At a recent event in Perak to celebrate the Sikh Vaisakhi (New Year) event, Perak Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin made a blunder in addressing the Sikhs present as Bengalis. Some of those present apparently walked out.

For sure the reference to Sikhs as Bengalis was not right, more so when it came from a senior learnered man (in this case the MB of Perak). We live in a multi-racial, multi-culture and multi-religious society and the least any community could expect, especially from politicians and senior members of society, is to be referred to correctly.

On the other hand, we should also take note that the Perak MB immediately issued an apology and this should be accepted in good faith by every individual of the community. He has acknowledged his mistake.

On the other hand, Sikhs must also play an active role in educating people by informing them the difference between a Punjabi and Bengali. I don't think that it is derogatory to be referred to as Bengalis because the Bengalis are also people.

Bengalis come from Calcutta in India and also from Bangladesh when both were one before the Partition. We must acknowledge the fact that the Bengali people are very inteligent and are renowned writers.

In this instance, the term ‘Bengali’ was only used in the wrong context and. Why should anyone be offended? The act of leaving the function venue was definitely not a right thing to do and this showed disrespect which is definitely not a trait of the Sikh community.

Let this serve as a lesson to all and we hope that such a mistake is not repeated, be it in reference to any community.