whichever Gurdwara we go to in this world, if it is SRM compliant, the processes will be similar and this has always kept us united. It is our responsibility to wholeheartedly defend the SRM against external influences who are attempting to destroy it. Without the SRM, every Gurdwara, like the Taksaal and Deras will have individual Maryada and this will destroy our Kaum. Guru Gobind Sing Maharaj Ji has decreed “Agia Phei Akaal Ki, Thebe Chelaiyo Panth, Sab Sikhan Ko Hukam Hai GURU Maniyo Granth”. Guru Granth is our eternal Guru. Installation of DG is an attempt to confuse the sanggat that there are more GURUs. Which will a person bow to? This will automatically disunite and destroy us. Not to forget that DG as opposed to Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a controversial compilation.
Very sad that concerted attempt to destroy the SRM are being made by irresponsible individuals and to this it is important that we defend the SRM. MGC has become the prime target and the reason for it to be attacked first. Thus you will notice malicious allegation being made on social media and meetings held to instigate the Sanggat against the MGC.
Therefore my humble request to everyone, please stand up, stand united against this group of individuals driven with personal interest and agenda.
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE! Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
| Statement | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 25 May 2017 | Asia Samachar |
Message from Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia on its stand related to current issues
Manyog jio
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) was established in the late 1960s. The appointed Jathedars conducted sewa just as one runs a relay race, i.e. baton passed but still running the same race. From day one, SNSM stood by the teachings of Shabad Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, guided by Sikh Rehat Maryada and abiding to hukamnamas of Akaal Takhat Sahib. There is no change in this stand till today.
2. Of late, many asked on what is SNSM’s stand? This message is to provide clarity and also to make it clear that SNSM would like to focus and continue serving the Sangat, specifically the Naujawans. This can only be done with support of the Sangat.
3. On Sri Dasam Granth, SNSM abides to the Gurmata 1, A:3/08/3145 dated 6 June 2008 issued by Akaal Takhat Sahib, which quotes, “…The entire Sikh Panth be informed that the Sri Dasam Granth is inseparable part of history and literature of Sikh Panth but Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji did not impart it recognition equal to Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji…’.
4. To understand what Waheguru wants from us, let us learn how to read Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, understand and apply in our ‘jeevan’. If we do not apply it remains as info. “PaRiaai Naahee Bhedh Bujhiaai PaavaNaa”.
5. Let us all come together to forge unity as this is what our Guru wanted at all times. We are his children, “Ek pitaa Ekas Ke Ham Baarik Too Meraa Gur Haae’ee”, and our mission is to be one with our Creator, Waheguru.
Jathedar, Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia
[The statement was shared at the Facebook page of SNSM]
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IN MEMORY, Path Da Bhog: 28 May 2017 (Sunday), 10am to 12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Tin, Selangor | Malaysia
Amreek Singh
Village: Seriali
Born: 29 September 1981
Departed: 15 August 2016
Wife: Parvinder Kaur
Children:
Hashveer Singh
Peshreen Preet Kaur
Path Da Bhog: 28 May 2017 (Sunday), 10am to 12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Tin, Selangor
Message from Family: We miss you so much . Our hearts still ache with sadness and many tears still flow. What it meant to lose you, no one will ever know. We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain. To walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again.
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
| Opinion | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 25 May 2017 | Asia Samachar
By Autar Singh
Malaysian sanggat has always been united in believing in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (SSGS) as our eternal Shabad Guru and the Panth Parvanit Sikh Reht Maryada (SRM) as our one unifying maryada.
This unity started eroding when alternative maryadas got introduced in Malaysia through deras and groups. We were divided on mool mantar, on nitnem, on Rehraas, on our diet (vegetarian or not), and so many other issues. But at least we still had Gurbani in our Guru to guide us.
The matter became worse when an agressive attempt was made to promote other compositions outside Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as gurbani. Simultaneously, the granth from which these other compositions were being promoted, was being promoted as the bani of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, therefore to be accorded similar respect and reverence as the bani of the other Guru Sahibaan in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Examples were given of the two Takhts outside Punjab, deras and Nihung chhaunees where parkash of this Dasam Granth was done together with the parkash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. In fact the Sarab Loh Granth was also promoted to be installed next to the other two as in Nihung chhaunees.
We have the freedom to believe in whatever we like in our personal lives. However, on a community level we need to have a unifying belief as we did all this while. That unifier is Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as our Guru with the Gurbani in it as our only Shabad Guru, and the Panth Parvanit Sikh Reht Maryada as our sole Code of Conduct and Conventions.
Some of us talk of compromise. Please remember that the SRM is a compromise made at a much more divisive time. It is a document that is meant to unify all the myriad groups that were present then and have increased now. In these times we need to stand as a rock with the SRM if we want unity. If that compromise document is not accepted today, no other compromise is possible.
The SRM was not created by either one of the organisations in the centre of our local dilemma. It is therefore a neutral document to all parties. It has the strength to unite the sanggat again if all parties sincerely subscribe to it.
Thank you.
Guru raakhaa
Autar Singh
Autar Singh is the outgoing Secretary General of the Coalition of Malaysian Sikh Organistion (CMSO) and a former jathedar of Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia
* This is the opinion of the writer, organisation or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Asia Samachar.
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JOINT EXERCISE: The RSN and IN ships sailing in formation. R1: RSS Formidable; R2 (left to right): INS Kamorta, INS Sahyadri, RSS Victory; R3 (left to right): RSS Supreme, INS Jyoti, INS Shivalik. – PHOTO / SINGAPORE MINDEF
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy (IN) conducted the Singapore-Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) from 18 to 24 May 2017. Hosted by Singapore, the exercise comprised a shore phase held at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base and a sea phase in the South China Sea. This year’s exercise is the 24th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise held since 1994.
The RSN deployed two frigates (RSS Formidable, equipped with an S-70B naval helicopter, and RSS Supreme) and a missile corvette (RSS Victory), while the IN participated with two frigates (INS Sahyadri and INS Shivalik), a corvette (INS Kamorta), an oiler (INS Jyoti) and a P8-I maritime patrol aircraft.
SIMBEX 2017 saw the inaugural participation of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s F-15SG fighter aircraft. Aside from the two F-15SG fighter aircraft, the RSAF also deployed two F-16D+ fighter aircraft and a Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft for the exercise.
During the exercise, the two navies conducted a series of advanced naval warfare serials, including air defence exercises and gunnery live-firings. The sea phase culminated in a mission-oriented surface action group exercise wherein assets and personnel from the two navies worked together to plan and execute a series of warfare missions.
Over the years, SIMBEX has grown in scope and complexity, expanding beyond its traditional emphasis on anti-submarine warfare to incorporate elements of maritime security, anti-air and anti-surface warfare. CO RSS Formidable, Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Albert Khoo said, “SIMBEX has progressed both in scale and complexity over the years – from a serial-based exercise to today’s mission-based exercise incorporating scenarios with threats from surface, underwater and air.”
Apart from SIMBEX, the two navies also interact regularly through professional exchange programmes, staff talks and training courses. Testament to the warm and long-standing defence ties between both countries, INS Sahyadri and INS Kamorta joined in the RSN’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, participating in both the inaugural Singapore International Maritime Review at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base on 15 May 2017, and the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) Asia from 16 to 18 May 2017. Both navies are also exploring new and enhanced areas of cooperation in the maritime domain. – Official release, Singapore Mindef (24 May 2017)
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE! Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com
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Johor team won the debate at the Punjabi Bhasha Mela 2015 – PHOTO ASIA SAMACHAR
Over 200 participants are expected to compete in the annual Punjabi language competition now running into its 26th year next weekend.
The Annual Punjabi Bhasha Mela organised by Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) will be held on June 3-4 at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) at Technology Park Malaysia in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. Events begin from 8.30am onwards.
Some of the events include debate, shudh paath, kavita recital, spelling bee, quiz, sakhi, bhaasan, news reading, choral speaking and impromptu speech.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE! Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com
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Malaysian rally ace Karamjit Singh is expected to take part in the International Rally of Johor (IRJ) 2017, formerly known as the Malaysian Rally, in August.
However, he will not compete in the international regional competition called Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), which he won multiple times, as he lacked sponsorship.
“I’m only taking part in the Malaysian category cause my car is 10 years old and I don’t have any sponsors at all,” he told Asia Samachar.
In January, Asia Samachar reported that Karamjit, the Malaysian rally driving ace known as the Flying Sikh, had hoped to secure enough sponsorship to buy his own rally car compete regionally this year.
Turning 55 years this year, Karamjit felt he still had many years of competitive rally driving in him. In December 2016, he emerged champion for the 16th time at the Malaysian Rally Championship (MRC), dominating the two-wheel drive category in the Rally of Perak.
Karamjit is the 2002 FIA Production Car World Champion and the only Malaysian to win the Malaysian Rally (2001) will race in the MRC in his Gen 2 in the 4WD category.
Bernama reported that event would continue to stage two races, namely the 2017 Malaysian Rally Championship (MRC) hosted since 2001 and the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) hosted since 2005 (Aug 11-13).
The IRJ will host the second round of the MRC after the Rally of Perlis (May 13-14) and the third round of APRC after the New Zealand, Australia and China round, at the Johor Circuit in Pasir Gudang and Kota Tinggi.
Wheel Sport Management Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Dr Siew Ka Wei hopes the re-branding would bring back the interest on rally race among Malaysians.
“Public interest in rally in Malaysia has declined over the past few years due to the escalating cost of competition and lack of support for the development and promotion of rally.
“However, we are happy to continue supporting the rally and started several grassroots and development programmes over the past few years.
“The Malaysian edition is known as toughest event in APRC calendar due to the weather and technically very demanding rally tracks, takes a lot of effort, energy and concentration to complete the course,” he was quoted in the Bernama report.
The DWau Motorsport BDRT team hopes to win the overall team championship in MRC as well as trying to make a debut in the APRC, said its team manager Khalid Rashid.
“We are the defending champion in the P9 and P11 class for last four years, so we will try to win the overall title this time. In Johor, we are a bit worried about the weather, otherwise we are ready for the challenge.”
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Bangkok Sikhs are organising the Chabeel Day, distribution of free drinks in conjunction with the martyrdom of Guru Arjan, on two occasions.
Gurdwara Guru Nanak Centre will old its chabeel at Charan Sanitwong Soi 11 on 4 June (12pm-4pm) while Thai-Sikh Sewa Group will hold another chabeel at the Govenor House of Bangkok (in front of Benjamarajalai & Bharat School) on 29 May (11.30am onwards).
The Gurdwara Guru Nanak Centre will also be holding an akhand path from 8.30pm on Wednesday (31 May) till 6pm on Saturday (3 June), followed by a kirtan and katha programme until 8.30pm.
The programme will be broadcast live on GNC Cable Charansanitwong Channel.
Chabeel, literally in Punjabi, means way or place where drinking water is available. The word has been used when free drinks are served, mostly in conjunction with the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs.
In Punjab and many other places, the martydom was observed towards the end of May.
Guru Arjan Dev became the first Sikh martyr in 1606 after he refused to change the Sikh scriptures as ordered by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. When Guru Arjan Dev refused, he was tortured to death by being made to sit on a red hot plate whilst hot sand was poured over him, according to a statement by prepared by SikhPA for the week.
“Instead of remembering this event through mourning, the Guru taught the Sikhs to accept Gods will as sweet. Therefore, Sikhs changed negativity to positivity by turning an attack upon them into a chance to serve others. We honour the Guru’s burning by cooling everyone else. This is Chardi-Kala,” read a statement by UK-based Sikh Press Association (SikhPA) that has been organising a Chabeel Week annually.
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| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 27 May 2017 | Asia Samachar
FULL HOUSE: 140 members attended the Malaysian Gurdwara Council (MGC) EGM on 27 May 2017 – Photo / Supplied
Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC) leadership received a thumping endorsement from members for its handling of issues that seems to have divided parts of the local Sikh community and saw some launching vitriolic attacks via the social media.
The council, representing some 120 gurdwaras nationwide, had called for decided to put the matter to the floor after receiving severe criticism from certain groups.
At the emergency general meeting (EGM) today (27 May 2017), a huge majority of the members who attended voted in favour of a resolution regretting the attacks on MGC and rejecting attempts to divide the community.
“We are humbled with this overwhelming support on MGC’s stand on Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Shabad Guru, the panth parvanik Sikh Reht Maryada and the Akaal Takhat Sahib. Unity will prevail,” MGC president told Asia Samachar in a telephone conversation after the conclusion of the meeting.
The meeting was attended by 140 MGC executive members and gurdwara representatives. The solution was passed with 106 in favour, 15 against and one abstaining.
The resolution read: “The EGM notes with regret the recent attacks by groups and individuals against the Malaysian Gurdwaras Council and its leadership and the EGM therefore resolves and strongly urges all Sanggat and Gurdwaras to remain united against such challenges and reject any attempt to divide.”
A few gurdwara representatives had raised issues as to how the MGC leadership had dealt with issues concerning DG, including levelling accusations that they had used false documents. They had also criticised Asia Samachar for supposedly being the mouthpiece of the council.
“For me, this vote shows they reject acts of violence, extremis and they want peace.
“They also noted the Pusing meeting on 13 May 2017 where MGC, Khalsa Diwan Malaysia (KDM) and Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) were attacked. The voting shows they rejected such attacks,” Jagir said.
In the gathering at Gurdwara Sahib Pusing, a gurdwara in the state of Perak, a pressure group were lobbying Perak gurdwaras to overthrow the present MGC leadership, largely on the premise that Jagir and his team at the council are against the Dasam Granth. However, it is understood that were unable to marshal widespread support from the 42 gurdwaras in the state.
“MGC calls on all Sikh societies, gurdwaras and the Sanggat to unite so that extreme elements amongst us will come to the right path,” he said.
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| Promotion| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 28 May 2017 | Asia Samachar |
The 1st ASEAN Sikh Economic & Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 is taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 8 and 9 July 2017. Modelled after the World Economic Forum (WEF), ASEES aims on uniting ASEAN Sikhs on an economic platform, deepening unity and raising wealth. It will frame the ASEAN Sikh economic movement and act as a strategic enabler to mobilize the resources available to the regional Sikh community to achieve determined aims.
By engaging renowned Sikh professionals and personalities in plenary and workshop sessions, ASEES 2017 will highlight and critically evaluate a key range of economic issues currently affecting the Sikh population in ASEAN.
Accordingly, the summit will bring together key stakeholders in this conversation – regional business leaders, academicians, government representatives, non-government organizations, as well as finance and corporate professionals to develop strategic partnerships and find viable solutions to the challenge of uplifting the current economic standing of ASEAN Sikhs.
The summit will explore mechanisms to raise living standards and improve the quality of life of Sikhs in the region by ensuring that economic policy is more effective at all levels and that access to key levers of development, such as education, entrepreneurship and skills upgrading, is open and equitable.
For more information, kindly view www.aseanscc.com. Tickets are available at RM349 (standard) and RM649 (VIP), both days inclusive.
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BOOK COVER: Hindraf and the Malaysian Indian Community by Arunajeet Kaur
Singaporean scholar Arunajeet Kaur has released a book on the Hindraf – a Hindu rights movement with the Makkal Shakti battle cry that made a huge impact in the 2008 Malaysian general elections – as the nation prepares to once again go to the polls.
Hindraf and the Malaysian Indian Community comes 10 years after a huge Hindraf rally that brought them to the attention of the nation. Today, however, many see it as a spent force after being cleverly broken up by the administration of Prime Minister Mohd Najib Razak.
Asked if Hindraf will make a difference in the next Malaysian general election, Arunajeet tells Asia Samachar: “Hindraf over the years due to the imprisonment of its main leaders at key point, factionalism and other political parties taking on the Indian mandate of the Hindraf cause has led to a dilution of its efforts.
“Currently Hindraf is most effective a s a watch dog for Indian/Hindu minority causes. Furthermore the up coming elections is much more a fight for the Malay Muslim vote.”
On her main finding about Hindraf, she described Hindraf as a ‘bold and necessary point of action’ on the part of the Hindu Tamil community to fight for the community’s basic freedoms such as ID cards, better education facilities and opportunities as well as a human rights watch for Indians under police detention.
“This has also been a time when rising tide of Islamism has led to temple demolitions and body snatching cases. Hindraf was an apt act of resistance against these negative Muslim majoritarian forces,” she said in an email response.
Hindraf, short for Hindu Rights Action Force which ran with the slogan Makkal Sakthi or People’s Power, began as a coalition of 30 Hindu non-governmental organisations (NGOs) wanting to preserve the Hindu community rights and heritage in a multiracial Malaysia.
The newly released book intends to examine the post-colonial negotiations of the country’s Indian community’s economic, social and political rights by examining circumstance at peak historical moments, and the role of important individuals, primarily Indians themselves, in understanding the events that led to the Hindraf rally of 2007. It also questions the validity of Hindraf ’s assertions against the backdrop of history and Malaysian politics.
Arunajeet was conferred her PhD from the Australian National University in 2011. Her areas of research interest include migration, diaspora, identity, minority culture and labour. Currently she is at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University Singapore working on labor and migration within Asean.
She has previously co-published, The Migration of Indian Human capital; The Ebb and Flow of Indian Professionals in Southeast Asia, Routledge, 2010 and has written on the Sikhs in the policing of British Malaya and Straits Settlements: (1874-1957), VDM Publishing, 2009.
Dr Arunajeet Kaur, Singapore
HINDRAF: A CREATION OF POST-COLONIAL FAULT LINES
In a note from the author, entitled ‘Hindraf – A creation of post- colonial fault lines’, it noted that in 2007, Hindu Tamils of Malaysia staged a historic rally in Kuala Lumpur against the Malay-Muslim majoritarian government.
“The gathering drew an unprecedented number of Tamils that were suppressed by the Malaysian government special forces using tear gas and water cannons on the crowd. The leaders of the protest were arrested by the authorities with charges of violent conduct.
“The primary catalyst to this expression of discontent by Hindu Tamils against the government was the rising tide of Islamism in Malaysia that often led to demolition of Hindu places of worship, and cases of body snatching. Other issues raised by the Hindraf protesters included the abuse of Indians under police detention, the conditions of the Tamil economic underclass in their country, and their lack-of-citizenship status due to their inability to apply for ID cards.
“At first glance, these issues appear to be indicative of a nation state, in this case Malaysia, confronting the challenges of managing its multi-racial societal ethos with Malays aggressively pursuing special status and privileges after independence, vis-a-vis the Chinese, Indian and other non-Malay populations, with racial differences being further exacerbated with the tide of rising Islamism after the Iranian revolution of the late 1970s.
“However a closer look, as flagged out by Hindraf in their filing of the class action suit against the Government of the United Kingdom at The Royal Courts of Justice in London, for US$4 trillion (US$1 million for every Malaysian Indian), for “withdrawing after granting independence and leaving Indians unprotected and at the mercy of a majority Malay-Muslim government that has violated our rights as minority Indians”, paints a different picture.
“This Hindraf -type phenomenon is common in most post-colonial states where the British Raj made its decision to withdraw its power without resolving tribal cartographic claims, power hierarchies, traditional and communal rights, and legal entitlements of migrant communities.”
The author said the seminal work of Syed Hussein Alatas, The Myth of the Lazy Native, written in the 1970s highlights Malay sentiments at being typecast by colonial orientalists as being inadept at managing economic resources of their lands, and as a result holding an incompetent stake at governance of Malaya and the Malay archipelago.
“When the British granted Malaysian Independence in 1957, the Malays rallied, asserted and secured their special rights under Article 153 of the Constitution in the new nation state. This left the Chinese and Indian communities that had migrated to Malaya under the auspices the British Colonial economy in a compromised position,” she added.
[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE! Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com]
| Food Review | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 28 May 2017 | Asia Samachar |
Dum biryani at Tasty Chapati – PHOTO / ASIA SAMACHAR
By Jasrinder Kaur
Have you ever tried the dum biryani at Tasty Chapathi? During the busy lunch hour today, almost every patron at this North Indian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur had at least one bowl of dum biryani on the table.
Well, I decided to have it, as well. I opted for my favourite version: vegetarian vegetable dum biriyani.
They serve it in a stylish trapezium shaped plate.
The dish is made from long grain rice tossed in vegetables, paneer and vegetable gravy, decorated with sprinkles of finely cut paneer and coriander leaves. You mouth start even before the dish arrives as the aroma tickles the nostrils.
Em, the taste is just as good as its aroma and looks! The perfect blend of spices. Be warned. It can be pedas (spicy) for some, but it sure is nice.
Served with raita on the side, the combination is simply savoury. The raita is yogurt mixed in finely cut cucumber and onions.
You can also opt for the chicken, mutton, prawn or fish special dum biryani (Price: RM15.90 to RM22.90 each).
For the vegetarians, you can also go for the special vege chicken and special vege mutton dum biryani (Price: RM15.90 to RM16.90).
Food Review: Dum Biryani at Tasty Chapathi – PHOTO / ASIA SAMACHAR
A lovely lady beside my table was tucking in fish dum biryani. “The fish biryani is awesome. Not many restaurants serve fish biryani,” said Kit Yi.
“Even if you get it, sometimes it’s not cooked well. But here, I have yet to be disappointed. I always come here for the fish biryani. It is served with fish curry, which is equally awesome.”
The mackerel for the fish biryani is marinated with a blend of spices. It is then deep fried and tossed into the long grain biryani rice and fish gravy. When served, it is in its solid form, void of any fishy smell.
The Dum Biryani, a must try at Tasty Chapathi, served only for lunch.
TASTY CHAPATHI
Traditional & Western Cuisine
http://tastychapathi.com/
Facebook: Tasty Chapathi – Traditional & Western Cuisine
Address: Viva Residency, Suppiah Pillay Off Jalan Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel : +60 3-4043 2636
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11am to 11pm
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