Sikhs in Kedah gives full backing to BN

THE Sungai Petani Sikh Association has pledged full support for the Barisan Nasional.

Its president Datuk Dr Joginder Singh said the association sup-ported Barisan for continuous unity, progress and security.

“The Sikh community is thank- ful for the help and support given by the government and the former Member of Parlia- ment. We will continue to give our support,” said Dr Joginder Singh.

He said that although the Sikh community was a minority group, it had played its part in nation building.

He said previously, the Sikhs were involved in petty trades and security but today through better education, many of them have become professionals.

Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the country had assimilated the various races since Merdeka.

“The Barisan Government has been providing good education, economic development, a good social society and a safe place to live in for all,” Mahdzir said at the Malam Muhibbah Masya- rakat Sikh Kedah dinner held at the Beng Siew Hall in Sungai Pe-tani.

STAR, 26/2/2008

Sikhs rally behind Barisan hopefuls: Ong Ka Chuan & Veerasingam

BIDOR: The Sikh community here has pledged their support for Barisan Nasional candidates Datuk Ong Ka Chuan and Datuk S. Veerasingam.

About 100 people from the community turned up at the Bidor Sikh Temple to show support for Ong, who is contesting the Tanjung Malim parliamentary seat, and Sungkai state seat candidate Veerasingam.

Malaysia National Sikhs Movement president Tan Sri G. Darshan Singh said even though the Sikh population was small but there was no doubt that the community had been loyal to the Barisan Nasional.

"The track record of the Barisan government speaks louder than words and we need it to be a strong government for the next 50 years and more," he said.

Ong expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the community, who showed their support him regardless of their racial background.

"As elected representatives, our responsibility is to plan for the future and stability of the people," the Perak MCA chief said.

"We will also bring development in terms of infrastructure, amenities and education," he added.

He said the Barisan was representing people from various races and its duty was to look into the interest of the different communities.

Ong, who is also MCA secretary-general, also promised to work for the betterment of the community and fulfil its needs and requirements if he were to be elected.

"Your problems will be mine and I hope to get your support in the general election," he said.

Veerasingam urged the community to show unity in ensuring victory for the Barisan.

"The Barisan government will work for the benefits of the Sikh community and to ensure that your interest will be taken care of," he said.

Star 2/3/2008

Sikh Teachers in Malaysian Government School

Forwarded : - ATTENTION: A Government agency has asked to identify about 60 sikh TEACHERS currently teaching in government schools. They should be preferably teaching in secondary schools, but those in primary schools are also eligible. The only other qualification is that they should have some knowledge of reading and writing gurmukhi [punjabi].

Note: As long as you can read and write SOME punjabi, you will be okay.

These teachers are required to participate in brainstorming workshops for about 2 to 3 one-week sessions. All expenses will be borne by the said Agency. Participants will be entitled to unrecorded leave from their place of work, and participation in these sessions would be counted in the annual assessment. Lecturers in government training colleges, politechnics and universities are also eligible to participate.

The names of those intrested should be sent to Mr. Autar Singh [PETM Vice President] either by email at autarsinghsj@yahoo.com OR by sms at 012-2055011 as soon as you see this message.

They can also contact GERAKSIKH Headquarters at 05-2418177 or its Secretary General, Mr. Amarjit Singh Gill at 0125008889 and we can also forward the names to Mr. Autar Singh.

The following details are required:
Full name [including a/l or a/p]:
NRIC number [new]:
School:
H/P number:

Please forward this message to eligible teachers that you know.

Launch of 1st Malaysian Produced Urban Bhangra Album 'LOADED'

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- A three-year labour of love by two brothers, Saturday saw the launch of a debut album containing local Bhangra songs, with a dash of Malaysian flavour.

Calling themselves 'Goldkartz', Manjit Singh Gill @ M-ji and Sukhjit Singh Gill @ Surj performed during the launch of the album at the city centre Saturday.

Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha launched the album.

Called "Loaded", the album is designed to be unique as compared to other Bhangra music as it contains Malaysian elements, including multi-lingual songs such as `Identitimu', which has Malay lyrics.

"We wanted to reflect the cosmopolitan society of Malaysia through our music.

"We also feel the time is right for a Malaysian urban bhangra album as currently there is a vacuum in the local music scene," said Manjit.

The album is a three-year labour of love by the brothers. It not only focuses on the traditional Punjabi folk song themes but also adds in the modern dimensions such as hip-hop, R&B, house and trance music styles.

Even Karyawan Association Malaysia president Freddie Fernandez was impressed by the quality of the album.

He said it had the potential to penetrate the international markets in England and India where there is a strong bhangra following.

"I am confident we can find a fan base in these countries. The album is of international quality and I can see that there is something innovative and original in the album," added Fernandez.

-- BERNAMA

Bhangra to call our own

Diversity is the name of the local music scene so don't be surprised when you're hit with a dose of urban Bhangra music thanks to the hard work of two local boys Surj (real name Sukhjit Gill) and Manjit Singh (M-Ji). Together the duo are known as Goldkartz and tomorrow will see the official launch of their debut album, Loaded, in Kuala Lumpur.

Loaded dares take Bhangra music to new heights as it is a combination of eastern and western influences such as hip hop, R'n'B, House, Trance and Drum'n'Bass. On top of it, the album boasts lyrics in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Tamil and Punjabi, of course. It also features local guest artistes such as MC Syze, Dareyno, K-Town Clan and Natchatra. Most important of all though, Loaded is the first Malaysian produced Bhangra album as all recordings, songwriting, production, mixing and mastering was done in Malaysia. Well done boys!
Star, 18/1/2008