CPPS' Statement on Banning of HINDRAF
The Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS) is disappointed with the decision taken by the Home Minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar to declare the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) an illegal organisation. This move by the Ministry of Home Affairs is an infringement on the basic human right to expression and contradicts the Prime Minister's previous commitment to opening up the democratic space and allowing more open discussion in the country.
This decision is telling of the dismal state of civil liberties in Malaysia, and sends these signals to the domestic and international community. The CPPS finds ludicrous that HINDRAF, in trying to voice out very legitimate grievances of the consistent socio-economic marginalisation of the Indian community, has been labelled as a threat to "public order, peace, security and morality" (The Star, Thursday 16 October 2008).
According to the Minister, HINDRAF would also pose a threat to the prevailing racial harmony enjoyed in Malaysia presently. This spells caution that any interest group speaking on behalf of the economic marginalisation of their particular community would be considered as a threat. Instead of banning HINDRAF, the Government should have called for an open, rational discussion in order to ascertain the problems and issues raised, and in seeking constructive solutions to overcome them.
This move may instead fuel further resentment by minority ethnic groups who are legitimately raising concerns of their particular interests. Discussion and dialogue on grievances or perceived injustices should be encouraged, not stifled.
Suppressing dissent under the guise of national peace and security is in fact counterproductive to fostering true national unity amongst the citizens of the country. Genuine national unity begins by identifying real problems and struggles being faced by all interest groups in the country. The CPPS is also concerned that the government is planning on identifying specific members of HINDRAF or anyone associated with the group.
The CPPS urges the government to reconsider its ban on HINDRAF and respond to grievances of various ethnic groups by engaging in further discussion and working towards reaching mutually beneficial solutions. This draconian method of suppression is not sustainable in the long run. It is hoped that this move by the Ministry is not the beginning of a more extensive clampdown on civil society in Malaysia.
If Malaysia truly desires to become a democratic country of developed nation status, it must not suppress opinions of any interest groups, much less those who are already downtrodden upon and at wit's end.
Tan Sri Ramon V. Navaratnam,
Chairman
Tricia Yeoh,
Director Centre for Public Policy Studies
Kuala Lumpur 16th October 2008
For more enquiries, please contact: The Centre for Public Policy Studies; website: www.cpps.org.my;email: cpps@cpps.org.my
Tel: +603-20932820/20934209/20932630;Fax: +603-20933078
Friday, October 17, 2008
இண்ட்ராஃப் நிகழ்வுகளுக்கு தற்காலிக நிறுத்தம்!
இந்து உரிமைப் பணிப்படையின் தலைவர் திரு.வேதமூர்த்தி, தற்சமயத்திற்கு இண்ட்ராஃப் இயக்கத்தின் நிகழ்வுகளை நிறுத்தி வைக்குமாறு கேட்டுக் கொண்டுள்ளார். சட்ட வல்லுநரான திரு.வேதமூர்த்தி மலேசியச் சங்கங்கள் சட்டம் 1966-ஐ ஆய்வு செய்து வருகிறார். அதன் அடிப்படையில் இன்னும் சில தினங்களில் இண்ட்ராஃப் எடுத்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டிய நடவடிக்கைகள் குறித்து அவர் விளக்கம் அளிப்பார் என எதிர்ப்பார்க்கப்படுகிறது.
இதற்கிடையில் அம்னோ அரசாங்கம் இண்ட்ராஃபிற்கு எதிராக விதித்தத் தடையை ஆட்சேபிக்கும் வகையில் அனைத்து இண்ட்ராஃப் ஆதரவாளர்களையும் ஒவ்வொரு சனி மற்றும் ஞாயிற்றுக் கிழமைகளில் ஆரஞ்சு நிற உடையினை அணியுமாறு திரு.வேதமூர்த்தி கேட்டுக் கொண்டுள்ளார். இத்தினங்களில் ஆரஞ்சு நிற உடையினை அணிந்து அம்னோ அரசாங்கத்தின் மீது இந்திய மக்களின் அவநம்பிக்கையையும் கண்டனத்தையும் அடையாளமாகக் காட்ட வேண்டும் என்று அவர் கேட்டுக் கொண்டுள்ளார்.
இதற்கிடையில் மலேசிய மனித உரிமை ஆணையமான 'சுஹாக்காம்', இண்ட்ராஃபிற்கு விதிக்கப்பட்டத் தடைக்கு வித்திட்ட ஆதாரங்களை அரசாங்கம் வெளிக்கொணர வேண்டும் எனக் கேட்டுக் கொண்டுள்ளது. கண்மூடித்தனமாக ஓர் இயக்கத்தை தடை செய்வதனால் மக்களின் போராட்டம் மேலும் வலுப்பெறுமே தவிர முடங்கிவிடாது என அது கருத்துரைத்தது.
ஈப்போ பாராட் நாடாளுமன்ற உறுப்பினர் எம்.குலசேகரன் கருத்துரைக்கையில், அம்னோ அரசாங்கத்தின் இத்தகு நடவடிக்கையானது கோழைத்தனம் என்றும் அராசகமானது என்றும் கூறினார்.
அம்னோ அரசாங்கம், இண்ட்ராஃபிற்கு எதிராக விதித்த தடைக்கான சட்டப்பூர்வமான காரணங்களை உடனடியாக வெளிபடுத்த வேண்டும் என்று இந்து நடவடிக்கை ஒருங்கிணைப்புக் குழுவின் தலைமை ஒருங்கிணைப்பாளர் திரு.முகுந்தன் அரசாங்கத்தைக் கேட்டுக் கொண்டுள்ளார். மேலும், இவ்வியக்கம் ஆயுதமின்றி உரிமைக்காக அமைதிவழி போராட்டத்தைக் கடைப்பிடிப்பவர்கள் என்றும், ஒடுக்கப்பட்ட மலேசிய இந்திய சமுதாயத்திற்காகக் குரல் கொடுக்கும் ஓர் உன்னத இயக்கம் என வர்ணித்தார்.
இண்ட்ராஃப் இயக்கத்தை தடை செய்ததன் வழி, அம்னோ அரசாங்கம் நெருப்புக் கோழியைப் போல தன் தலையையே மண்ணுக்குள் இட்டுக் கொண்டது என புக்கிட் பெண்டேரா நாடாளுமன்ற உறுப்பினர் லியூ சின் தோங் வர்ணித்துள்ளார்.
சிவில் மனித உரிமை போராட்டவாதியான டாக்டர் தோ கின் வூன் கருத்துரைக்கையில், உண்மையில் மத்திய அரசாங்கம் நேர்மையாகவும் மக்களின் மீது பரிவும் கொண்டிருந்தால் இதுபோன்ற இழிச்செயல்களில் ஈடுபடாது, மலேசிய இந்தியர்களின் அடிப்படைப் பிரச்சனைகளை கண்டறிந்துக் களைந்திருப்பர் என்று கூறினார்.
இவ்வியக்கத்தைத் தடைச் செய்வதன்வழி அம்னோ தன் நிலைமையை மேலும் மோசமாக்கிக் கொள்கிறது என அவர் மேலும் கூறினார்.
இதற்கிடையில் பல மனித உரிமை இயக்கங்கள், அரசியல் கட்சிகள், தொண்டூழிய இயக்கங்கள் அம்னோ அரசாங்கத்தின் இனவாத அடிப்படையிலான அராசகத்தைக் கண்டித்து கண்டனக் குரல்கள் எழுப்பி வருகின்றன.
போராட்டம் தொடரும்...
இண்ட்ராஃப் இயக்கத்தை தடை செய்ததன் வழி, அம்னோ அரசாங்கம் நெருப்புக் கோழியைப் போல தன் தலையையே மண்ணுக்குள் இட்டுக் கொண்டது என புக்கிட் பெண்டேரா நாடாளுமன்ற உறுப்பினர் லியூ சின் தோங் வர்ணித்துள்ளார்.
சிவில் மனித உரிமை போராட்டவாதியான டாக்டர் தோ கின் வூன் கருத்துரைக்கையில், உண்மையில் மத்திய அரசாங்கம் நேர்மையாகவும் மக்களின் மீது பரிவும் கொண்டிருந்தால் இதுபோன்ற இழிச்செயல்களில் ஈடுபடாது, மலேசிய இந்தியர்களின் அடிப்படைப் பிரச்சனைகளை கண்டறிந்துக் களைந்திருப்பர் என்று கூறினார்.
இவ்வியக்கத்தைத் தடைச் செய்வதன்வழி அம்னோ தன் நிலைமையை மேலும் மோசமாக்கிக் கொள்கிறது என அவர் மேலும் கூறினார்.
இதற்கிடையில் பல மனித உரிமை இயக்கங்கள், அரசியல் கட்சிகள், தொண்டூழிய இயக்கங்கள் அம்னோ அரசாங்கத்தின் இனவாத அடிப்படையிலான அராசகத்தைக் கண்டித்து கண்டனக் குரல்கள் எழுப்பி வருகின்றன.
போராட்டம் தொடரும்...
TIME FOR ALL COMPONENT PARTIES WITHIN BARISAN TO SPEAK UP.
PRESS STATEMENT 17/10/08
RE : TIME FOR ALL COMPONENT PARTIES WITHIN BARISAN TO SPEAK UP.
HINDRAF calls upon all component parties within Barisan to speak up and make their stand clear on the issue of HINDRAF ban and the real problems facing the ethnic Indian community. 51 years has passed since independence and the ruling UMNO led Government has neglected and denied the ethnic Indians their basic rights and has oppressed suppressed and marginalized them so much so they remain a permanently colonized community. HINDRAF took the bold step to highlight these issues and is paying a heavy price and the ban is a desperate attempt to silence legitimate voice of democracy.
HINDRAF urges component parties within BN to come out of their cocoon and speak up the truth on the real situation facing the Indians and the impact of the UMNO repression on HINDRAF which is causing great uneasiness amongst the people. UMNO can’t go on forever silencing all legitimate voice of democracy in the unfounded and malicious allegation of National Security and against public order.
Barisan component parties have a moral duty to speak up the truth in the larger 
National interest and to protect and uphold the Rule of Law. The people who voted in the multi racial BN Government are losing their patience and confidence on the component parties which would eventually lead them into oblivion.
National interest and to protect and uphold the Rule of Law. The people who voted in the multi racial BN Government are losing their patience and confidence on the component parties which would eventually lead them into oblivion. It is time for the component parties to come together and voice out the ground reality and rebuke UMNO for its arrogance and bully attitude against HINDRAF.
P.Waytha Moorthy
CHAIRMAN
HINDRAF
Suhakam: Prove Hindraf a threat
Athi Veeranggan Oct 16, 08 8:56pm
The government was at the receiving end of much criticism for its decision to ban Hindraf, starting with the country’s officially sanctioned human rights organisation.
“Suhakam is of the opinion that a ban on Hindraft will not resolve the issues being championed by this group of individuals and therefore encourages the relevant agencies to address the genuine grievances which are socio-economic in nature,” said commissioners Simon Sipaun, Michael Yeoh and Denison Jayasooria in a joint statement.They were concerned that the ban would further alienate the group from mainstream Malaysian society and asked for the ban to be rescinded.The trio want the government to produce evidence of the movement being a threat to public order and morality - a feeling shared by others.“It was cowardice and arrogance - a clampdown of genuine voices of dissent,” said DAP Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran.“Its (18-point) demands should indeed be incorporated into the national socio-economic policy,” he said - critical of Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar for not informing Parliament beforehand.
Ostrich behaviour
Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong characterised it as the government “burying itself in the sand like an ostrich” and losing further Indian support."The government should understand that with or without Hindraf, the community was unhappy with the way their cultural, religious and basic needs were trampled on," he said.Liew lambasted socio-economic policies which marginalised the lower income groups in Malaysia, making many Indians, Malays and Chinese living in abject poverty.“The government had kow-towed to demands made by a small group of Umno right-wing advocates to ban Hindraf,” he said.
Civil rights activist and former Gerakan leader Dr Toh Kin Woon called it distasteful and ridiculous since they are banning a NGO struggling for disenfranchised Indians.“If the federal government is sincere, it’ll find the root causes of Indian dissatisfaction, rather than to resort to such harsh actions,” he said. Toh argued that poor Indians - not unlike other ethnicities - lack upward social mobility opportunities, and are mired in generational poverty. Therefore the government should work with Hindraf to address the issues.“Declaring Hindraf illegal will not only resolve the problem, but exacerbate the situation,” he summed up.
Hindu Action Network (HAN) chief coordinator G Mugunthan asked Syed Hamid to clarify his decision.“Hindraf was never an armed struggle. It was a harmless movement championing the cause of marginalised minorities and protesting against repressive security laws,” he said, repeating similar calls to revoke the ban.
Save Ourselves secretary BK Ong questioned the legal basis of the decision. “Without such evidence, the charges are rather unfounded and libellous,” he said adding that the reasons behind the decision were questionable.He postulated that if Syed Hamid was doing this because of Hindraf’s illegal assemblies, then Umno and PAS too should be banned for their NEP demonstrations in Penang and Bar Council’s forum intrusion in Kuala Lumpur respectively.“Ban on Hindraf was blatant prejudice and injustice.“Is this the sign of things to come after the Umno leadership change?” he asked.
Ahimsa movement
“If the movement was a threat to national security, then former Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi’s Ahimsa movement should also be deemed as a terrorist organisation,” said United Hindu Religious Council (UHRC) deputy president AK SuppayahHe believes the ban was a bad omen for the BN federal government, just like how police brutality at the Nov 25 Hindraf rally last year led to their electoral losses in March.Bayan Baru MCA division vice-chairperson Ooi Chuan Aik felt that the government should have adopted a softer approach.Anti-ISA Movement (GMI) chairperson Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said the ban would not change the situation since the issue was about managing and engaging’ Hindraf and its demands.
Penang Makkal Sakti Welfare Association (Pemaswa) deputy chairperson MC Pitchay views the ban as part of government strategy to quell the community’s insurgence against injustice and discrimination.“The government may have a hidden agenda to establish a camouflaged pro-BN NGO in Hindraf’s mould to hoodwink the Indian community,” he said.
PAS national unity chairperson Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the government should have dealt with the movement professionally and not politically, calling on the accusations against the movement to be heard in court.He also invited Hindraf to move into mainstream civil rights struggles in the country and to appear less as an extreme Hindu movement
The government was at the receiving end of much criticism for its decision to ban Hindraf, starting with the country’s officially sanctioned human rights organisation.
“Suhakam is of the opinion that a ban on Hindraft will not resolve the issues being championed by this group of individuals and therefore encourages the relevant agencies to address the genuine grievances which are socio-economic in nature,” said commissioners Simon Sipaun, Michael Yeoh and Denison Jayasooria in a joint statement.They were concerned that the ban would further alienate the group from mainstream Malaysian society and asked for the ban to be rescinded.The trio want the government to produce evidence of the movement being a threat to public order and morality - a feeling shared by others.“It was cowardice and arrogance - a clampdown of genuine voices of dissent,” said DAP Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran.“Its (18-point) demands should indeed be incorporated into the national socio-economic policy,” he said - critical of Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar for not informing Parliament beforehand.
Ostrich behaviour
Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong characterised it as the government “burying itself in the sand like an ostrich” and losing further Indian support."The government should understand that with or without Hindraf, the community was unhappy with the way their cultural, religious and basic needs were trampled on," he said.Liew lambasted socio-economic policies which marginalised the lower income groups in Malaysia, making many Indians, Malays and Chinese living in abject poverty.“The government had kow-towed to demands made by a small group of Umno right-wing advocates to ban Hindraf,” he said.
Civil rights activist and former Gerakan leader Dr Toh Kin Woon called it distasteful and ridiculous since they are banning a NGO struggling for disenfranchised Indians.“If the federal government is sincere, it’ll find the root causes of Indian dissatisfaction, rather than to resort to such harsh actions,” he said. Toh argued that poor Indians - not unlike other ethnicities - lack upward social mobility opportunities, and are mired in generational poverty. Therefore the government should work with Hindraf to address the issues.“Declaring Hindraf illegal will not only resolve the problem, but exacerbate the situation,” he summed up.
Hindu Action Network (HAN) chief coordinator G Mugunthan asked Syed Hamid to clarify his decision.“Hindraf was never an armed struggle. It was a harmless movement championing the cause of marginalised minorities and protesting against repressive security laws,” he said, repeating similar calls to revoke the ban.
Save Ourselves secretary BK Ong questioned the legal basis of the decision. “Without such evidence, the charges are rather unfounded and libellous,” he said adding that the reasons behind the decision were questionable.He postulated that if Syed Hamid was doing this because of Hindraf’s illegal assemblies, then Umno and PAS too should be banned for their NEP demonstrations in Penang and Bar Council’s forum intrusion in Kuala Lumpur respectively.“Ban on Hindraf was blatant prejudice and injustice.“Is this the sign of things to come after the Umno leadership change?” he asked.
Ahimsa movement
“If the movement was a threat to national security, then former Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi’s Ahimsa movement should also be deemed as a terrorist organisation,” said United Hindu Religious Council (UHRC) deputy president AK SuppayahHe believes the ban was a bad omen for the BN federal government, just like how police brutality at the Nov 25 Hindraf rally last year led to their electoral losses in March.Bayan Baru MCA division vice-chairperson Ooi Chuan Aik felt that the government should have adopted a softer approach.Anti-ISA Movement (GMI) chairperson Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said the ban would not change the situation since the issue was about managing and engaging’ Hindraf and its demands.
Penang Makkal Sakti Welfare Association (Pemaswa) deputy chairperson MC Pitchay views the ban as part of government strategy to quell the community’s insurgence against injustice and discrimination.“The government may have a hidden agenda to establish a camouflaged pro-BN NGO in Hindraf’s mould to hoodwink the Indian community,” he said.
PAS national unity chairperson Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the government should have dealt with the movement professionally and not politically, calling on the accusations against the movement to be heard in court.He also invited Hindraf to move into mainstream civil rights struggles in the country and to appear less as an extreme Hindu movement
Mkini-Your Say: Hindraf ban BN's Deepavalli 'gift'
Oct 17, 08 10:34am
‘Syed Hamid can declare Hindraf illegal if he wishes but an organisation does not live or die at the whim of the government. They live and die by the will of the people.
'On Gov't declares Hindraf an illegal organisation
Vetrivel: This is a Deepavalli gift for the Indians from BN after giving them a heartbreak last year.BN is lucky as Hindraf follows Gandhi's peaceful ahimsa (non-violence) way but even then Hindraf is demonised and made to look as pure evil terrorists though everyone knows better.If they were a terrorist group do you think their struggle will be peaceful and full of love while abiding by the laws of the land?The Hindraf leaders are the only ones keeping the community in check after Indian families were beaten, mothers and children were tear-gassed and after baton sticks were used on grandfathers on that fateful day in history as the community stood in the streets like beggars only to be kicked and pushed further away.From the first tear gas fired, the Hindraf leaders have taken responsibility for the community and for that some are in ISA and another is in self exile.Indeed, BN is lucky, the intellectuals guiding the community are using all peaceful methods to move but how patient can this community be? Only time will tell.
Spirit Fox: Syed Hamid can declare Hindraf illegal if he wishes but an organisation does not live or die at the whim of the government. Like governments are supposed to - but in Malaysia, do not - organisations live and die by the will of the people.
An organization that loses credibility, no matter how much official backing it receives, can no more sustain itself than a man can live without food. It can just squeak along for a few months. But in the end, it dies a natural and ignominious death.The alternative is an organisation that, while officially illegal, retains its credibility as a vehicle for the aspirations of the people. Such an organisation can survive indefinitely in a multitude of forms despite the harshest repression.Witness the PLO and its struggle against the Zionist regime or the wartime Edelweiss Pirates against the odious apparatus of the Third Reich.
These organisations can be declared illegal, their members hunted and hounded.But they survive so long as they continue to embody the spirit and goals of the populace.Syed Hamid can continue to blather but if the majority do not wish him to succeed, he cannot succeed.
This would entail the endurance of the resistance - for all their empty strength, the government still has brute force at its beck and call - but I have no doubt that if the people are strong and willing, the government will fail.Then Syed Hamid will have plenty of time to contemplate the words of a wise man, written over two centuries ago - that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed.
As for me, I have a little Hindraf flag which I got from our September 27 outing. I will wave that banner proudly until which time Syed Hamid sees fit to revoke this illegal and fatuous ruling or when the sinister agents of this fascist government pry it from my fingers.
Millionth Citizen: Do not think we are born yesterday, Syed Hamid. We can see and are used to seeing you and your cronies trying to divert our attention from the helicopter scandal -good try.We can smell it coming a mile away. If you think what Hindraf did was wrong, by comparison, more of BN cronies should be in jail now. Correct Syed?
Marginalised: Mr Syed Hamid Albar, I'm very convinced that you never think. Let me tell you this. Your action is as good as banning the Indians.And the conclusion is BN has now lost almost all of the Indian Malaysians' votes. Let's see what is the MIC's role in this. Pakatan, I would like to see your response too.
Crazy Nutty: If Hindraf is only now an illegal organisation, why put the Hindraf leaders under ISA last year?Syed Hamid Albar's talk doesn't make sense. All Malaysians should judge for themselves what type of leaders we are having.Simply putting people under the ISA. Shall we put him under the ISA instead?Just World: Hindraf folks, continue with your struggle (for Malaysias democracy). Ban or no ban, do what is right for all Malaysians. Just change your name to ‘Hindraf Baru' (like what Mahathir did to Umno did in 1988 - from Umno to Umno Baru).
John Johnson: Just wonderful, the home minister has done it again. He has decided that Hindraf is an illegal society.
When are we going to wake up?Here is a society that is only fighting for the rights of the marginalised Indians and this minister wants to ban it. His reasons? It is an ‘illegal' society and it is a ‘threat' to the nation. ...What rubbish. These people are only fighting for equality, justice and equal opportunities. If the home minister is going to continue in this way, it is time to replace him.He has stuck his foot in his own mouth at every opportunity he gets and he is actually an embarrassment to us all.
Sang Kancil: Syed Hamid Albar has made another stupid mistake by banning Hindraf. The government has labelled Hindraf as ‘racist', ‘terrorist' and regarded this group of innocent Malaysians as a ‘national threat'.I put it to Syed Hamid, that you are the primary threat to national security. Umno is the most racist party in the world. Umno practices discriminatory laws. Umno leaders are confused between Umno, Malays, Utusan Malaysia and Islam.That is the reason why Umno's Cheras Division has launched a fund called Tabung Azan. They claim that a case against Utusan Malaysia is humiliating Islam. How can this be?challenge you Syed Hamid to sacked the Umno Cheras division chief.
On Hindraf's exiled leader lashes out at ban
Aiyaphaa: Yes, I too agree - the government's decision to ban the movement as a cowardly act. My only message is this:To my belief, what was the first reason why BN fared very badly in the recent elections? Answer?: HindrafAnd why? Their huge demonstration opened not only many eyes of the Indians eye but also th eyes of many others.And with this ban, does the government think they have solved the problem? The frustration will only increase.
‘Syed Hamid can declare Hindraf illegal if he wishes but an organisation does not live or die at the whim of the government. They live and die by the will of the people.
'On Gov't declares Hindraf an illegal organisation
Vetrivel: This is a Deepavalli gift for the Indians from BN after giving them a heartbreak last year.BN is lucky as Hindraf follows Gandhi's peaceful ahimsa (non-violence) way but even then Hindraf is demonised and made to look as pure evil terrorists though everyone knows better.If they were a terrorist group do you think their struggle will be peaceful and full of love while abiding by the laws of the land?The Hindraf leaders are the only ones keeping the community in check after Indian families were beaten, mothers and children were tear-gassed and after baton sticks were used on grandfathers on that fateful day in history as the community stood in the streets like beggars only to be kicked and pushed further away.From the first tear gas fired, the Hindraf leaders have taken responsibility for the community and for that some are in ISA and another is in self exile.Indeed, BN is lucky, the intellectuals guiding the community are using all peaceful methods to move but how patient can this community be? Only time will tell.
Spirit Fox: Syed Hamid can declare Hindraf illegal if he wishes but an organisation does not live or die at the whim of the government. Like governments are supposed to - but in Malaysia, do not - organisations live and die by the will of the people.
An organization that loses credibility, no matter how much official backing it receives, can no more sustain itself than a man can live without food. It can just squeak along for a few months. But in the end, it dies a natural and ignominious death.The alternative is an organisation that, while officially illegal, retains its credibility as a vehicle for the aspirations of the people. Such an organisation can survive indefinitely in a multitude of forms despite the harshest repression.Witness the PLO and its struggle against the Zionist regime or the wartime Edelweiss Pirates against the odious apparatus of the Third Reich.
These organisations can be declared illegal, their members hunted and hounded.But they survive so long as they continue to embody the spirit and goals of the populace.Syed Hamid can continue to blather but if the majority do not wish him to succeed, he cannot succeed.
This would entail the endurance of the resistance - for all their empty strength, the government still has brute force at its beck and call - but I have no doubt that if the people are strong and willing, the government will fail.Then Syed Hamid will have plenty of time to contemplate the words of a wise man, written over two centuries ago - that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed.
As for me, I have a little Hindraf flag which I got from our September 27 outing. I will wave that banner proudly until which time Syed Hamid sees fit to revoke this illegal and fatuous ruling or when the sinister agents of this fascist government pry it from my fingers.
Millionth Citizen: Do not think we are born yesterday, Syed Hamid. We can see and are used to seeing you and your cronies trying to divert our attention from the helicopter scandal -good try.We can smell it coming a mile away. If you think what Hindraf did was wrong, by comparison, more of BN cronies should be in jail now. Correct Syed?
Marginalised: Mr Syed Hamid Albar, I'm very convinced that you never think. Let me tell you this. Your action is as good as banning the Indians.And the conclusion is BN has now lost almost all of the Indian Malaysians' votes. Let's see what is the MIC's role in this. Pakatan, I would like to see your response too.
Crazy Nutty: If Hindraf is only now an illegal organisation, why put the Hindraf leaders under ISA last year?Syed Hamid Albar's talk doesn't make sense. All Malaysians should judge for themselves what type of leaders we are having.Simply putting people under the ISA. Shall we put him under the ISA instead?Just World: Hindraf folks, continue with your struggle (for Malaysias democracy). Ban or no ban, do what is right for all Malaysians. Just change your name to ‘Hindraf Baru' (like what Mahathir did to Umno did in 1988 - from Umno to Umno Baru).
John Johnson: Just wonderful, the home minister has done it again. He has decided that Hindraf is an illegal society.
When are we going to wake up?Here is a society that is only fighting for the rights of the marginalised Indians and this minister wants to ban it. His reasons? It is an ‘illegal' society and it is a ‘threat' to the nation. ...What rubbish. These people are only fighting for equality, justice and equal opportunities. If the home minister is going to continue in this way, it is time to replace him.He has stuck his foot in his own mouth at every opportunity he gets and he is actually an embarrassment to us all.
Sang Kancil: Syed Hamid Albar has made another stupid mistake by banning Hindraf. The government has labelled Hindraf as ‘racist', ‘terrorist' and regarded this group of innocent Malaysians as a ‘national threat'.I put it to Syed Hamid, that you are the primary threat to national security. Umno is the most racist party in the world. Umno practices discriminatory laws. Umno leaders are confused between Umno, Malays, Utusan Malaysia and Islam.That is the reason why Umno's Cheras Division has launched a fund called Tabung Azan. They claim that a case against Utusan Malaysia is humiliating Islam. How can this be?challenge you Syed Hamid to sacked the Umno Cheras division chief.
On Hindraf's exiled leader lashes out at ban
Aiyaphaa: Yes, I too agree - the government's decision to ban the movement as a cowardly act. My only message is this:To my belief, what was the first reason why BN fared very badly in the recent elections? Answer?: HindrafAnd why? Their huge demonstration opened not only many eyes of the Indians eye but also th eyes of many others.And with this ban, does the government think they have solved the problem? The frustration will only increase.
Silent protest by Malaysian Indians against the ban
All planned HINDRAF activities be suspended,
pending further instructions.
As a mark of silent protest to the ban
we urge all supporters to wear orange
T-shirt during the weekends
(Sat & Sunday)
- Waytha Moorthy –Hindraf-
Let us be united and send this sms / email accross to all Malaysian show our solidarity in this silent protest against the act of suppression by the UMNO led govt.
Malaysia ban on Hindu rights group sparks outcry
Malaysia ban on Hindu rights group sparks outcry
Wed Oct 15, 2008 6:11pm IST
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's government on Wednesday outlawed Hindu rights group Hindraf which held a massive anti-government protest last year against alleged discrimination of minority ethnic Indians.
Malaysia is holding five leaders of Hindraf or the Hindu Rights Action Force under the harsh Internal Security Act, which allows indefinite detention without trial, after they led the protest last November.
Ethnic Indians make up 7 percent of Malaysia's 27 million population and, like ethnic Chinese, have expressed growing resentment against decades-old government policies giving majority Muslim-Malays preferential treatment.
News agency Bernama said the Home (Interior) Ministry clamped down on Hindraf after it found evidence that the group posed "a threat to public order and morality".
"The decision to declare Hindraf an illegal organisation is not based on one or two of its activities that are in contravention of the law but covers all the actions it has taken since it was formed," Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said.
"Hindraf has also tried to secure support from foreign countries for the purpose of pressuring the government to bow to its demands," he said.
The opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) condemned the ban. "The banning of Hindraf by the Home Minister must be deplored in the strongest possible terms," DAP leader Lim Kit Siang said. "It will only aggravate the disaffection among the Indian community."
Malaysia has long been wary of anything that might upset racial harmony in the multicultural and relatively prosperous Southeast Asian nation.
Wed Oct 15, 2008 6:11pm IST
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's government on Wednesday outlawed Hindu rights group Hindraf which held a massive anti-government protest last year against alleged discrimination of minority ethnic Indians.
Malaysia is holding five leaders of Hindraf or the Hindu Rights Action Force under the harsh Internal Security Act, which allows indefinite detention without trial, after they led the protest last November.
Ethnic Indians make up 7 percent of Malaysia's 27 million population and, like ethnic Chinese, have expressed growing resentment against decades-old government policies giving majority Muslim-Malays preferential treatment.
News agency Bernama said the Home (Interior) Ministry clamped down on Hindraf after it found evidence that the group posed "a threat to public order and morality".
"The decision to declare Hindraf an illegal organisation is not based on one or two of its activities that are in contravention of the law but covers all the actions it has taken since it was formed," Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said.
"Hindraf has also tried to secure support from foreign countries for the purpose of pressuring the government to bow to its demands," he said.
The opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) condemned the ban. "The banning of Hindraf by the Home Minister must be deplored in the strongest possible terms," DAP leader Lim Kit Siang said. "It will only aggravate the disaffection among the Indian community."
Malaysia has long been wary of anything that might upset racial harmony in the multicultural and relatively prosperous Southeast Asian nation.
Hindraf's exiled leader suspends all activities
Oct 16, 08 3:24pm
Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader P Waythamoorthy today said that he was suspending all activities of the movement as a result of the ban by the government.
MCPX
"I have instructed our coordinators to suspend all activities. I am also urging all our sympathisers and supporters not to take part in activities that is claimed to be organised by Hindraf from today onwards," he told Malaysiakini.
He urged them to await further instructions from him on the movement's next course of action.
"We are presently taking legal advice on this matter as well," he said.
Waythamoorthy also urged supporters to wear orange-coloured t-shirts over the weekends to show their support for Hindraf
Earlier in a statement, Waythamoorthy described the government's decision to ban the movement as a cowardly act.
“It is meant to suppress and oppress the minority Indian (Malaysian) community and the prime minister should step in and revoke the decision,” he said in a statement from his London base.
“Hindraf represents a very deep feeling experienced in the hearts and souls of millions of Indians both locally and internationally,” he added.
Waythamoorthy said the action proves that the government is running out of ideas in dealing with Hindraf and it underscores the notion that Malaysia is a police state.
The self-exiled leader said Hindraf’s struggle is to highlight the plight of Indian Malaysians who have been systematically marginalised, adding that the government does not understand this.
“Hindraf represents the Indian commoner, the hardworking oily-faced man who is made fun of in the streets, the man whom people step on, the man who walks past you, yet you notice him not.
“They all do not wither away with this illegal declaration. The government obviously has a primitive understanding of the situation. They cannot see a genuine problem within a significant section of Malaysian society."
ROS investigated Hindraf
The lawyer compared the movement with the French and American civil revolutions and, more pertinently, with the abolition of apartheid in South Africa.
He claimed that Hindraf’s struggle had raised the self-worth of all Malaysians.
“We demand dignity and equality for each and every Malaysian, which cannot be abandoned and diluted for the glory of the Umno-led government intent on stirring racial tension and maintaining the status quo,” Waythamoorthy added.
The government, however, has rejected claims that the ban is about the ethnicity or the faith of Hindraf followers.
“The government denies racial or religious bias in banning Hindraf. It is up to the police to decide what action to take against those associated with the movement,” English-language daily Star today quoted Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar as saying.
Announcing the ban yesterday, the minister explained that the decision was made after the Registrar of Societies investigated the movement, and his ministry found that “Hindraf had (been) and was being used for unlawful purposes and posed a threat to public order and morality".
Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, president of the national human rights society Hakam, said the ban was unnecessary and showed a lack of sensitivity to the minority community which shunned the government in March elections.
"Hindraf is more a wave of consciousness than an organisation and in declaring it illegal the government has possibly alienated the Indian community even more," he told AFP.
Koh: Listen to their woes
In a related development, Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon expressed hope that despite the ban on Hindraf, the cause of the movement will be given due attention by the authorities.
"The issues affecting the Indian community brought up by Hindraf and other NGOs should be quickly and properly addressed," he told a press conference at Parliament House today.
He said a cabinet committee on the Indian Malaysian community chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has already implemented a few policies, although the outcome will take time to be seen.
"We hope this (ban) will not stifle the freedom of expression by individuals, groups and legally registered organisations. It is an important hallmark for the society to allow for freedom of expression and association" stressed Koh.
He was met by reporters after attending a BN management committee meeting chaired by Najib. The deputy premier and other BN leaders left without speaking to reporters.
The meeting had discussed the rebranding of BN among other aspects, but Koh declined to reveal details
Oct 16, 08 3:24pm
Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader P Waythamoorthy today said that he was suspending all activities of the movement as a result of the ban by the government.
MCPX
"I have instructed our coordinators to suspend all activities. I am also urging all our sympathisers and supporters not to take part in activities that is claimed to be organised by Hindraf from today onwards," he told Malaysiakini.
He urged them to await further instructions from him on the movement's next course of action.
"We are presently taking legal advice on this matter as well," he said.
Waythamoorthy also urged supporters to wear orange-coloured t-shirts over the weekends to show their support for Hindraf
Earlier in a statement, Waythamoorthy described the government's decision to ban the movement as a cowardly act.
“It is meant to suppress and oppress the minority Indian (Malaysian) community and the prime minister should step in and revoke the decision,” he said in a statement from his London base.
“Hindraf represents a very deep feeling experienced in the hearts and souls of millions of Indians both locally and internationally,” he added.
Waythamoorthy said the action proves that the government is running out of ideas in dealing with Hindraf and it underscores the notion that Malaysia is a police state.
The self-exiled leader said Hindraf’s struggle is to highlight the plight of Indian Malaysians who have been systematically marginalised, adding that the government does not understand this.
“Hindraf represents the Indian commoner, the hardworking oily-faced man who is made fun of in the streets, the man whom people step on, the man who walks past you, yet you notice him not.
“They all do not wither away with this illegal declaration. The government obviously has a primitive understanding of the situation. They cannot see a genuine problem within a significant section of Malaysian society."
ROS investigated Hindraf
The lawyer compared the movement with the French and American civil revolutions and, more pertinently, with the abolition of apartheid in South Africa.
He claimed that Hindraf’s struggle had raised the self-worth of all Malaysians.
“We demand dignity and equality for each and every Malaysian, which cannot be abandoned and diluted for the glory of the Umno-led government intent on stirring racial tension and maintaining the status quo,” Waythamoorthy added.
The government, however, has rejected claims that the ban is about the ethnicity or the faith of Hindraf followers.
“The government denies racial or religious bias in banning Hindraf. It is up to the police to decide what action to take against those associated with the movement,” English-language daily Star today quoted Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar as saying.
Announcing the ban yesterday, the minister explained that the decision was made after the Registrar of Societies investigated the movement, and his ministry found that “Hindraf had (been) and was being used for unlawful purposes and posed a threat to public order and morality".
Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, president of the national human rights society Hakam, said the ban was unnecessary and showed a lack of sensitivity to the minority community which shunned the government in March elections.
"Hindraf is more a wave of consciousness than an organisation and in declaring it illegal the government has possibly alienated the Indian community even more," he told AFP.
Koh: Listen to their woes
In a related development, Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon expressed hope that despite the ban on Hindraf, the cause of the movement will be given due attention by the authorities.
"The issues affecting the Indian community brought up by Hindraf and other NGOs should be quickly and properly addressed," he told a press conference at Parliament House today.
He said a cabinet committee on the Indian Malaysian community chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has already implemented a few policies, although the outcome will take time to be seen.
"We hope this (ban) will not stifle the freedom of expression by individuals, groups and legally registered organisations. It is an important hallmark for the society to allow for freedom of expression and association" stressed Koh.
He was met by reporters after attending a BN management committee meeting chaired by Najib. The deputy premier and other BN leaders left without speaking to reporters.
The meeting had discussed the rebranding of BN among other aspects, but Koh declined to reveal details
PS from WMP - Cowardly Act by UMNO lead govt to suppress Malaysianb Indian
PRESS STATEMENT
RE: COWARDLY ACT BY THE UMNO LED GOVERNMENT TO SUPPRESS AND OPPRESS MALAYSIAN INDIAN MINORITY
Declaring Hindraf as an illegal organization will in any case not banish the spirit that created Hindraf . Hindraf represents a very deep feeling experienced in the hearts and souls of millions of Indians both locally and Internationally.
This dastardly and ludicrous attempt by the Home minister to declare HINDRAF as an illegal organisation clearly indicates that the UMNO led government is at the end of their wit and shows that Malaysia is indeed a police state under the pretext of democracy.
The UMNO led government continued use of the sanctity of illegitimate laws such as ISA, Sedition Act, and now the Societies Act with their predatory acts against HINDRAF is a desperate attempt to silence legitimate voice of democracy.
The UMNO led government enjoys demonizing and bullying us on the pretext of law, public order, National security when all we are fighting for is to address the true and real condition of the downtrodden Malaysian Indians who have been systematically marginalized, suppressed and oppressed.
The UMNO government is not able to understand the phenomenon of Hindraf. Hindraf represents the Indian commoner, the hard working oily faced man who is made fun of in the streets, the man who people step on, the man who walks past you yet you notice him not. These are the people whom Hindraf represents – the marginalized and downtrodden Indians. They all do not wither away with this illegal declaration. The Government obviously has a primitive understanding of the situation, they cannot see a genuine problem within a significant section of the Malaysian society.
Look at the annals of history – when the people begin to demand what is truly theirs no governing elite have been able to stop them – take the French revolution, the American revolution, the anti-colonial and liberation movements through the first half of the 20th century and then the liberation of Africa in the late 20th century culminating in the abolition of apartheid in South Africa.
HNDRAF is peoples’ mass movement that seeks the moral and spiritual truth for the oppressed Malaysian Indians against the tyranny of the UMNO led government.
HINDRAF's movement has raised the self worth of every individual in Malaysia and demand that the dignity and equality for each and every Malaysian cannot be abandoned and diluted for the glory of the UMNO led government whose only intention is to stir racial tension and maintain their status quo.
HINDRAF will not flinch with these threats and will continue its struggle against the UMNO regime in Malaysia as we can no longer be cowed nor are we any longer afraid. It is the people's mass movement for moral and spiritual truth on the basis of humanity against the tyranny of the current ruling government.
It is only fair for the Prime Minister to advise his Home Minister to revoke the order.
Waytha Moorthy
HINDRAF – CHAIRMAN
RE: COWARDLY ACT BY THE UMNO LED GOVERNMENT TO SUPPRESS AND OPPRESS MALAYSIAN INDIAN MINORITY
Declaring Hindraf as an illegal organization will in any case not banish the spirit that created Hindraf . Hindraf represents a very deep feeling experienced in the hearts and souls of millions of Indians both locally and Internationally.
This dastardly and ludicrous attempt by the Home minister to declare HINDRAF as an illegal organisation clearly indicates that the UMNO led government is at the end of their wit and shows that Malaysia is indeed a police state under the pretext of democracy.
The UMNO led government continued use of the sanctity of illegitimate laws such as ISA, Sedition Act, and now the Societies Act with their predatory acts against HINDRAF is a desperate attempt to silence legitimate voice of democracy.
The UMNO led government enjoys demonizing and bullying us on the pretext of law, public order, National security when all we are fighting for is to address the true and real condition of the downtrodden Malaysian Indians who have been systematically marginalized, suppressed and oppressed.
The UMNO government is not able to understand the phenomenon of Hindraf. Hindraf represents the Indian commoner, the hard working oily faced man who is made fun of in the streets, the man who people step on, the man who walks past you yet you notice him not. These are the people whom Hindraf represents – the marginalized and downtrodden Indians. They all do not wither away with this illegal declaration. The Government obviously has a primitive understanding of the situation, they cannot see a genuine problem within a significant section of the Malaysian society.
Look at the annals of history – when the people begin to demand what is truly theirs no governing elite have been able to stop them – take the French revolution, the American revolution, the anti-colonial and liberation movements through the first half of the 20th century and then the liberation of Africa in the late 20th century culminating in the abolition of apartheid in South Africa.
HNDRAF is peoples’ mass movement that seeks the moral and spiritual truth for the oppressed Malaysian Indians against the tyranny of the UMNO led government.
HINDRAF's movement has raised the self worth of every individual in Malaysia and demand that the dignity and equality for each and every Malaysian cannot be abandoned and diluted for the glory of the UMNO led government whose only intention is to stir racial tension and maintain their status quo.
HINDRAF will not flinch with these threats and will continue its struggle against the UMNO regime in Malaysia as we can no longer be cowed nor are we any longer afraid. It is the people's mass movement for moral and spiritual truth on the basis of humanity against the tyranny of the current ruling government.
It is only fair for the Prime Minister to advise his Home Minister to revoke the order.
Waytha Moorthy
HINDRAF – CHAIRMAN
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