Sultan said that the Sikhs have been an “invaluable and integral part” of the social fabric of Malaysia, despite being a mere 0.3 percent of the nation’s total population.
While speaking on the occasion of the launch of book titled “The Sikh Community in Malaysia”, Sultan said, “Today, the community’s role and influence extends to other fields, with prominence in professions such as medicine and law.
“On the whole, they form an invaluable and integral part of our colourful social fabric and deserve due recognition for their contribution, as much as any other citizen, to Malay-sia’s economic, cultural and political life.”
The sultan of Perak asserted the need to safeguard the cultural diversity of Malaysia through tools of communication and understanding.
Giving details about the book, Sultan said it would help the Malaysians peep into the cultural heritage and origins of Sikh community and get a better understanding.
Later, Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, communications and culture minister informed the media persons that the ministry is likely to work towards promoting the cultural heritage of other minority communities in Malaysia including Nyonyas, Babas and Malacca Portuguese.
The minister added, “We may start a series of shows on RTM highlighting the cultural and musical background of the Sikh community next week.”
