The upcoming visit of Indian Prime minister received mixed reactions and welcome in Malaysia. While diplomatically ties are strong, both economically and people to people relationship, there are sections of Malaysian Indians who are either unhappy over his visit or wants to take advantage to raise unnecessary issues to gain cheap publicity.
Here’s the feedback from a splinter group of Makkal Sakhti
Manmohan Singh unworthy to open “Little India” in Kuala Lumpur – MMSP
The Malaysia Makkal Sakthi Party (MMSP) Youth Wing said that it does not want Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to open the “Little India” in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, according Free Malaysia Today (FMT) news report Wednesday. N. Ramu, the Youth Wing’s chief said that Manmohan was not the right person because of his government’s failure to protect the Tamils in Sri Lanka, the report said. “We feel that the New Delhi administration virtually did nothing to protect Sri Lankan Tamils.
He just folded his hands and watched thousands of Tamils being killed,” Ramu had said. “Manmohan Singh was voiceless, action-less and care-less to save the besieged community even though numerous reports from the United Nations and independent human rights groups called for urgent action to save the Tamils,” Ram had told FMT.
It is reported that MMSP Youth Wing plans to submit a protest memorandum to the Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur Thursday.Manmohan Singh opening the township would draw condemnation from Tamils around the world given Birckfields’ strong link with Tamil diaspora, Ram had said.
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This is simply a publicity gimmick by the youth wing of Makkal Sakhti, taking a leaf from aggressive approach of Youth Wings of other political parties. This protest received wide coverage in the Tamil Newspapers giving rather unknown Mr Ramu huge publicity within the community, whether good or adverse, I am not sure.
What readers should know is that Sri Lankan Tamils killed during the civil war between the Sri Lankan Government and Tamil Tigers, were Sri Lankan citizens, therefore there are absolutely no reason for Mr Manmohan Singh to interfere in the affairs of another sovereign country.
Readers should also know that apart from the similar language (tamil), there are minimal link between Sri Lankan Tamils and Tamils in South India, even less to Tamils in Malaysia.
These smart alecks from Makkal Sakhti are not even aware of this. While they claimed that Manmohan Singh ‘folded his hands and watched thousand of Sri Lankan Tamils being killed’ I wonder where was Mr Ramu and his brilliant Youth members during the war.
If Mr Ramu was concerned enough, he should have arranged his troops to defend the Tamils. They should have gone to Sri Lanka and defended their blood brothers since Mr Manmohan Singh and India were of no help during the war. Stupidity at the highest order!!
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He comes another well read but uneducated lawyer, representing the original Hindraf.
Website: www.humanrightspartymalaysia.com E-mail: info@humanrightspartymalaysia.com
International media attention on Malaysian Indian poor brought to Manmohan’s K.L visit.(Media Statement 25/10/10)
In a series of media statements HINDRAF and HRP has appealed to the Prime Minister of India to take up the issues of the violation of Human Rights against the Indian minority in Malaysia and about their welfare.The Press Trust of India, the official news agency of India carried a statement on the 20th of Oct “ P.Waytha Moorthy, the leader of a prominent Hindu rights group today appealed to the Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh, ahead of his visit to Malaysia to take up the issue of “serious human rights violations” of the ethnic community with his Malaysian counterpart. This statement was feeder to the media throughout India.
On the 23rd of Oct, The Hindu, one of the oldest daily in South India elaborated on that statement. Welcoming Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s planned visit to Malaysia next week, the Hindu Rights Action Force Makkal Sakthi (HINDRAF) has urged him to raise issues concerning the welfare of ethnic Indian minority in that country.
They appealed to Dr. Singh to show a sense of “moral responsibility” towards the Malaysian Indiansby placing the “concerns” of ethnic Indians on the agenda with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. Referring to the planned opening of “Little India” in Kuala Lumpur, Mr. Uthayakumar of the political wing of HINDRAF wrote: “The significance is only symbolic. Little India is no more than a little flower bazaar.
Of greater significance to the Indian community in Malaysia will be … the provision of scholarships … [for] study in Indian universities.”In making this statement HINDRAF and HRP was again bringing focus to the issues of discrimination against high performing Malaysian Indian students in the awards of scholarships, places in Universities and in the matriculation Pre –U stream in Malaysia.
Meanwhile on the 22nd of October, BBC Tamil radio carried a live interview with Mr.Waytha Moorthy , the Chairperson of HINDRAF, on the status of the Indians in Malaysia. On the question of whether any of the utterances coming out of the UMNO General Assembly, meant any difference, Mr Waythamoorthy’s responded that it was all just rhetoric coming as it does just a few months before a possible snap poll in 2011.
Waytha Moorthy reiterated that HINDRAF’s struggle was a long struggle and it is a peaceful struggle to achieve a better future for the Indian minority in Malaysia.All of this attention to the issue of the welfare of the Indian Minority rights coming up as it does on the heels of the Indian Prime Minister’s visit does raise a few interesting questions. T
he politics within Malaysia does not now seem to have answers for the distressed situation of the Indian community in Malaysia? There is plenty of rhetoric, but little in the form of effective solutions. There is clear need for change in the political arrangements within Malaysia if this problem is to be ultimately resolved. There is now a need for intervention.
1) Given the intricacies of International diplomacy will India intervene and accept to play any role in this issue?
2) What will be the ramification of an Indian community that continues to be in distress in Malaysia to India and to India-Malaysia relations as India develops in stature around the region?
3) Is business and regional security, the only plane on which India will engage with Malaysia, does it not have a moral responsibility for the welfare of people of Indian origin here due to its historical and cultural affinity, like the rest of the Islamic world have for the plight of the Palestinians?
4) Given the growing business clout of India should it not use some of that tobargain a better life for the Indians in Malaysia?
5) Will India not benefit from an upliftment of the Indian community here inMalaysia?
6) And finally how will Malaysia view intervention from India?N.Ganesan , the Advisor to Hindraf and HRP adds, “ it is timely, with Dr,Manmohan Singh’s visit that some of these questions, be squarely addressed. Ignoring them – Dr. Singh and the Government of India have not responded to several approaches by HINDRAF and HRP for positive intervention on these issues, is to lose a significant opportunity for leadership.
India as a leading nation in the region, coupled with the cultural and historical affinity to the Indians in the country does have a moral responsibility to intervene. Does the Government of India have the vision to see it in this light?”
P. UthayakumarSecretary General (pro-tem)
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Uthayakumar appears to be slightly smarter than Mr Ramu of Makkal Sakhti as here he realizes that Indian Prime Minister cannot interfere in the affair of another country but still hold Mr Manmohan Singh ‘morally responsible’ for Indians elsewhere in the globe.
Uthayakumar appears to be living in a world of his own. Uthaya should know better of the situation in India where scholarship or seats in Indian Universities are also allocated based of Caste Quota. Read here for more information
Uthaya should have known proposals for slight increase or decrease in any caste quota has led to various demonstrations by various caste group. How is that different than in Malaysia in terms of affirmative action? Uthaya should also study this quota system in India where it favours the upper class Indians rather than the Dalits (untouchables) and numerous attempts to revise these quota has met with strong resistance from the rich and politically influential upper class Indians.
More on this here
The situation is actually reverse in Malaysia, where every year, the seats reserved for non-malays are increasing. There are also PTPTN for funding should anyone (regardless of race) chose to study in any accredited colleges or private universities. There is neither such facility nor funding available in India.
Similar predicament is faced by lower caste Indians in gaining employment in the government and private sector. In Malaysia, the government is begging the non-Malays to join the civil service.
Uthayakumar should also realise that Mr Manmohan Singh has far more headaches to take care in his own country rather than worry about Indians who have far better life in Malaysia. In fact, Mr Manmohan Singh might have been grateful than thousand of Indian citizens are gainfully employed in Malaysia. In India there is almost 100 Million Indian who lives with less than USD 1 per day.
Uthayakumar thinks Malaysians are stupid and can be taken in by his constant criticism and half truths. He also thinks Manmohan Singh is dumb enough to believe what he has to say. Mr Manmohan Singh clearly knows that it is his ‘moral responsibility’ to manage problem faced by Indian citizens as a matter of priority, and he clearly knows that it might not be even achieved in his lifetime. He do not have to listen to some brilliant lawyer from Malaysia who wants him to intervene for the benefit of few thousand Indians who happened to be Malaysian citizens. It can’t sound more brilliant than this.
I suggest Mr Uthaya kumar spread his wings to India and fight for the rights of the lower class Indians who face greater challenge in terms discrimination, police brutality, corruption and manipulation of the rich. He may even end up replacing Mr Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister Of India if he succeeds, something that is not possible in Malaysia. He can then be ‘morally responsible’ for the welfare of Indians around the globe, that includes Malaysian Indians.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Selangor's Hindu Temples & Warisan Merdeka Tower
The Selangor State government has decided to go ahead with building a temple in Section 23, Shah Alam. This is an addition to another temple to built to replace the infamous Kampung jawa temple. Read here.
This might bring about another round a chaos within the residents there. As I have written before, both Pakatan Rakyat and BN are just pandering to the newly found political power of Indians without thinking about whether there is such a need for another temple in this country.
It was reported before that there are about 18,000 Hindu temples in various sizes and locations around the country to cater for about 1.5 million.
Out of that, I believe, based on my estimates roughly only 10% visit temples on weekly basis consistently, the rest only go to temples whenever there are some religious and non-religious events and celebrations or when somebody decides to give free food or slaughter some cows in the name of sacrifice.
A decently sized temple cost roughly RM 2 Million. The more elaborate ones cost 2 or 3 times more.
I would rather be happier if the Selangor State government spent the money on children education. If they chose cheaply to focus on getting Indian votes, might as well provide financial assistance for Indian students or at least buy some books for Tamil School library around the state.
That would be a reasonable good investment that would certainly go a long way improving the social economical situation of the community.
While Hindu temple can be a sensitive issue. I don’t see a reason why any more Hindu temple to be built in this country.
What is a Hindu temple contribution to the Indian Community as a whole? Apart from providing a place for them to worship various deities of their choice, basically none.
It does not pay well to the priest, it is costly to maintain, it is usually headed manned by people with political interest, it has been proven to split local community into various factions.
Worst, power struggle in the past has resulted in frictions within groups resulting in violence and even deaths. Few thousand goats has lost it’s life at temples, sacrificed in the name of god, even though there is no such requirements in the first place.
Every year, annual temple celebrations are held costing a bomb, an event that last for a day. Multiply that by 18,000 and imagine how much of money are spent down the drain in one day.
If it could be proven that these celebrations and prayers do contribute to the well being of the community and enhancement of their life standards as well as wealth, I have no complains or disputes.
However, this cannot be proven if you look at the high crime rate, poverty and overall condition of sections of the community.
What is definitely proven is that, Indians and families who provide strong emphasis and invest in their children’s education has seen an overall improvement to their lives in the long term.
Spend more on vocational training, scholarship and entrepreneur development. This will ensure visible and positive returns and not some prayers and celebrations that are not proven to improve the Indian community.
Instead of building the temple in Shah Alam, why not go on a registration drive in Shah Alam to register all Indian school drop outs and enroll them onto some skill training.
Therefore, governments and Indian leaders should make full use of their brains rather than their heart when assessing Indian issues. It is the mindset that needs to be changed and the solution is certainly not building another temple or spending to maintain existing ones.
As for Pakatan Rakyat, they may succeed in becoming the ultimate Indian Champions but will certainly will be losers in the long term if they do not asses the issues appropriately and take proactive and pragmatic measures to assist the community.
Repeating the same tricks of charming Indians by building temples will not last long, have they not seen enough of BN using the same tricks for more than half a century? Don’t Pakatan Indian leaders have the guts and brains to do something more positive to change the mindsets of Indians.
At the moment, none dare to be the visionary and do something different for the community and assist them where it is needed most. At the moment, looks like they just want votes and support to stay in power.
When Pakatan Rakyat criticized BN government’s 100 Storey Warisan Merdeka tower, they don’t realise that they are also just doing the same here in Selangor by building 2 Hindu Temples that does not bring about any benefits to the Indian or local community. On top of this, millions of Ringgit of tax payers money are also being donated carelessly to temples in Selangor, just to boost the popularity of state government and certain Exco Leader.
At least, the Warisan Merdeka tower will certainly result in numerous economic spin off and benefits various sections of businesses and people as a whole. What does the hindu temple bring about if not more problems in the future!.
This might bring about another round a chaos within the residents there. As I have written before, both Pakatan Rakyat and BN are just pandering to the newly found political power of Indians without thinking about whether there is such a need for another temple in this country.
It was reported before that there are about 18,000 Hindu temples in various sizes and locations around the country to cater for about 1.5 million.
Out of that, I believe, based on my estimates roughly only 10% visit temples on weekly basis consistently, the rest only go to temples whenever there are some religious and non-religious events and celebrations or when somebody decides to give free food or slaughter some cows in the name of sacrifice.
A decently sized temple cost roughly RM 2 Million. The more elaborate ones cost 2 or 3 times more.
I would rather be happier if the Selangor State government spent the money on children education. If they chose cheaply to focus on getting Indian votes, might as well provide financial assistance for Indian students or at least buy some books for Tamil School library around the state.
That would be a reasonable good investment that would certainly go a long way improving the social economical situation of the community.
While Hindu temple can be a sensitive issue. I don’t see a reason why any more Hindu temple to be built in this country.
What is a Hindu temple contribution to the Indian Community as a whole? Apart from providing a place for them to worship various deities of their choice, basically none.
It does not pay well to the priest, it is costly to maintain, it is usually headed manned by people with political interest, it has been proven to split local community into various factions.
Worst, power struggle in the past has resulted in frictions within groups resulting in violence and even deaths. Few thousand goats has lost it’s life at temples, sacrificed in the name of god, even though there is no such requirements in the first place.
Every year, annual temple celebrations are held costing a bomb, an event that last for a day. Multiply that by 18,000 and imagine how much of money are spent down the drain in one day.
If it could be proven that these celebrations and prayers do contribute to the well being of the community and enhancement of their life standards as well as wealth, I have no complains or disputes.
However, this cannot be proven if you look at the high crime rate, poverty and overall condition of sections of the community.
What is definitely proven is that, Indians and families who provide strong emphasis and invest in their children’s education has seen an overall improvement to their lives in the long term.
Spend more on vocational training, scholarship and entrepreneur development. This will ensure visible and positive returns and not some prayers and celebrations that are not proven to improve the Indian community.
Instead of building the temple in Shah Alam, why not go on a registration drive in Shah Alam to register all Indian school drop outs and enroll them onto some skill training.
Therefore, governments and Indian leaders should make full use of their brains rather than their heart when assessing Indian issues. It is the mindset that needs to be changed and the solution is certainly not building another temple or spending to maintain existing ones.
As for Pakatan Rakyat, they may succeed in becoming the ultimate Indian Champions but will certainly will be losers in the long term if they do not asses the issues appropriately and take proactive and pragmatic measures to assist the community.
Repeating the same tricks of charming Indians by building temples will not last long, have they not seen enough of BN using the same tricks for more than half a century? Don’t Pakatan Indian leaders have the guts and brains to do something more positive to change the mindsets of Indians.
At the moment, none dare to be the visionary and do something different for the community and assist them where it is needed most. At the moment, looks like they just want votes and support to stay in power.
When Pakatan Rakyat criticized BN government’s 100 Storey Warisan Merdeka tower, they don’t realise that they are also just doing the same here in Selangor by building 2 Hindu Temples that does not bring about any benefits to the Indian or local community. On top of this, millions of Ringgit of tax payers money are also being donated carelessly to temples in Selangor, just to boost the popularity of state government and certain Exco Leader.
At least, the Warisan Merdeka tower will certainly result in numerous economic spin off and benefits various sections of businesses and people as a whole. What does the hindu temple bring about if not more problems in the future!.
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