| Ipoh, Malaysia | 25 April 2016 | Asia Samachar |
The Perak state government has allocated RM100,000 towards the 13 Punjabi Education Centres (PECs) operating in the state.
Perak Chief Minister Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir had earlier committed a minimum sum of RM65,000 for development of Sikhs, particularly in the area of education, when officiating the Vaisakhi Open House for the third consecutive year.
The funding amount was later increased to RM100,000, the organising committee chairman Dr Jasvinder Singh confirmed when contacted by Asia Samachar.
In February 2015, 13 Punjabi Education Centres (PECs) in Perak received funding of RM5,000 each, totalling RM65,000, from the state government. The funding was carved out from the RM500,000 budget allocated for the Sikh community by the state government.
In the Johor state level Vaisakhi function, the state government had committed an allocation of RM200,000 for the administrative and maintenance costs of the six gurdwaras in the state.
SEE ALSO: Perak PEC centres get total RM65k funding
SEE ALSO: Johor gurdwaras to receive annual state funding
At the Vaisakhi function, Dr Zambry lauded Sikhs, despite being small in numbers, for helming commendable positions across professions such as doctors and lawyers, citing that Sikhs play an integral role in contributing towards the larger development.
The open house, now in its third edition, is collectively organised by the State Government in collaboration with the local gurdwaras and Sikh non-governmental associations in Perak, according to a statement released on behalf of the organising team.
Open house is a Malaysian tradition where communities hold a free food and fanfare like programme open to everyone. Usually, people just walk into the programme without requiring an invite or prior confirmation of attendance.
Highlights of the event included performances by children from various Punjabi schools in the state, traditional folklore featuring the giddha, bhangra and dhol, scrumptous spread of Punjabi delicacies and exhibitions on the Punjabi culture as well as martial arts or Gatka.
Sikhs students who achieved exponential results for the SPM examination were given recognition, whereas about 70 underprivileged children received goody bags during the event.
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The Perak State government has allocated RM100,000 towards the 13 Punjabi Education Centres (PECs) operating in the state
Let us hope that the MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE will practice the culture of TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY in the case of RM100K received from taxpayers’ funds. Other State Governments have also been very generous this Vaisakhi and provided substantial funds to several Gurdwaras and Sikh NGOs for various purposes.
It is strongly recommended that periodical [say Quarterly] Financial Statements, Progress and Status should be issued and published regarding the manner these funds, including other funds, have been used and managed and thus the Sanggat is in the know instead of restricting information to Committee Members and during Annual General Meetings to registered members. TRANSPARENCY LEADS TO ACCOUNTABILITY AND ENCOURAGES SANGGAT TO PROVIDE MORE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WHEN REQUIRED AS IT PROVIDES CONFIDENCE IN THE HANDLING OF FINANCES BY THE MANAGEMENT.
ASSURANCES THAT THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN AUDITED AND THESE HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED CONFIDENCE THAT THE FUNDS HAVE BEEN MANAGED WITHOUT ANY POSSIBILITIES OF ‘MISMANAGEMENT-FRAUD-CORRUPTION’ DEALINGS.
The culture of secrecy gives rise to Perception of possible MISMANAGEMENT & FRAUDS.
Please refer to my earlier article on TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN GURDWARAS AND SIKH NGOs FUNDS which was published in ASIA SAMACHAR.
Sadly little is known about similar donations received earlier by other Sikh NGOs and Gurdwaras.
CHANGE OF MINDSET AND MONITORING OF FUNDS IS CRITICAL BEFORE MISMANAGEMENT AND FRAUD BECOMES REALITY AND THIS MUST START FROM LEADERS FOR PREVENTION.