INDIAN PM PROUD OF INDIANS IN M`SIA

By Ravichandran D. J. Paul

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,
scheduled to make a two-day visit to Malaysia beginning Tuesday, is set to
witness a progressive Indian diaspora in the country.

During the visit, he will witness the recognition accorded to Malaysians of
Indian origin when he launches `Little India' in Brickfields, with his
Malaysian counterpart, Najib Tun Razak.

Malaysia National Sikhs Movement (GerakSikh) president G. Darshan
Singh, who last year handed over to Manmohan in New Delhi, his book entitled
'Sikh Community of Malaysia', said the Indian prime minister was impressed
with Malaysia and the Indians there.

He told Bernama in an interview that Manmohan took great interest to find
out
about Sikhs and other Indians in Malaysia, was pleased with Malaysia's
achievements and the Sikh community's contribution to the country.

The Sikhs welcomed Manmohan's visit as it was timely and meaningful, he
said,
adding that it would help cement the bond between the two countries.

"The Sikhs here are proud that a member of their community is leading the
world's biggest democracy," said Darshan, referring to Manmohan whom the TIME
magazine listed as among the world's 100 most influential people in 2010.

On the honour given to the Indian prime minister to launch `Little India'
with Najib, Darshan said it acknowledged the contribution of the people from the
Indian sub-continent who made Malaysia their home.

-- BERNAMA