The Penang Sikh Community hosted the Penang Governor Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak at the Penang Club earlier today.
Present was Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and State Exco for Housing, Town and Country Planning Jagdeep Singh Deo along with community leaders.
In his speech Jagdeep highlighted that the Sikhs who arrived in Penang started way back in 1873. The earliest Sikhs settlers were Policemen. The first Sikh Gurdwara was set up in Fort Cornwallis.
“The first public Sikh Gurdwara was set up in 1903 in Penang. Sikhs occupied top positions in Military and Police during the British rule of Malaysia.
“Today, in our Penang Bay Northern Seafront project which includes the restoration of the Fort Cornwallis, one of the main components will actually commemorate the Sikh soldiers (men of army) and their place
of worship during that period in time.
“The Sikhs are a very small community, not just here in Penang but also throughout Malaysia. We have an estimated population of 100,000 Sikhs in Malaysia and approximately 4,000 families in Penang.
“Nevertheless, despite the small numbers, we have contributed immensely economically, socially and politically,” said Jagdeep.
Among those who have contributed for the community and nation are his (Jagdeep) father, the late Dato’ Seri Utama Karpal Singh.
“Others include Dato’ Seri Chet Singh, who was the first General Manager of Penang Development Corporation, Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr. Chatar Singh, recognised as the founding father of Universiti Pulau Pinang and USM in 1969, Dato’ Seri Mahinder Singh Dulku, a lawyer and a trustee for the Penang Swimming Club, and chairman for the Gurdwara Conservation, Dato’ Lakhbir Singh Chahl, who served as a former Secretary ofthe Penang City Council (MBPP), the late Dato Ajaib Singh (former Supreme Court Judge), late Tan Sri Swaran Singh Gill (Chief Justice of Malaysia), late Tan Sri PS Gill (former federal court judge) Dato Seri Harminder Singh (current federal court judge) and our very own Dato’ Amarjeet Singh (Judicial Commissioner of High Court),” shared Jagdeep.
He also thanked Chow for enabling the Gurdwara Sahib Butterworth building on the mainland.
“The biggest project that is still ongoing is the refurbishment of the 120 year-old Wadda Gurdwara Sahib original building, located at Jalan Gurdwara, Georgetown on the island.
“Meanwhile, the Penang Club also carries a lot of historical background, being established since 1868, standing at 153 years-old to-date,” added Jagdeep.