Penang police chief Thaiveegan receives rousing welcome at temple
KUCHING: It was crowded at Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple along Jalan Ban Hock here late Friday where 100 people representing the local Hindu community and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) gathered to welcome the arrival of Penang police chief Datuk Seri A Thaiveegan.
Thaiveegan, who was on a brief working visit to Sarawak, was invited by Sarawak Police Hindu Sangam to attend prayers at the temple that evening, which was overseen by high priest N Suthaaharan Gurrukal.
Earlier, Thaiveegan witnessed the police parade and officiated at closing ceremony of the six-month basic training course involving new recruits at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) along Jalan Puncak Borneo near here.
“We are honoured to have him (Thaiveegan) join us for prayers here tonight. He knows many of us from the Hindu community in Kuching,” said a Sarawak Police Hindu Sangam spokesman.
It is learnt that Thaiveegan had served in Sarawak between 2008 and 2009.
In his remarks, the Penang police chief advised members of the Kuching Indian community to choose their leaders wisely, based on his capability and credibility.
“Once you have chosen your leader, please work with your leader. A leader needs the support from the community,” said Thaiveegan, who attended the session with his wife Datin Seri Komodhi Dhanaraj.
Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Federal Management Department deputy director (training) Datuk Narenasagaran Thangaveloo and wife Datin Shamalam Retnam, former local community leader T Komarusamy, Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple president V Sahundararaju, Sri Mahamariamman Temple president Shankar Ram Pohumall Asnani, Sri Mount Matang Maha Mariamman chairman T Kaliani, and Kuching International Society for Krishna Consciousness representative N Arumugam were also present.