History books which posit family histories as a major source for systematically constructing historical narratives, especially community constructs, is a rarity in Malaysia. In this context, this study on the Sikh pioneers of Perlis, is a novel and singular initiative undertaken by the author in expanding research to new frontiers. By methodologically examining the family histories of the Sikh pioneers of Perlis and skillfully juxtaposing them with the milieus of local and international events, the author has not only brought to life the trials, tribulations, and achievements of ordinary people, but has successfully constructed a cohesive and holistic community history of the Sikhs of Perlis. The study discovered that Sikhs started coming to Perlis in 1906 and soon began serving in large numbers as police officers and jail warders in the state. Over the years they forged a viable community in their new land of adoption and laid the foundations for future generations of Sikhs in the state. The waxing and waning of the community’s fortunes from 1906 to 1957 ultimately inspired the author to create some new and interesting conceptual categories.
The study however is not only of great value intrinsically but has the potential of immensely enriching the local and national narratives, including the broader Sikh narrative and the comparative discourse on global diaspora. It is a refreshing and captivating read.
About The Author
Professor Emeritus Dr. D.S Ranjit Singh is currently affiliated to the College of Law, Government and International Studies, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah. He was born in Punjab, India in 1944 and immigrated to Perlis, Malaya in 1953. He had his Primary and Secondary education at Stella Maris School, Kangar and Derma English School, Kangar, respectively. From 1964 to 1965 Ranjit went through a teacher training course at the Malayan Teachers College, Kuala Lumpur. He then had his tertiary education at the University of Malaya where he obtained his B.A(Honors) 1972; M.A 1977; & Ph.D 1986.
From 1973 to 2004, Ranjit served with the Department of History, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, University of Malaya in various positions including as Tutor(1973-79), Lecturer (1979-90), Associate Professor (1991-97) and Professor (1998-2004). Since 2006, Ranjit has been attached to the School of International Studies Universiti Utara Malaysia. His areas of specialization include Malaysian History, (Sabah & Sarawak); Political History of Southeast Asia, especially Brunei; International Relations; and Strategic Studies.
Ranjit has written extensively. Among his major publications a Brunei 1838-1983: The Problems of Political Survival, Singapore: Oxford University Press, 1984, Reprint 1991; “Indians in East Malaysia”, K.S. Sandhu and A.Mani, eds., Indian Communities in Southeast Asia, Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore, 1993, Reprint 2006; D.S. Ranjit Singh and Jatswan S. Sidhu, Historical Dictionary of Brunei Darussalam, Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press, Inc; 1997; The Making of Sabah, 1865-1941, Kuala Lumpur: University Of Malaya Press, 2000, Second Edition 2003, Third Edition 2011 (Sabah State Government); and, The Indonesia – Malaysia Dispute Concerning Sovereignty Over Sipadan And Ligitan Islands, Singapore: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore, 2020.
Ranjit was Visiting Scholar/Visiting Professor at the following institutions: School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London (1984, 1991); University of Hiroshima(1996); University of Indiana and University of Utah (1997); and National University of La Plata, Argentina (2000). He was a consultant to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was the leader of the team which prepared the historical evidence for Malaysia’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) pertaining to the country’s sovereignty over Pulau Sipadan and Pulau Ligitan. In 2002, Malaysia won the case when the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in a historic judgment, awarded sovereignty over the two islands to Malaysia. From 2011 to 2012 he also served as a member of the Social Committee to study the History curriculum and text books for secondary schools. The report of the committee was submitted to the Ministry of Education on 15 May 2012. In October 2012, Universiti Utara Malaysia conferred upon him the prestigious title of Professor Emeritus.
