George Miller
Seventh District
California

February 6, 2000

Members of the Sikh Center
3550 Hillcrest Road
El Sobrante, CA 94803

Dear Friends:

I am saddened that I cannot be here with you today to pay tribute to Mr. Ajmer Singh Malhi.  I have a longstanding family obligation that I must attend.

Today I join members of this congregation as well as the Sikh Community in mourning the loss of a very highly respected individual.  Mr. Ajmer S. Malhi was a loving and dedicated family member, a diligent human rights activist and a tireless leader in our community.  As a math teacher and mentor in the Oakland Unified School District, Mr. Malhi was a popular educator who inspired his students.  Indeed, his good work will be truly missed.  I urge everyone who was touched by Mr. Malhi’s wonderful works, his children, his students, his religious family and his community, to continue on his vision for a peaceful and tolerant society.

Tragedies such as this can no longer be tolerated, and I look forward to working with the Sikh Community, and the community in general, to explore ways to reduce violent, senseless acts like this in the future.

I treasure the relationship we have developed over the years, and I look forward to sitting down with you to discuss this tragedy and other matters that reflect the interests of the Sikh Community.

Again, I join in your sorrow for such an untimely death.

Sincerely,

George Miller
Member of Congress