HINDRAF135-3-A
Jalan Toman 7
Kemayan Square
70200Seremban.
PRESS STATEMENT – 27 Sept 2008
RE: DEMOLITION OF SRI MAHA KALIAMMAN TEMPLE AMPANG
DR XAVIER JAYAKUMAR OF PAKATAN EXCO LOST THE PLOT ON TEMPLE “NOT REGISTERED ACCORDING TO THEIR FORMAT”.PAKATAN GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT FOLLOW THEIR PREDECESSORSATTITUDE OF MISLEADING THE PEOPLE ON “REGISTER” ISSUE.IS PAKATAN GOVERNMENT WILLING TO LODGE POLICE REPORTS ON AMPANG JAYA MUNICIPAL COUNCIL??
HINDRAF is shocked with the statement made by Dr.Xavier Jayakumar which appears to echo that of the usual excuses given by BN and UMNO leaders that Temples are demolished because they are not “registered”.
We maintain our stand that there are no provisions currently under the Law to register the existence of a Temple and that this and all temples exist legally under Article 11 of the Federal Constitution. The issue of legality of a Temple does not exist at all and it is a duty of the Government to provide land and funds for places of worships belonging to any and all religious groups.
The statement by Dr. Jayakumar that the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple is not registered with the Selangor State Council and that it did not fulfil the “format” of registration is a joke and makes a mockery of the basic right to worship of every citizen. It appears the Pakatan Government is singing the same tune of the previous Barisan Government in misleading the community to believe that the temple committee was at fault for not registering the temple.We challenge Dr Jayakumar and his Pakatan Government to produce the necessary provisions of the state Law that stipulated the necessity of the so-called “format”. To add insult to injury he had the audacity to say this is not a Temple but a shrine.
Is he trying to indicate that it was okay to demolish a shrine? How less is a shrine than a temple?? The problem with these politicians is they do not give a dam about the feelings ofHindus and the need to provide and gazette places of worships belonging to Hindus.HINDRAF have specifically written to the 5 Pakatan led Governments to gazette all temples (which is directly under their purview) but till date they have not taken any positive steps to do the same and keep misleading the people in the same way BN did.
HINDRAF is taken aback with the statement that the MPAJ had ordered the demolition of the Temple without knowledge or directive of the state Government. If the statement of Dr.Xavier is true he should take the most responsible step by lodging police report and insist the police initiate criminal proceedings against MPAJ for theirCriminal act under the penal Code for defiling a place of worship.
The statement by Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin justifying the demolition of the temple on grounds of misunderstanding between MPAJ and temple management on renovation works and documentation is another mockery. Is it consistent with good Governance to demolish a place of worship should there be a “misunderstanding”. Would anyone in MPAJ dare demolish a mosque?
HINDRAF hereby calls on the Selangor Government to stop playing politics and mislead the people and immediately gazette all places of worships and provide land and funding for the purposes of erection of places of worships belonging to Hindus and non-Muslims.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman HINDRAF
Here you go, can all the HINDRAF supporters who voted for the opposition wake up or do they need some divine intervention to open their eyes?.
"Valge 'Makkal Shakti', Hidup 'Makkal Sakhti', Long Live 'Makkal Sakhti'
This is the what I heard and also received through sms when Pakatan Rakyat won in 5 states in the March 8 General Elections. Now Dr Xavier is singing the same tune as BN, it seems. It was also reported that there's at least another 10 temples or shrines nearby.
Now, it's a case of some fools being fooled by another group of fools. Now the fools, who were fooled, would be wondering who else can they turn to.
They should all run to their leader in UK and enjoy the begining of winter and shout 'Makkal Sakhti' at the Trafalgar Square until someone listens.
PS. Wonder why the Hindraf chairman has yet to be able to secure something in UK despite being there for almost a year now. Who is funding his stay and what does he do for living? Mr Waytaa, I am still waiting for my Million Ringgit you promised.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Unity And The Required Change
So, there’s no change in the federal government. So what, let move on says a friend of mine.
For 6 months the nation was gripped with political uncertainty that, for many, we just forgot how to live our lives.
Most of the casual talk, jokes and meetings turn to political talk, Anwar, BN, UMNO, Racial Conflict, Pakatan Rakyat, Sept 16, sodomy etc..
I did a flashback of my own and realised that I did exactly the same, most of my casual conversations with family members, relatives and friends had somehow leaned towards the political situation in the country.
To ensure that I am not the only one, I did check with few friends of mine and they agreed that they felt the same.
After decades of political stability, we are at the crossroads and for many; this is something that we never felt before. Perhaps, some felt the same in 1998, but majority did go about doing their business.
I feel the fault lies with human nature of having certain expectations all the time, it just that what is expected has changed over the time.
In the 50s, 60s and 70s, the expectations has been to provide food on the table, adequate education as Malaysians at the time did not want their children to end up like them.
During Mahathir's era, education took priority in the 80s and people's expectation changed from just putting food on the table to having a house and car, not as a progression towards attaining wealth and property but just that it had become a necessity.
In the 90s, Malaysia has become a nation with high literacy rate, high growth rate, low unemployment, low cost of livings, reasonable standard of living and plenty of opportunities. We have also slowly moved from having just one graduate from the whole family to having the ability to provide tertiary education for all.
At this time, attaining higher education, owning a car, house has become a norm and expectations have changed. The complete outlook of Malaysians also changed with the advent of satellite TV and internet, with the latter playing a big role in influencing Malaysians.
Very few bothered about politics and political situation in the country then. Just ask anyone about 'Operasi lalang' and they are likely to give you a blank stare. Everything appeared well and fine.
With more and more Malaysians exposed globally through overseas education, travel and interactions with people though work, Malaysians appeared to have opened their eyes. They have began to learn about how things are in other countries especially on socio-economic front.
Previously we are always compared to our neighbors but now since Malaysia is one of the most developed among the developing countries and also one of the top trading nations in the world, Malaysians expect the politics, socio-economic conditions to be on par with other developed democracies without thinking about the underlying demographics and social structure already in place for decades.
Now everyone wants to have a say on just about everything else that happens in the country. They speak about Human Rights, freedom of expression, transparency, equal rights etc and with the availability of internet and many other alternate channels, voices are being heard across the country.
Malaysians are now bold enough to offer differing views, often without thinking. Traditionalist on the other hand, had yet to come to grips with the changes that are taking place, still holding on their warlord mentality.
While the general view is that Malaysians are now much more politically mature, the facts remain that we are not ready be united and be known as Malaysians first and in my opinion, will never be, ever. The day where Malaysians are proud to say I'm a Malaysian in their own country, rather than their race, is far away.
Malaysian are simply expecting too much from the politicians. They seems not to realise that several huge structural changes needs to be done before they can expect a full fledged democracy and unity at work.
Ensuring equal rights and unity of all races will never happen even if Pakatan Rakyat takes over. They may make several major changes to repeal certain laws and bring about certain level of transparency and accountability on the workings of the government. But they would never be able to ensure equality for everyone and more importantly, unity of all races in the country.
For that to happen, a major change is required and it should start with the schools. There should be only one national school for everyone. All Chinese and Tamil school should be closed with language and cultural aspects still continued to be taught in the national school.
I had the privilege of studying in all Malay national school (in the midst of Feldas) as well as a racially balanced national school in a small town. The differences were huge and life changing.
How many of us are willing to allow that (Closure of Chinese and Tamil Schools) to happen? Almost immediately we will see demonstrations held by Chinese educationist movements and perhaps HINDRAF (if they are still active) at the other end with candle light vigils, prayers and angry racist statements to follow with.
There is no point of talking about unity if Malaysian children are forced to grow up most of their formative years living and playing with friends from their own race. Mahathir did attempt to introduce 'Vision Schools’ which was met with protest from parents and educationist.
For months we have been bombarded with various analyses on how Malaysians have embraced multi-racial approach by voting for Pakatan Rakyat regardless of racial background of candidates in the recent general elections. These are false hopes as the votes for Pakatan Rakyat were merely protest votes against Barisan nasional and have nothing to do with racial preferences.
I ask all Pakatan Rakyat supporters, who has high hopes on them, to stop and think. Stop day dreaming and let's not have high expectations that that unity can be achieved though a change of government.
Racial unity cannot be taught in schools or by the way of enacting Race Relations Act or even having a multiracial political party. Malaysians like to blame politicians for all the problems in the country. It is the public who are, most of the time, pressure politicians to behave the way they do.
While non-Malays harp on the need to do away with special privileges, they should look at themselves in the mirror and ask this question, 'Are you willing to sacrifice (doing away with Chinese & Tamil schools) for the sake of unity?’ Until we get overwhelming 'yes' for an answer, not much will change and racial unity would remain elusive.
For 6 months the nation was gripped with political uncertainty that, for many, we just forgot how to live our lives.
Most of the casual talk, jokes and meetings turn to political talk, Anwar, BN, UMNO, Racial Conflict, Pakatan Rakyat, Sept 16, sodomy etc..
I did a flashback of my own and realised that I did exactly the same, most of my casual conversations with family members, relatives and friends had somehow leaned towards the political situation in the country.
To ensure that I am not the only one, I did check with few friends of mine and they agreed that they felt the same.
After decades of political stability, we are at the crossroads and for many; this is something that we never felt before. Perhaps, some felt the same in 1998, but majority did go about doing their business.
I feel the fault lies with human nature of having certain expectations all the time, it just that what is expected has changed over the time.
In the 50s, 60s and 70s, the expectations has been to provide food on the table, adequate education as Malaysians at the time did not want their children to end up like them.
During Mahathir's era, education took priority in the 80s and people's expectation changed from just putting food on the table to having a house and car, not as a progression towards attaining wealth and property but just that it had become a necessity.
In the 90s, Malaysia has become a nation with high literacy rate, high growth rate, low unemployment, low cost of livings, reasonable standard of living and plenty of opportunities. We have also slowly moved from having just one graduate from the whole family to having the ability to provide tertiary education for all.
At this time, attaining higher education, owning a car, house has become a norm and expectations have changed. The complete outlook of Malaysians also changed with the advent of satellite TV and internet, with the latter playing a big role in influencing Malaysians.
Very few bothered about politics and political situation in the country then. Just ask anyone about 'Operasi lalang' and they are likely to give you a blank stare. Everything appeared well and fine.
With more and more Malaysians exposed globally through overseas education, travel and interactions with people though work, Malaysians appeared to have opened their eyes. They have began to learn about how things are in other countries especially on socio-economic front.
Previously we are always compared to our neighbors but now since Malaysia is one of the most developed among the developing countries and also one of the top trading nations in the world, Malaysians expect the politics, socio-economic conditions to be on par with other developed democracies without thinking about the underlying demographics and social structure already in place for decades.
Now everyone wants to have a say on just about everything else that happens in the country. They speak about Human Rights, freedom of expression, transparency, equal rights etc and with the availability of internet and many other alternate channels, voices are being heard across the country.
Malaysians are now bold enough to offer differing views, often without thinking. Traditionalist on the other hand, had yet to come to grips with the changes that are taking place, still holding on their warlord mentality.
While the general view is that Malaysians are now much more politically mature, the facts remain that we are not ready be united and be known as Malaysians first and in my opinion, will never be, ever. The day where Malaysians are proud to say I'm a Malaysian in their own country, rather than their race, is far away.
Malaysian are simply expecting too much from the politicians. They seems not to realise that several huge structural changes needs to be done before they can expect a full fledged democracy and unity at work.
Ensuring equal rights and unity of all races will never happen even if Pakatan Rakyat takes over. They may make several major changes to repeal certain laws and bring about certain level of transparency and accountability on the workings of the government. But they would never be able to ensure equality for everyone and more importantly, unity of all races in the country.
For that to happen, a major change is required and it should start with the schools. There should be only one national school for everyone. All Chinese and Tamil school should be closed with language and cultural aspects still continued to be taught in the national school.
I had the privilege of studying in all Malay national school (in the midst of Feldas) as well as a racially balanced national school in a small town. The differences were huge and life changing.
How many of us are willing to allow that (Closure of Chinese and Tamil Schools) to happen? Almost immediately we will see demonstrations held by Chinese educationist movements and perhaps HINDRAF (if they are still active) at the other end with candle light vigils, prayers and angry racist statements to follow with.
There is no point of talking about unity if Malaysian children are forced to grow up most of their formative years living and playing with friends from their own race. Mahathir did attempt to introduce 'Vision Schools’ which was met with protest from parents and educationist.
For months we have been bombarded with various analyses on how Malaysians have embraced multi-racial approach by voting for Pakatan Rakyat regardless of racial background of candidates in the recent general elections. These are false hopes as the votes for Pakatan Rakyat were merely protest votes against Barisan nasional and have nothing to do with racial preferences.
I ask all Pakatan Rakyat supporters, who has high hopes on them, to stop and think. Stop day dreaming and let's not have high expectations that that unity can be achieved though a change of government.
Racial unity cannot be taught in schools or by the way of enacting Race Relations Act or even having a multiracial political party. Malaysians like to blame politicians for all the problems in the country. It is the public who are, most of the time, pressure politicians to behave the way they do.
While non-Malays harp on the need to do away with special privileges, they should look at themselves in the mirror and ask this question, 'Are you willing to sacrifice (doing away with Chinese & Tamil schools) for the sake of unity?’ Until we get overwhelming 'yes' for an answer, not much will change and racial unity would remain elusive.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Anwar's Bluff
Sept 16 has come and the official day time is about to end, where sunset leads to breaking of fast for muslims. What we have is another press conference from Anwar Ibrahim, claiming for the umpteenth time that he has adequate number of BN member of parliaments ready to cross over to Pakatan Rakyat. Anwar would have had probably the most number of press conferences by a single person in the world, perhaps even more than Obama and McCain put together this year.
Anwar has been claiming for almost 5 months now that he had enough numbers, previously saying that he had about 30 but need few more to ensure that his government is strong. This he has been saying for almost 3 months, until he was dragged to court for sodomy charges. There was a lull period on the takeover plans when everyone got distracted with the sodomy charges and the Permatang Pauh by-elections.
He started blabbering again on the takeover plan as soon as he became the MP and Oppositions Leader. His counterparts in PAS and DAP appears to be not convinced. He, in a sign of desperation, send of team of 'negotiators' to Taiwan to meet BN MPs. Why is there a need for this when for 5 months he claimed that he had the numbers in his hands.
The team include Tian Chua, the MP for my area. Mr Tian Chua, please do something more productive. Please go to your constituency, there's a lot to be done. That's why we voted for you, not to go to Permatang Pauh, Courts and Taiwan unnecessarily.
Even at yesterday's rally at kelana Jaya (15th Sept), only Anwar spoke about the numbers, the DAP leaders spoke more on the ISA arrests and the need for change. PAS leaders were conspicuously absent.
Now Anwar is suddenly worried about 'political stability' of the country and demanded to meet PM Badawi to talk about smooth transition/takeover of government. He mentioned that a letter demanding for the said meeting has been sent to PM's office on 15th September afternoon. In the same evening Badawi, when interviewed said that Anwar can dream on.
Don't Anwar realised that he's the main reason for all the uncertainty in the country that may have drove away many investors, lost of confidence in the stock market and not to mention waste of time. Being in the finance sector, I can vouch for the nervousness felt by the financial institutions due to the political uncertainty.
Anwar, if he really had the numbers, he just needs to introduce them in the press conference, then declare that he ready to take over. He can give Badawi a certain time frame for discuss transition and handover the powers, failing which he can seek audience with the King and handover a letter of support from all the Pakatan Rakyat MPs (including those who crossed over), inform the King officially that he has the majority in the parliament.
It's a simple thing to do, this has been done many times in other countries. Wonder what took Anwar more than 5 months. He has repeated 16th September deadline for almost 10 times and the said day has passed. As usual he sounded arrogant in the press conference and did not show any remorse, he should at least apologised for bluffing his way till today. Not many people can bluff his way through confidently and consistently.
As mentioned in one of the articles in Agendadaily.com, Anwar should at least get the local version of the Oscar's Best Actor by default with Tian Chua as Best Supporting Actor. And his journey for the last 5 months should be voted the 'Best Miniseries' or 'Megaserial'.
Anwar has been claiming for almost 5 months now that he had enough numbers, previously saying that he had about 30 but need few more to ensure that his government is strong. This he has been saying for almost 3 months, until he was dragged to court for sodomy charges. There was a lull period on the takeover plans when everyone got distracted with the sodomy charges and the Permatang Pauh by-elections.
He started blabbering again on the takeover plan as soon as he became the MP and Oppositions Leader. His counterparts in PAS and DAP appears to be not convinced. He, in a sign of desperation, send of team of 'negotiators' to Taiwan to meet BN MPs. Why is there a need for this when for 5 months he claimed that he had the numbers in his hands.
The team include Tian Chua, the MP for my area. Mr Tian Chua, please do something more productive. Please go to your constituency, there's a lot to be done. That's why we voted for you, not to go to Permatang Pauh, Courts and Taiwan unnecessarily.
Even at yesterday's rally at kelana Jaya (15th Sept), only Anwar spoke about the numbers, the DAP leaders spoke more on the ISA arrests and the need for change. PAS leaders were conspicuously absent.
Now Anwar is suddenly worried about 'political stability' of the country and demanded to meet PM Badawi to talk about smooth transition/takeover of government. He mentioned that a letter demanding for the said meeting has been sent to PM's office on 15th September afternoon. In the same evening Badawi, when interviewed said that Anwar can dream on.
Don't Anwar realised that he's the main reason for all the uncertainty in the country that may have drove away many investors, lost of confidence in the stock market and not to mention waste of time. Being in the finance sector, I can vouch for the nervousness felt by the financial institutions due to the political uncertainty.
Anwar, if he really had the numbers, he just needs to introduce them in the press conference, then declare that he ready to take over. He can give Badawi a certain time frame for discuss transition and handover the powers, failing which he can seek audience with the King and handover a letter of support from all the Pakatan Rakyat MPs (including those who crossed over), inform the King officially that he has the majority in the parliament.
It's a simple thing to do, this has been done many times in other countries. Wonder what took Anwar more than 5 months. He has repeated 16th September deadline for almost 10 times and the said day has passed. As usual he sounded arrogant in the press conference and did not show any remorse, he should at least apologised for bluffing his way till today. Not many people can bluff his way through confidently and consistently.
As mentioned in one of the articles in Agendadaily.com, Anwar should at least get the local version of the Oscar's Best Actor by default with Tian Chua as Best Supporting Actor. And his journey for the last 5 months should be voted the 'Best Miniseries' or 'Megaserial'.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Hindraf - I Rest My Case!
I have received numerous feedbacks on the previous 2 articles. While some understood my rational in most of the comments made, many were understandably angry, not surprisingly they were my Indian Malaysian friends. Some even mentioned that I am a traitor for belittling their support and struggle for a fair and just society.
In the end, we have 5 People in jail, families struggling without the breadwinners and another group of people going around the country during various Pooja's and Yaagams to pray for the HINDRAF 5's release. The only people who benefited are the priest's who charges astronomical fees to conducts such prayers nowadays.
Although the government took notice of HINDRAF, they would have listened and done something if HINDRAF conducted their activities properly and sought peaceful means to achieve their objectives.
HINDRAF claims to be apolitical and said recently that they would support any political party that can assist them to achieve their objectives. Not much spoken about the fact that many of their member are also members of DAP and PKR . Anwar Ibrahim and all other Opposition Parties used HINDRAF's catch phrase "Makkal Sakhti' to the hilt during the recent general elections and even during the Permatang Pauh by-elections.
With opposition in power in 5 states, it should be payback time, I wonder why HINDRAF has yet to get in touch and seek assistance from the state governments of Selangor, Perak, Kedah, Kelantan and Penang. They claimed that the Barisan Nasional government and MIC were not sympathetic with their struggles and failed the Indian Malaysians.
If one carefully look at the demographics, if I’m not mistaken more than 50% of Indian Malaysians reside in Selangor, Perak and Penang while the rest are concentrated in Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Johor. If the HINDRAF seriously believes that Barisan Nasional cannot help their cause, why did they not bulldoze their way into offices of Chief Ministers of the opposition held states. Instead, HINDRAF are seen everywhere holding flag raising dinners and prayers.
Since most of their complaints and claims of victimisations are linked to availability and ownership of land for Tamil Schools and Hindu Temples, they should have by now won 50% of the battle since land matters are under the purview of state governments. They could have easily seized the moment as the opposition is in the mood of giving away almost everything for free to win popular support.
It was reported that the Perak state government have allocated hundreds of acres of land and annual allocation of funds for Chinese Schools (The Star 30th Aug,'1,000ha Land For Perak Independent Schools) since the Chinese School operators took the right step at the right time to reach out to the state government.
By now, HINDRAF should be crying 'Makkal Sakhti' in front of Perak State Governement's office and seek similar allocation of land and funds for Tamil School. Where are they?
If I'm not mistaken HINDRAF was holding a prayer (Yaagam - Fire Ritual) in Mantin on the same day (30th Aug) to mark "one year of the Hindraf class suit against UK government amounting USD 4 trillion for the neglect of its government during the Malaysia independence for the Indians whom were brought by British to Malaysia".
If HINDRAF seriously believe that criss-crossing the country in the hope for divine intervention will help, then HINDRAF should not have sent any memorandum, demonstrate, get 5 people arrested under ISA, several people injured and many wasting their annual leaves and unpaid leaves, not to mention creating nuisance for the general public. They should have just gathered at one place, a temple inside a cave perhaps and pray for divine intervention, and wait for the intervention to happen. Why waste other's time.
This is where HINDRAF fails. There are no strategies, no planning, no quick thinking (not to mention rational thinking) to achieve their objectives. The opportunities are there in the 5 states. They (political parties) made use of HINDRAF and now it should be HINDRAF's turn to make use of the state governments. In fact most of HINDRAF’s supporters are from the Opposition, mainly PKR and DAP. Majority of Indian Malaysians also voted for the opposition, even PAS, in the recent general elections.
This is where the Chinese associations are smart, they are well organised, not extreme, engages the government of the day to get what they wanted, quietly without making a big fuss. HINDRAF are good at making noise but end up an empty vessel.
Instead, we still see more and more plans for all kinds of rituals and prayers in the future. (see HINDRAF's link at the right panel for their schedule)
Of recent, it was also reported that HINDRAF has now split into several factions and their de-facto leader has gone on to accuse that one of the leader is actually a police special branch agent planted within HINDRAF to check on the movement's activities. By now the readers would realise that the government need not plant any spies within HINDRAF as there's nothing to spy on unless to check if the prayer rituals are equivalent to some cult or deviant practises. Even then, in Malaysia, Hindu's are quite free to start their own version of HINDU religion or even pray to a living person.
I was watching one of Tamil program on 10th September where a US trained Indian Malaysian Chef (from Paloh, Johor), who is now a food and beverage industry consultant was interviewed. This chap had served in many countries is now back in Malaysia as a consultant. He was asked on the prospects on Indians in the food and beverage industry
(Other than normal Indian Restaurants). He mentioned that no other countries provide opportunities for someone to start up a business with grants, funds and loan such as Tekun, Amanah Ikhtiar Fund, Bank Pembagunan etc available for start ups and reinvestment of businesses. Tony Fernandez of Air Asia also frequently mentioned that opportunities are plenty, we just need to find the right avenues (not connections) to grab it.
HINDRAF is nothing but a lost cause with some casualties of course. Indian Malaysians were and are being fooled by a group of lawyers who had no sense of direction whatsoever when they started the movement and even now, where they appear to be blind to opportunities in front of them.
Now, I sincerely, can only hope for a divine intervention to enlighten the Indian Malaysians and make them realise that they made to look and act foolish all this while by HINDRAF while others continue to progress by grabbing opportunities made available to everyone. Indian Malaysians image in the eyes of fellow citizens are at the lowest ebb, no thanks to HINDRAF and it will take years before it is reversed.
In the end, we have 5 People in jail, families struggling without the breadwinners and another group of people going around the country during various Pooja's and Yaagams to pray for the HINDRAF 5's release. The only people who benefited are the priest's who charges astronomical fees to conducts such prayers nowadays.
Although the government took notice of HINDRAF, they would have listened and done something if HINDRAF conducted their activities properly and sought peaceful means to achieve their objectives.
HINDRAF claims to be apolitical and said recently that they would support any political party that can assist them to achieve their objectives. Not much spoken about the fact that many of their member are also members of DAP and PKR . Anwar Ibrahim and all other Opposition Parties used HINDRAF's catch phrase "Makkal Sakhti' to the hilt during the recent general elections and even during the Permatang Pauh by-elections.
With opposition in power in 5 states, it should be payback time, I wonder why HINDRAF has yet to get in touch and seek assistance from the state governments of Selangor, Perak, Kedah, Kelantan and Penang. They claimed that the Barisan Nasional government and MIC were not sympathetic with their struggles and failed the Indian Malaysians.
If one carefully look at the demographics, if I’m not mistaken more than 50% of Indian Malaysians reside in Selangor, Perak and Penang while the rest are concentrated in Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Johor. If the HINDRAF seriously believes that Barisan Nasional cannot help their cause, why did they not bulldoze their way into offices of Chief Ministers of the opposition held states. Instead, HINDRAF are seen everywhere holding flag raising dinners and prayers.
Since most of their complaints and claims of victimisations are linked to availability and ownership of land for Tamil Schools and Hindu Temples, they should have by now won 50% of the battle since land matters are under the purview of state governments. They could have easily seized the moment as the opposition is in the mood of giving away almost everything for free to win popular support.
It was reported that the Perak state government have allocated hundreds of acres of land and annual allocation of funds for Chinese Schools (The Star 30th Aug,'1,000ha Land For Perak Independent Schools) since the Chinese School operators took the right step at the right time to reach out to the state government.
By now, HINDRAF should be crying 'Makkal Sakhti' in front of Perak State Governement's office and seek similar allocation of land and funds for Tamil School. Where are they?
If I'm not mistaken HINDRAF was holding a prayer (Yaagam - Fire Ritual) in Mantin on the same day (30th Aug) to mark "one year of the Hindraf class suit against UK government amounting USD 4 trillion for the neglect of its government during the Malaysia independence for the Indians whom were brought by British to Malaysia".
If HINDRAF seriously believe that criss-crossing the country in the hope for divine intervention will help, then HINDRAF should not have sent any memorandum, demonstrate, get 5 people arrested under ISA, several people injured and many wasting their annual leaves and unpaid leaves, not to mention creating nuisance for the general public. They should have just gathered at one place, a temple inside a cave perhaps and pray for divine intervention, and wait for the intervention to happen. Why waste other's time.
This is where HINDRAF fails. There are no strategies, no planning, no quick thinking (not to mention rational thinking) to achieve their objectives. The opportunities are there in the 5 states. They (political parties) made use of HINDRAF and now it should be HINDRAF's turn to make use of the state governments. In fact most of HINDRAF’s supporters are from the Opposition, mainly PKR and DAP. Majority of Indian Malaysians also voted for the opposition, even PAS, in the recent general elections.
This is where the Chinese associations are smart, they are well organised, not extreme, engages the government of the day to get what they wanted, quietly without making a big fuss. HINDRAF are good at making noise but end up an empty vessel.
Instead, we still see more and more plans for all kinds of rituals and prayers in the future. (see HINDRAF's link at the right panel for their schedule)
Of recent, it was also reported that HINDRAF has now split into several factions and their de-facto leader has gone on to accuse that one of the leader is actually a police special branch agent planted within HINDRAF to check on the movement's activities. By now the readers would realise that the government need not plant any spies within HINDRAF as there's nothing to spy on unless to check if the prayer rituals are equivalent to some cult or deviant practises. Even then, in Malaysia, Hindu's are quite free to start their own version of HINDU religion or even pray to a living person.
I was watching one of Tamil program on 10th September where a US trained Indian Malaysian Chef (from Paloh, Johor), who is now a food and beverage industry consultant was interviewed. This chap had served in many countries is now back in Malaysia as a consultant. He was asked on the prospects on Indians in the food and beverage industry
(Other than normal Indian Restaurants). He mentioned that no other countries provide opportunities for someone to start up a business with grants, funds and loan such as Tekun, Amanah Ikhtiar Fund, Bank Pembagunan etc available for start ups and reinvestment of businesses. Tony Fernandez of Air Asia also frequently mentioned that opportunities are plenty, we just need to find the right avenues (not connections) to grab it.
HINDRAF is nothing but a lost cause with some casualties of course. Indian Malaysians were and are being fooled by a group of lawyers who had no sense of direction whatsoever when they started the movement and even now, where they appear to be blind to opportunities in front of them.
Now, I sincerely, can only hope for a divine intervention to enlighten the Indian Malaysians and make them realise that they made to look and act foolish all this while by HINDRAF while others continue to progress by grabbing opportunities made available to everyone. Indian Malaysians image in the eyes of fellow citizens are at the lowest ebb, no thanks to HINDRAF and it will take years before it is reversed.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
HINDRAF (Part 2) : Memorandum To British Prime Minister
This is the memorandum claimed to have been delivered to British Prime Minister last year.
My comments are in bold.
HINDRAFHindu Rights Action Force
No. 135-3-A, Jalan Toman 7,
Kemayan Square,70200 Seremban,
Negeri SembilanMalaysia.
Tel : 06-7672995/6
Fax: 06-7672997 Email waytha@hotmail. com
15.11.2007
The Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown
Prime Minister of the United Kindom
10 Downing Street,
Fax: +442079250918London,
URGENT
SW1A 2AA
Dear Sirs,
RE: 1. COMMONWEALTH ETHNIC INDIAN PEACE LOVING SUBJECTS IN MALAYSIA PERSECUTED BY GOVERNMENT BACKED ISLAMIC EXTREMIST VIOLENT ARMED TERRORIST WHO LAUNCHED A PRE DAWN VIOLENT ARMED ATTACK AND DESTROYED THE KG JAWA MARIAMAN HINDU TEMPLE AT 4.00 A.M THIS MORNING (15.11.2007) .
ISLAMIC EXTREMIST VIOLENT ARMED TERRORIST?
It was the local council who demolished the temple despite 3 eviction notices dating to 2 years earlier. The statue of the deities were relocated and only the temple structure was demolished.
2. APPEAL FOR U.K TO MOVE EMERGENCY U.N RESOLUTION CONDEMNING “ETHNIC CLEANSING” IN MALAYSIA.
No proof whatsoever of any incidence of “ETHNIC CLEANSING”.
3. APPEAL TO REFER MALAYSIA TO THE WORLD COURT AND INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT FOR CRIMES AGAINST IT’S OWN ETHNIC MINORITY INDIANS.
We refer to the above critical matters in Malaysia but which generally gets the least attention locally even by the Opposition parties, NGO’s, the Malaysian Human Rights Commission and the media for this community is generally regarded as politically insignificant, do not draw local or international funding and are deemed not pressworthy. To the contrary the Malaysian government has successfully projected itself to the world as a modern Islamic thinking country which is not true.
The ethnic minority Indians in Malaysia were brought in to Malaysia by the British some 200 over years ago. Since independence in 1957 the Malaysian Indians have been permanently colonialised by the Islamic fundamentalist and Malay chauvinists UMNO led Malaysian government.
Among the recent atrocities committed by this government are as follows:-
1.100 over Indians were slashed and killed by the UMNO controlled Malaysian government in the Kampung Medan mini genocide. Despite numerous appeals, the Malaysian Human Rights Commission has refused to hold a Public Inquiry. The UMNO controlled Malaysian courts struck off a victim’s public interest civil suit for a Public Inquiry to be held without even the said UMNO controlled government having to file in their defence. The UMNO controlled Attorney General and the Inspector General of Police refused to investigate and / or initiate an inquest into the death of at least six Indians in this tragedy despite.
First they say 100 people were slashed and killed, then in the last sentence, it's at least 6 people. Which one is correct? It has been reported independently that 6 people were killed by people within the same vicinity, not by UMNO controlled Malaysian government or any islamic terrorist.
2. Every week one person at average is killed in a shot to kill policy and in every 2 weeks one person is killed in police custody. About 60% of these victims are Indians though they form only 8% of the Malaysian population.
Again as in other figures quoted by HINDRAF, these are plucked from the sky. I think the ratio of Indians killing another Indian is higher. Wonder if there's such Shot to Kill policy in place. Note the grammatical error 'shot'.
3. In every three weeks one Hindu temple is demolished in Malaysia.
The latest being the demolishment of the Mariaman temple in Padang Jawa, Shah Alam, Selangor early this morning (15.11.2007) and the next being the (Mutaiya) Hindu temple in Sungai Petani scheduled for the 29.11.2007.
A violent armed pre down attack at 4.00a.m this morning was launched by the UMNO controlled Malaysian government backed by about 600 police, riot police, Islamic extremist and armed terrorists which completely destroyed this temple.
In an attack two weeks ago, uniformed police, riot police and city Council officers hurled rocks and attacked unarmed Hindu devotees with knives, sticks and iron rods.
At least 20 Hindu devotees were seriously injured and 19 arrested including 4 of their United Kingdom trained lawyers in direct violation of Article 5 (Right to life) Article 8 (Equality) Article 11 (Freedom of Religion) Section 295 (defiling a place of worship), Section 296 (disturbing a religious assembly), 298A(causing racial disharmony) and Section 441(criminal trespass) of the Malaysian Penal Code.
These authorities are plagued by an above the law mindset and in fact liberally take the law into their own hands. These atrocities however does not happen to almost all Islamic places of worship. Please visit http://www.policewatchmala/ ysia.com for further and better particulars.
3 Eviction notices were given before the Padang jawa temple were demolished. The developer also provided 10,000sqft of land for free nearby and cash for the relocation. These were never mentioned as HINDRAF adviser appears to have selective memory whenever they write a memorandum.
Another Surau within the same vicinity was relocated without a fuss. Police acted against a violent crowd who gathered at the temple. It was the crowd who hurled rocks at the police and the Police did not have 'knives, sticks or iron rods' as claimed. This is complete fabriciation of events. Did not know that 'Islamic extremist' and 'armed terrorists' exist were there as well.
CONCLUSION
We fear that this peace loving Indian community of Tamil origin having been pushed to the corner and the persecution getting worse by the day may be forced to into terrorism in a matter of time as what has happened to the Sri Lankan Tamils.
If you notice, now they speak on behalf of Tamils not Hindus per se. This is where HINDRAF has instituted scare tactics to seek attention. They were reported to have made contact witht eh Tamil Tiger, a reason given by the government to jail 5 HINDRAF leader under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
APPEAL
On our part we are committed to a peaceful and lawful struggle and pray and appeal that the Government of the United Kingdom:-
1. Moves an emergency United Nations resolution condemning these state sponsored atrocities and persecutions of Malaysian Indians in Malaysia.
2. Refers Malaysia to the World Court and the International Criminal Court for Crimes against it’s own ethnic minority Indians
Thank You,
Yours Faithfully
P.Uthayakumar
Legal Adviser
In Summary, the memorandum was filled with half truths and blatant lies. To HINDRAF's dismay, they would have found out by now that Gordon Brown is not as 'intelligent' as HINDRAF's founding lawyers who wrote the memorandum.
Gordon Brown would have his own British High Commission in Malaysia verify the facts before acting or doing anything that may affect bilateral ties. It's no wonder that British Government did not respond.
My comments are in bold.
HINDRAFHindu Rights Action Force
No. 135-3-A, Jalan Toman 7,
Kemayan Square,70200 Seremban,
Negeri SembilanMalaysia.
Tel : 06-7672995/6
Fax: 06-7672997 Email waytha@hotmail. com
15.11.2007
The Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown
Prime Minister of the United Kindom
10 Downing Street,
Fax: +442079250918London,
URGENT
SW1A 2AA
Dear Sirs,
RE: 1. COMMONWEALTH ETHNIC INDIAN PEACE LOVING SUBJECTS IN MALAYSIA PERSECUTED BY GOVERNMENT BACKED ISLAMIC EXTREMIST VIOLENT ARMED TERRORIST WHO LAUNCHED A PRE DAWN VIOLENT ARMED ATTACK AND DESTROYED THE KG JAWA MARIAMAN HINDU TEMPLE AT 4.00 A.M THIS MORNING (15.11.2007) .
ISLAMIC EXTREMIST VIOLENT ARMED TERRORIST?
It was the local council who demolished the temple despite 3 eviction notices dating to 2 years earlier. The statue of the deities were relocated and only the temple structure was demolished.
2. APPEAL FOR U.K TO MOVE EMERGENCY U.N RESOLUTION CONDEMNING “ETHNIC CLEANSING” IN MALAYSIA.
No proof whatsoever of any incidence of “ETHNIC CLEANSING”.
3. APPEAL TO REFER MALAYSIA TO THE WORLD COURT AND INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT FOR CRIMES AGAINST IT’S OWN ETHNIC MINORITY INDIANS.
We refer to the above critical matters in Malaysia but which generally gets the least attention locally even by the Opposition parties, NGO’s, the Malaysian Human Rights Commission and the media for this community is generally regarded as politically insignificant, do not draw local or international funding and are deemed not pressworthy. To the contrary the Malaysian government has successfully projected itself to the world as a modern Islamic thinking country which is not true.
The ethnic minority Indians in Malaysia were brought in to Malaysia by the British some 200 over years ago. Since independence in 1957 the Malaysian Indians have been permanently colonialised by the Islamic fundamentalist and Malay chauvinists UMNO led Malaysian government.
Among the recent atrocities committed by this government are as follows:-
1.100 over Indians were slashed and killed by the UMNO controlled Malaysian government in the Kampung Medan mini genocide. Despite numerous appeals, the Malaysian Human Rights Commission has refused to hold a Public Inquiry. The UMNO controlled Malaysian courts struck off a victim’s public interest civil suit for a Public Inquiry to be held without even the said UMNO controlled government having to file in their defence. The UMNO controlled Attorney General and the Inspector General of Police refused to investigate and / or initiate an inquest into the death of at least six Indians in this tragedy despite.
First they say 100 people were slashed and killed, then in the last sentence, it's at least 6 people. Which one is correct? It has been reported independently that 6 people were killed by people within the same vicinity, not by UMNO controlled Malaysian government or any islamic terrorist.
2. Every week one person at average is killed in a shot to kill policy and in every 2 weeks one person is killed in police custody. About 60% of these victims are Indians though they form only 8% of the Malaysian population.
Again as in other figures quoted by HINDRAF, these are plucked from the sky. I think the ratio of Indians killing another Indian is higher. Wonder if there's such Shot to Kill policy in place. Note the grammatical error 'shot'.
3. In every three weeks one Hindu temple is demolished in Malaysia.
The latest being the demolishment of the Mariaman temple in Padang Jawa, Shah Alam, Selangor early this morning (15.11.2007) and the next being the (Mutaiya) Hindu temple in Sungai Petani scheduled for the 29.11.2007.
A violent armed pre down attack at 4.00a.m this morning was launched by the UMNO controlled Malaysian government backed by about 600 police, riot police, Islamic extremist and armed terrorists which completely destroyed this temple.
In an attack two weeks ago, uniformed police, riot police and city Council officers hurled rocks and attacked unarmed Hindu devotees with knives, sticks and iron rods.
At least 20 Hindu devotees were seriously injured and 19 arrested including 4 of their United Kingdom trained lawyers in direct violation of Article 5 (Right to life) Article 8 (Equality) Article 11 (Freedom of Religion) Section 295 (defiling a place of worship), Section 296 (disturbing a religious assembly), 298A(causing racial disharmony) and Section 441(criminal trespass) of the Malaysian Penal Code.
These authorities are plagued by an above the law mindset and in fact liberally take the law into their own hands. These atrocities however does not happen to almost all Islamic places of worship. Please visit http://www.policewatchmala/ ysia.com for further and better particulars.
3 Eviction notices were given before the Padang jawa temple were demolished. The developer also provided 10,000sqft of land for free nearby and cash for the relocation. These were never mentioned as HINDRAF adviser appears to have selective memory whenever they write a memorandum.
Another Surau within the same vicinity was relocated without a fuss. Police acted against a violent crowd who gathered at the temple. It was the crowd who hurled rocks at the police and the Police did not have 'knives, sticks or iron rods' as claimed. This is complete fabriciation of events. Did not know that 'Islamic extremist' and 'armed terrorists' exist were there as well.
4. State sponsored direct discrimination against the Indians in Public University intakes, Indian (Tamil) Schools, skills training institutes, civil service and private sector job opportunities, business and license opportunities and in almost all other aspects of daily life.
This is again a complete nonsence, while opportunities for university intake maybe limited, there are ample of opportunities in all other sector. They even has the cheek to say the same happens in the private sector!. Britain based HSBC employs more Indians than Malays or Chinese. Gordon Brown would have certainly checked on those facts.
Despite our hundreds of letters, appeals and pleas to the Malaysian King and Sultans, the Prime Minister, Attorney General, Inspector General of Police, Ministers, Chief Ministers and the latest being our letters to the Prime Minister dated 29.10.2007 and 30.10.2007 and to the Attorney General dated 1.11.2007 the Malaysian authorities are only proceeding with greater ferocity and with impunity with very little regard for the Federal Constitution and laws of Malaysia. So please help us.
CONCLUSION
We fear that this peace loving Indian community of Tamil origin having been pushed to the corner and the persecution getting worse by the day may be forced to into terrorism in a matter of time as what has happened to the Sri Lankan Tamils.
If you notice, now they speak on behalf of Tamils not Hindus per se. This is where HINDRAF has instituted scare tactics to seek attention. They were reported to have made contact witht eh Tamil Tiger, a reason given by the government to jail 5 HINDRAF leader under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
APPEAL
On our part we are committed to a peaceful and lawful struggle and pray and appeal that the Government of the United Kingdom:-
1. Moves an emergency United Nations resolution condemning these state sponsored atrocities and persecutions of Malaysian Indians in Malaysia.
2. Refers Malaysia to the World Court and the International Criminal Court for Crimes against it’s own ethnic minority Indians
Thank You,
Yours Faithfully
P.Uthayakumar
Legal Adviser
In Summary, the memorandum was filled with half truths and blatant lies. To HINDRAF's dismay, they would have found out by now that Gordon Brown is not as 'intelligent' as HINDRAF's founding lawyers who wrote the memorandum.
Gordon Brown would have his own British High Commission in Malaysia verify the facts before acting or doing anything that may affect bilateral ties. It's no wonder that British Government did not respond.
The fact is the government never took unilateral action. All these places of worship were given eviction notices with adequate time given to the temple authorities to relocate. In many cases compensation were paid to them to relocate by either state government or land owner. Not surprised that these facts are not mentioned at all.
Personally, I just can't believe a group of lawyers can write such a poor quality memorandum full of untruths and flaws with unsubstantiated facts and figures. This is an embarrassment to the Ethnic Indians in Malaysia.
I can't but feel for all the clients of these lawyers, they should have realised by now the quality of lawyers that they have hired to argue their case. Not sure how many have failed in the courts due to the 'quality' of arguements by these lawyers.
HINDRAF should have at least hired a good spin doctor(s) to write the memorandum as their own lawyer's spin only invites ridicule from the readers.
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