Sikh MP in NZ and the State of Sikh MPs
Unfortunately South East Asia’s coverage in The Langar Hall remains sparse, except for often tragic stories that make the world headlines.
Here we report on something much more pleasant.
It seems that in New Zealand, we have our first Sikh elected as a member of parliament (MP). Delhi-born businessman, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, won his precinct as a member of the conservative National Party, winning the immigrant-dominated Manukau East constituency in suburban Auckland.
Now I am the first to admit that I don’t know much about New Zealand’s politics, nor much about the National Party (other than that the “Nats” seemed poised to form the new government in New Zealand, after nearly a decade of Labour Party rule).
Still for some strange ethnic solidarity purpose (although I have a feeling I would have not voted for Bakshi), I do think his victory is a good thing for New Zealand in general and the Sikh community there in particular.
Reflecting on the results of the recent Canadian elections, I have created a sort of informal list of national-level elected leaders that come from Sikh backgrounds as of 2008. Do you have any others to add to the list?
- Kanwaljit Bakshi – New Zealand
- Navdeep Bains – Canada
- Gurbax Malhi – Canada
- Tim Uppal – Canada
- Ruby Dhalla – Canada
- Devinder Shory – Canada
- Nina Grewal – Canada
- Ujjal Dosanjh – Canada
- Sukh Dhaliwal – Canada
- Parmjit Dhanda – UK
- Marsha Singh – UK
- Navjot Sidhu – India
- Parmjit Gulshan – India
- Sukhbir Badal – India
- Zora Mann – India
- Gurjit Rana – India
- Sharanjit Dhillon – India
- Preneet Kaur – India
- Charanjit Atwal – India
- Sukhdev Libra – India
- Sukhdev Dhindsa – India
- Karpal Singh Deo – Malaysia
- Gobind Singh Deo – Malaysia
- Inderjit Singh – Singapore (thank you Singh is King!)
Am I missing some?
As mentioned, it is remarkable that we have 24 MPs, with 14 coming from outside South Asia.
12 Responses to “Sikh MP in NZ and the State of Sikh MPs”
What immediately sticks out to me is the small number in the UK. Reflections?
What immediately sticks out to me is the small number in the UK. Reflections?
You are missing Inderjit Singh from Singapore, sir.
You are missing Inderjit Singh from Singapore, sir.
Thank you Singh is King, just added it! Any others?
In Canada,MP Devinder Shory is kattarr Hindu, not a Sikh. After the recent election on May 2nd, Gurbax Malhi, Navdeep Bains, Ruby Dhalla, Sukh Dhaliwal and Ujjal Dosanjh (anti Sikh) are defeated. Only Sikh MPs in Canada now are – Tim Uppal, Nina Grewal, Parm Gill (elected on May 2nd) and Bal Gosal (elected on May 2nd) in the governing Conservative party ( Nina (Narinder Kaur) Grewal, the most senior MP is also the first woman Sikh MP elected in Canada and with her husband Gurmant S Grewal, they are the first couple in Canadian history to get elected in 2004 to serve consecutively in Parliament). Gurmant Grewal was the strong proponent of Sikh cause in Canadian Parliament. His speech (only speech) on Sikhism, 5 kakars and the importance of Vaisakhi and contribution of Sikhs is the best speech one can give in 10 minutes in Parliament.). Ujjal Dosanjh has done more damage to Sikhs than any politician in Indian diaspora. Other Sikh MPs have generally been only show pieces.
Thank you Singh is King, just added it! Any others?
It seems that Mr. Bakshi may not be so popular within the Sikh community. The World Sikh News reports:
It seems that Mr. Bakshi may not be so popular within the Sikh community. The World Sikh News reports:
add Marsha Singh from the UK
add Marsha Singh from the UK
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