| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 27 May 2017 | Asia Samachar
Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC) leadership received a thumping endorsement from members for its handling of issues that seems to have divided parts of the local Sikh community and saw some launching vitriolic attacks via the social media.
The council, representing some 120 gurdwaras nationwide, had called for decided to put the matter to the floor after receiving severe criticism from certain groups.
At the emergency general meeting (EGM) today (27 May 2017), a huge majority of the members who attended voted in favour of a resolution regretting the attacks on MGC and rejecting attempts to divide the community.
“We are humbled with this overwhelming support on MGC’s stand on Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Shabad Guru, the panth parvanik Sikh Reht Maryada and the Akaal Takhat Sahib. Unity will prevail,” MGC president told Asia Samachar in a telephone conversation after the conclusion of the meeting.
The meeting was attended by 140 MGC executive members and gurdwara representatives. The solution was passed with 106 in favour, 15 against and one abstaining.
The resolution read: “The EGM notes with regret the recent attacks by groups and individuals against the Malaysian Gurdwaras Council and its leadership and the EGM therefore resolves and strongly urges all Sanggat and Gurdwaras to remain united against such challenges and reject any attempt to divide.”
A few gurdwara representatives had raised issues as to how the MGC leadership had dealt with issues concerning DG, including levelling accusations that they had used false documents. They had also criticised Asia Samachar for supposedly being the mouthpiece of the council.
“For me, this vote shows they reject acts of violence, extremis and they want peace.
“They also noted the Pusing meeting on 13 May 2017 where MGC, Khalsa Diwan Malaysia (KDM) and Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) were attacked. The voting shows they rejected such attacks,” Jagir said.
In the gathering at Gurdwara Sahib Pusing, a gurdwara in the state of Perak, a pressure group were lobbying Perak gurdwaras to overthrow the present MGC leadership, largely on the premise that Jagir and his team at the council are against the Dasam Granth. However, it is understood that were unable to marshal widespread support from the 42 gurdwaras in the state.
“MGC calls on all Sikh societies, gurdwaras and the Sanggat to unite so that extreme elements amongst us will come to the right path,” he said.
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