Dr Jerip: Sikhs small in number, strong in presence

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KUCHING: There are less than 1,000 Sikhs in Sarawak, but the community has progressed well and contributed significantly to development in the state.

Assistant Minister of Public Health Datuk Dr Jerip Susil noted that the Sikhs, although small in numbers, were very much  part and parcel of the state.

The older generations who served in the military and police force had made many sacrifices to protect the people and to safeguard peace in the state, he noted.

“The current generation, who are mostly professionals such as lawyers, doctors and accountants, only goes to show that the community has played its role towards human capital development,” he said at the Sikh Community Dinner on Saturday that was held in conjunction with the state’ 50th anniversary of independence through Malaysia.

“There will always be a place for the community in Sarawak, where its future generations will have vast opportunities to grow.”

On the genes of the community that normally produced tall and big physique individuals, Dr Jerip urged the Sikhs do more for the state in sports.

“The Sikh community can contribute further in terms of human capital development not only as professionals such as lawyers and doctors but through athletics as well. Most of the well-built individuals should play football, hockey and even rugby to represent the state.

“Sarawak would be very proud to have Sikhs contributing to a winning state team (in various sports).”

Also present among the 250 odd guests were Sikh Temple Association Sarawak president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira and organising chairman Balraj Singh Gill.

Dr Kalwinder, in his speech, said that the community would continue to play its role to help further develop the state.

“The community has been around for more than 100 years in Sarawak. We are a small and close knit community. Many have become successful professionals and entrepreneurs, contributing to the state and society here as a whole.

“We must continue to build on this and play our part,” he advised.

The Sikh Temple, located at Jalan Masjid here, celebrated its 100th anniversary earlier this year.