Washington: Several Sikhs in the United States met a senior White House official and discussed issues of concern to the community, including hate crimes, and offered their support to the Bush government.

During their meeting with Tim Goeglein, director of the Public Liaison Office, the Sikh leaders suggested the Bush Administration consider appointing a Sikh to a senior post in a high-ranking government office to help curb hate crimes, the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE) said in a release.

"I was pleased to spend time with this great group of fellow Americans," Goeglein said, while reflecting over the one-hour meeting that took place on September 28.

"We believe that the time is right for the Bush Administration to appoint a Sikh to a high ranking position in the government," said Satinder Singh Rekhi, chief executive officer (CEO) of a large consulting company from Sacramento, California.

There are a large number of qualified Sikhs. The community needs to develop a relationship with the White House and today's effort was a good beginning and it has to be carried on," he said.

"We wanted to convey to President Bush that we as Sikh Americans want to participate fully in his efforts to make America strong and to bring this nation together during these testing times, said SCORE national chairman Dr Rajwant Singh.

During the meeting, the Sikhs asked for assistance of the White House in creating more awareness about Sikh contribution to American life.

PTI