(Image source from: New Strait Times)

An India-origin Sikh politician in Malaysia has took charge as a cabinet minister, the first member of minority community to be appointed as minister in country’s history.

Gobind Singh Deo, 45, has been given the communications and multimedia portfolio among two politicians of Indian descent included in Pakatan Harapan coalition’s cabinet. M Kulasegaran is other Indian-origin lawmaker who has been made the human resource minister.

Deo, son of late Malaysian lawyer and politician Karpal Singh represents Puchong constituency in the Malaysian parliament.

He took oath as a minister at the National Palace during a ceremony at national Palace on Monday after Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad inducted him in the new cabinet.

Deo prior winning this year’s election with a margin of 47,635 votes, he was first elected as Member of Parliament in 2008 general elections and was re-elected to the lower house with an increased margin in 2013.  

"It is good to see Gobind Singh, a member of the Punjabi community in the cabinet. It is a proud and happy occasion for our community. Other than being a recognition of his abilities, it is also a recognition for the long established Punjabi community in Malaysia," quoted by Miri Indian Association president, Councillor Karambir Singh.

Malaysia has about 10,000 Sikh population and Punjabi community in the country hailed the appointment of Deo as a cabinet minister.

By Sowmya Sangam