Ipoh (Malaysia), Sep. 1 (ANI): Following Perak menteri besar Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir's announcement that state executive councillors might be taught Punjabi, the Punjabi Education Trust Malaysia has offered to give free language lessons to the top officers.

Last week, Kadir had said that all state exco members, advisers and other officials would be required to attend Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Tamil classes to help them administer the state better and improve the public delivery system.

PETM is the Punjabi language education wing of the 103-year-old Khalsa Diwan Malaysia (KDM which is allied to the Union of Perak Sikh Organisations, the oldest Sikh organisation in the country, the New Strait Times reports.

Appreciating Kadir's announcement, KDM president and PETM chairman Santokh Singh said the PETM is prepared to offer lessons in Punjabi and Hindi to state government officials.

"He has certainly ventured into new waters ... and on the part of PETM, we will assist the menteri besar in every possible way," Singh said.

Last week, Kadir had said that all state exco members, advisers and other officials would be required to attend Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Tamil classes to help them administer the state better and improve the public delivery system.

Kadir said he is "pleasantly surprised" by PETM's offer.

"It shows the Sikh community in Perak is in favour with the new direction taken by the state government in forging close rapport with all communities and improving the public delivery system.

"I am excited with the offer, especially PETM's wish to give the lessons free of charge," he said, adding that he would leave it to PETM to develop the syllabus. (ANI)