| Opinion | Malaysia | 24 Nov 2015 | Asia Samachar |
By Rajinder Kaur
Shunning Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won’t solve our issues and differences in opinion. I would want to meet the Indian Premier if I have the opportunity. But it appears from the decision of the Task Force that it would not have been the right thing to do.
To begin with, on the Punjab issue, I would have gathered the Heads of Sikh organizations and meet the Indian High Commissioner in a closed day meeting to not only submit a memorandum on our sentiments on the issue and but to offer assistance on how we, local Malaysian Sikhs, can work together for the betterment of the Sikh community in India.
SEE ALSO: Some Sikhs ignore call to shun Modi function in KL
SEE ALSO: 22 Sikh NGOs to shun Modi events in Malaysia
Getting bus loads of people to protest, in my view, was not the way forward. From the videos, the people also had no clear direction on what to say or behave unanimously. It wasn’t a good representation of the professionalism and mutual respect we generally carry in our community. Yes, we stand united but there is always a better way of addressing and resolving the issue.
Our link to India in terms of work, business and trade opportunities is through the the Premier and his policies and High Commission authorities. I am not inclined to burn our bridges. Instead, we should leverage on his presence here and the opportunities for our next and future generations. India, after all, is the next growth market and gateway of opportunities.
[This is the personal view of author and not necessarily of the Asia Samachar or any organisation. We welcome feedback. Write to: editor@asiasamachar.com]
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