Malay Sikhs ask Malaysian Govt to declare Vaisakhi as a national holiday

PETALING JAYA - Two prominent Sikhs leaders of Malaysia have asked the government to declare Vaisakhi as a national holiday.

Malaysia National Sikhs Movement president (Gerak-sikh) Darshan Singh and DAP chairman Karpal Singh said such a move would reflect the Malaysian Government’s commitment to recognise all communities equally.

This year, Sikhs will celebrate Vaisakhi on Wednesday, which coincides with the Tamil New Year.

“The Sikhs who arrived earlier in this country served in the security forces and have contributed towards the economic development of Malaysia,” The Star quoted Darshan, as saying.

Karpal said Vaisakhi was of considerable significance to Sikhs and the event should be given due consideration by the government.

“Various calls have been made in the past for the government to declare the Hindu and Vaisakhi as national holiday but there has yet to be any positive response,” he said.

Karpal added if the Government would not declare the Tamil New Year and Vaisakhi a national holiday, he planned to call upon the Pakatan-ruled Penang and Selangor State governments to do so.ANI)