Sikhs’ contributions to Sabah, nation commended – CM
KOTA KINABALU: The Sikh community in Sabah may be small in number but their contributions to the State and to nation building are undeniable.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Haji Apdal said that there has always been a Sikh community in Sabah, who, whilst upholding the faith and traditions of their forefathers, also uphold strongly their Malaysian nationality.
He stressed on the need for all Malaysians to understand the importance of unity as they continue to contribute to the country's social, economic and educational development.
“I am certain this can be done by encouraging them to continue the Sabahan way of life in which we mingle with people of different faiths, ethnic groups and social backgrounds. We find strength in diversity, so let us spread the goodwill and understanding, because unity and harmony are the pillars of progress and growth,” he said at the Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 550th birthday celebration held at the Gurdwara Sahib near here.
Shafie was represented by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Arifin Asgali.
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the founder of Sikhism, which is the fifth largest religion in the world. He began teaching the Sikh way of life through the universal message of ‘One God' during the 15th century.
He formalized three basic guidelines and values for the Sikhs which are to meditate upon God's name, to earn an honest living, and to selflessly serve and share with others.
Meanwhile, the decision by the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan to allow visa-free border crossing for Sikh pilgrims from India to visit a Sikh shrine within Pakistan is also welcomed by the Sikh community in Sabah.
President of the Kinabalu Singh Sabha Association, Anup Singh, and his deputy president, Dato Dr Jaswant Singh, both expressed their happiness towards the new development.
They said that prior to this, there have been a lot of restrictions that disallow Sikhs from visiting the holy site.
“You can see the holy place but you cannot go. Now you can go visit without many restrictions,” said Dr Jaswant.
Anup said that there has been a lot of hatred between the two countries and that they cannot see eye-to-eye.
“Now love has been created during the founder's birthday. We hope for overall peace for the region. Maybe this is the first step for peace in the future,” said Anup.