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THEY received him with song, and cheered when he put on a white turban. On Saturday, nearly 3000 Sikhs welcomed Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew as he opened the community's newly renovated Bhai Maharaj Singh Memorial Temple in Bukit Merah.
It has been a while since MM Lee wore the head dress - a cultural symbol of the Sikh community. The last time he did so was in the 1990s at a community event.
Putting on the turban, MM Lee appeared relaxed. The act set the tone for the evening, when during his address to the audience, MM Lee spoke of how the Sikhs' traditions had enriched the nation's cultural identity.
'You have maintained your distinct cultural and religious identity through your gurdwaras (temples), clubs and societies, adding to Singapore's cultural richness.'
MM Lee also commended the community for setting up institutions to help the needy, such as its Sikh Welfare Council and Young Sikhs Association.
Pointing to how well the community had done over the years, including producing prominent members in the judiciary and government office, MM Lee said: 'We are even-handed to all communities to practice their religions, their traditions and their cultures.'
Read the full story in The Sunday Times.
