Penang Deputy CM Leads Malaysian Delegation to Meet Akal Takht Jathedar

A high-level Malaysian delegation led by Penang Deputy Chief Minister-II Y B Jagdeep Singh Deo met Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj at Anandpur Sahib on Sunday, with discussions focusing on strengthening cultural and spiritual ties among Sikhs in Malaysia and the global Sikh community.

The delegation included Malaysian businessman and community leader Dato Prof Dr BS Bains, historian Simar Singh and Akshay Singh Deo, from the family of the erstwhile Mirpur princely state, among others.

During the meeting, the delegation discussed the importance of preserving Sikh heritage, religious institutions and historical links between Malaysia and Punjab. Deo expressed deep respect for the institution of Akal Takht Sahib and appreciated the role of Sikh religious leaders in reconnecting younger generations and the Sikh diaspora with their faith, history and heritage.

Deo said Sikhs first arrived in Malaysia through Penang and expressed a desire to preserve as heritage the historic route through which the community travelled to the region.

The delegation also highlighted the need to protect historic Sikh institutions and gurdwaras in Malaysia. Deo invited the Jathedar to attend the inaugural ceremony in Malaysia following the completion of restoration and preservation work at the historic Wadda Gurdwara Sahib in Penang.

Located on Jalan in George Town, Wadda Gurdwara Sahib is among the oldest Sikh religious sites in Southeast Asia. Restoration work is currently underway at the more than century-old gurdwara to preserve its original architectural character and religious significance.

Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj welcomed the Malaysian delegation’s commitment to preserving Sikh heritage and historic gurdwaras. He also stressed the importance of safeguarding Sikh identity, Gurbani, traditions and values among younger generations and Sikhs living across the world.