PS BY WMP ON HINDRAF'S HUMAN RIGHT DEFENDERS MUFFLED TO PLEAD GUILTY

MEDIA STATEMENT 20.09.08

RE: HINDRAF's HUMAN RIGHT DEFENDERS MUFFLED TO PLEAD GUILTY

The oppressive act by the UMNO controlled Malaysian court of stipulating a fine of RM1,000 for these 27 Human Right defenders is clear an act of suppression and discrimination against basic values against the Malaysian Indians.
The 27 Defenders of human rights had been coerced through fear and intimidation by the authority when all they did was to participate in equality with the thousands of others to address the grievances of the Indian community against the nonchalant oppression, discrimination and marginalization of the ruling administration.
The remaining Human Right Defenders who did not plead guilty have been subjected to a prolonged two months trial whereby it would systematically drains them emotionally and financially just because they participated in the cause of Human Rights organized by HINDRAF.
HINDRAF calls upon all NGO’s and human rights organizations and civil societies including the Bar Council to initiate pro active actions on the basis of humanity to challenge the prolonged trial that is alike to intimidation and fear or economical sanction imposed by the court under the direction and supervision of the ruling administration. Where is the separation of power?. Are Indian always the suckers?
Bar Council for one should request for a revision of trial judge's order as provisions are provided within the practice direction that only those in remand and civil servants has priority over all other in priority for a trial. Is this another form of fear and intimidation to continue to suppress and discriminate against the Malaysian Indians?
There are thousands of criminal cases with the alleged in remand that has been languishing for years, yet why this Human Right defenders who had pleaded not guilty has been given a priority for a trial to convene? These are clear indication that a separation of power does not exist in Malaysia under the ruling administration and its objective is merely to impose fear and intimidation against the Malaysian Indians.
As for those Malaysian Indians in Malaysia, HINDRAF calls each of you to absorb the RM27,000.00 fine for those who had to be bailed for our common cause for humanity. Those who are interested please issue a cheque or bank in cash to the following account

Bank – Public Bank Berhad
Account Name – P. Taramaraju & Aridass Velu
(Joint saving account)
Account No – 4-5235622-34
Tel No : 019- 330 5197
012-3323490
All public donation in excess of the RM27,000.00 shall be distributed to the remaining Human Right Defenders who pleaded not guilty as they will definitely face uncertainty and financial turbulence for the stance that they have taken.
All funds collected will be made public by way of advertisement in Tamil Daily and the 1st Advertisement will be made on October 20, 2008.
With HINDRAF it is Now or Never for the Malaysian Indians.

P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF