Jagdeep vows to serve all as Penang deputy CM II

Newly appointed Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo has vowed to serve all, instead of only the Indian community and minority groups.

“I’m here to serve all. Even under the 1906 Hindu Endowments Board Ordinance, if you look at the meaning of a Hindu, it includes Sikhs.

“India had a Sikh PM. Like Manmohan Singh, I have taken care of thousands of Hindu groups and will continue to take care of them,” the DAP leader told an interview with FMT.

Jagdeep (above) was referring to a remark by his predecessor, P Ramasamy that the state DCM II post was reserved for an Indian of Tamil origin following the Hindraf rally in 2007.

Commenting on the claim, Jagdeep said Ramasamy's claim was "petty and racist", and urged the latter to "stop stirring up a non-issue”.

According to Jagdeep, the deputy CM II role, which was conceptualised by his late father Karpal Singh, was to advance Indian interests and not reserved for Tamils alone.

Former Penang deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy

The Datok Keramat assemblyperson, who will head the human capital development, science, and technology portfolio stressed that he would shed his predecessor's image with his "refreshed" role in the state leadership line-up.

Among his focus is moving Penang towards renewable energy by tapping into solar and wind energy, he said.

Plus, he also plans to set up more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

Jagdeep said that his late father would have been proud to see how far he has come.

“He had only one piece of advice for me, which was to work the hardest for the people, regardless of your position.

“He would be happy to see where I am today and I miss him dearly." - Mkini