Peranan Gurdwara dalam Pembentukan Identiti Sikh di Malaysia: Antara Ideal dan Praktis

This enthnographical research examines the role of the Sikh Gurdwara in theformation of the Sikh identity in Malaysia. Two aspects were observed: thehistorical and the transformation of the religious institutions. Collection of data was done through participant observation followed by in-depth interviews at two Sikh places of worship: Gurdwara Sahib Tatt Khalsa Diwan (GSTKD) in Kuala Lumpur and Gurdwara Sahib Kota Kinabalu (GSKK) in Sabah. In this study, ten regular visitors to the gurdwaras were interviewed. Various reasons motivated the involvement of the Sikh community in the religious affairs at the gurdwara. These include fulfilling family needs, psychosocial reasons and taking part in religious events organised by the gurdwara. There are two important groups at the gurdwara: the Granthi Sahib (the religious specialist group) and the Gurdwara Management Committee (GMC). This research documents the various conflicts between both groups that had disrupted the smooth flow of the gurdwara s role as a religious institution, in general, and to build the Sikh identity, in particular. The research has also shown major differences between the two gurdwaras in Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in terms of community support, finance, basic amenities and religious program structure. Hence, the understanding and practices of visitors to both gurdwaras show remarkable differences. The Punjabi Peranakan community in Kota Kinabalu clearly has different perceptions of the Sikh religion and identity compared to Sikhs in Semenanjung Malaysia.