Below is the new line up done by PM of Msia after the GE 2008, this no changes in the Malaysian Indians representation compare to the previous line up except some portfolio changes.
We also saw for the first time an Indian senator from Gerakan ( Chinese majority party) was made as Deputy Minister.
We wish all good luck and hope they will look into their ministry beyond party and race.
Thx
Kannan R
Hindraf National Event Coordinator
.....................................................................................................................................................................
PUTRAJAYA, March 18 (Bernama) -- Following is the list of Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today:
Prime Minister : Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Deputy Prime Minister : Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
Minister : Tan Sri Bernard Dompok
Minister : Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz
Minister : Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Minister : Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (senator)
Minister : Datuk Amirsham A Aziz (senator)
Deputy : Datuk Johari Baharum
Deputy : Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim (senator)
Deputy : S K Devamany
Deputy : Datuk Hasan Malek
HOME MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar
Deputy : Datuk Chor Chee Heung
Deputy : Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh (senator)
FINANCE MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Minister II : Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop
Deputy : Datuk Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah
Deputy : Datuk Kong Cho Ha
TRANSPORT MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Ong Tee Keat
Deputy : Datuk Anifah Aman
WORKS MINISTRY Minister : Datuk Ir. Mohd Zin Mohamed
Deputy : Datuk Yong Khoon Seng
PLANTATION INDUSTRIES AND COMMODITIES
Minister : Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui
Deputy : A Kohilan Pillay (senator)
ENERGY, WATER AND COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor
Deputy : Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum
INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY MINISTRY
Minister : Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
Deputy : Datuk Liew Vui KeongDeputy : Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan
AGRICULTURE AND AGRO-BASED INDUSTRY MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Mustapa Mohamed
Deputy : Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim
DOMESTIC TRADE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad
Deputy : Jelaing anak Mersat
EDUCATION MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein
Deputy : Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong
Deputy : Datuk Razali Ismail
INFORMATION MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek
Deputy : Datuk Tan Lian Hoe
UNITY, CULTURE, ARTS AND HERITAGE MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Shafie Apdal
Deputy : Teng Boon Soon
HUMAN RESOURCES MINISTRY
Ministry : Datuk Dr. S Subramaniam
Deputy : Datuk Noraini Ahmad
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili
Deputy : Fadillah Yusof
HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Ong Ka Chuan
Deputy : Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew
Deputy : Datuk Hamzah Zainudin
DEFENCE MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
Deputy : Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop
RURAL AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY
Minister : Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib
Deputy : Tan Sri Joseph Kurup
Deputy : Joseph Entulu anak Belaun
FOREIGN MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim
Deputy : Datuk Seri Tengku Azlan Abu Bakar
YOUTH AND SPORTS MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Deputy : Wee Jeck Seng
HEALTH MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Liow Tiong Lai
Deputy : Datuk Dr. Abdul Latiff Ahmad
ENTREPRENEUR AND COOPERATIVES DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Noh Omar
Deputy : Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah
WOMEN, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen
Deputy : Noriah Kasnon
TOURISM MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said
Deputy : Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib
FEDERAL TERRITORIES MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique
Deputy : Datuk M Saravanan
HIGHER EDUCATION MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Khaled Nordin
Deputy : Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung
Deputy : Datuk Idris Haron
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY
Minister : Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas
Deputy : Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Ghapur Salleh
Source-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Yaagam/Homam Guide on the mark of 100 days held under ISA
Homam/Yaagam”( Fire Rituals) Prayers to release HINDRAF 5 on 23nd March 2008.
This “homam / yaagam” is conducted on the mark of 100th day detention of HINDRAF 5 leaders under draconian law, Internal Security Act.
The day is auspicious day for all to get blessing from LORD MURUGAN in speedy release of HINDRAF 5 leaders and the betterment of Malaysian Indians.
Time : 23rd March 2008, within 7.00am till 9.00am.
Venue : Nationwide temples or houses.
Below are the details to conduct this simple “homam/yaagam” in temples or at homes.
1. Prepare a “homam/yaagam” square build with bricks or ready made pot
2. Prepare all the Poojai / prayers items like
a. vilaku (lamp), manjal Pillayar, kumbam,
b. flowers, ghee, dried wood, camphor, aval poori ( white dried rice),
c. paddy rice (nel), fruits and small “pattu” (silk) cloth, coins
3. This prayers can be conducted with many homam/yaagam in the same temple at on time. As the priest chant the mantra, the offering can be done by individual in front of each homam/vaagam.
4. Prayers and offering in yaagam
•Perform Ganesha prayers first.
•Followed by “yaagam/homam” offering with mantra chanting
•Vinayagar mantra, “Om Kam Ganapathi Namoh Namahe - 16 times.
•Then Sivan mantra “Om Namasivaya” - 16 times.
•Offering continue with “Om Namoh Saravana Bhavana” - 108 times
5. During the mantra chanting, please to the offering of ghee, poori, paddy rice and finally with fruits , pattu (silk) and coins.
6. Sing some devotional/ thevaram songs while the yaagam fire glows.
7. Finally conduct a peace meditation / prayers with one focus to bless us by releasing the HINDRAF5 leaders and to uplift the Malaysian Indians right thru 18 demands.
It is also ok if the temple priest could do this
Optionally some “prasantham” can be offered for those whom came for the prayers.
Any concern or guide please do call Mr Shan on +6 019 2285124 or
Kannan at 012-269 0024 for the event confirmation.
This is a full voluntary prayer, let us all gather in your local temples / house to conduct prayers nationwide at the same time for a single bless from the Lord Muruga.
Nandri,
Om Namoh Saravana Bhavana
Vaalge HINDRAF.
Kannan Ramasamy
HINDRAF National Event Coordinator
012-269-0024
This “homam / yaagam” is conducted on the mark of 100th day detention of HINDRAF 5 leaders under draconian law, Internal Security Act.
The day is auspicious day for all to get blessing from LORD MURUGAN in speedy release of HINDRAF 5 leaders and the betterment of Malaysian Indians.
Time : 23rd March 2008, within 7.00am till 9.00am.
Venue : Nationwide temples or houses.
Below are the details to conduct this simple “homam/yaagam” in temples or at homes.
1. Prepare a “homam/yaagam” square build with bricks or ready made pot
2. Prepare all the Poojai / prayers items like
a. vilaku (lamp), manjal Pillayar, kumbam,
b. flowers, ghee, dried wood, camphor, aval poori ( white dried rice),
c. paddy rice (nel), fruits and small “pattu” (silk) cloth, coins
3. This prayers can be conducted with many homam/yaagam in the same temple at on time. As the priest chant the mantra, the offering can be done by individual in front of each homam/vaagam.
4. Prayers and offering in yaagam
•Perform Ganesha prayers first.
•Followed by “yaagam/homam” offering with mantra chanting
•Vinayagar mantra, “Om Kam Ganapathi Namoh Namahe - 16 times.
•Then Sivan mantra “Om Namasivaya” - 16 times.
•Offering continue with “Om Namoh Saravana Bhavana” - 108 times
5. During the mantra chanting, please to the offering of ghee, poori, paddy rice and finally with fruits , pattu (silk) and coins.
6. Sing some devotional/ thevaram songs while the yaagam fire glows.
7. Finally conduct a peace meditation / prayers with one focus to bless us by releasing the HINDRAF5 leaders and to uplift the Malaysian Indians right thru 18 demands.
It is also ok if the temple priest could do this
Optionally some “prasantham” can be offered for those whom came for the prayers.
Any concern or guide please do call Mr Shan on +6 019 2285124 or
Kannan at 012-269 0024 for the event confirmation.
This is a full voluntary prayer, let us all gather in your local temples / house to conduct prayers nationwide at the same time for a single bless from the Lord Muruga.
Nandri,
Om Namoh Saravana Bhavana
Vaalge HINDRAF.
Kannan Ramasamy
HINDRAF National Event Coordinator
012-269-0024
Monday, March 17, 2008
Nationwide "Yaagam" postponed to 23rd March
Nationwide Yaagam postponed 1 day from planned date.
Vanakam,
The nationwide "yaagam/homam" (fire ritual) that were planned on the mark of 100th day detention of our HINDRAF leaders under draconian law, ISA will be postpone to :-
SUNDAY - 23rd March 2008
Time - 7.00 am to 9.00 am
This yaagam dedicated to LORD MURUGAN to bless us by speedy release of HINDRAF leaders and uplift the Malaysian Indian thru proposed 18 demands to PM.
It was postponed to Sunday 23rd March after some advice from concern Swamijis and learned leader from Astrology field on the date and time planned. Since the whole activities are for a good cause with unify prayers to get blessing from Lord Muruga, we wisely heard the advice on the need to change.
Pls inform the temples and our devotees on this changes.
Do work with the temples on having several yaagam ( 5 or 9 or 18 ) at the same time. This can be done by requesting the priest to chant mantras while the devotees can do the yaagam offering.
Any concern or queries, please do call Kannan R at 012-269-0024.
Nandri.
Inbame Sulge
Yellorum Vaalge.
Vaalge HINDRAF
Valarge Makkal Sakthi
Kannan R
HINDRAF National Event Coordinator
Vanakam,
The nationwide "yaagam/homam" (fire ritual) that were planned on the mark of 100th day detention of our HINDRAF leaders under draconian law, ISA will be postpone to :-
SUNDAY - 23rd March 2008
Time - 7.00 am to 9.00 am
This yaagam dedicated to LORD MURUGAN to bless us by speedy release of HINDRAF leaders and uplift the Malaysian Indian thru proposed 18 demands to PM.
It was postponed to Sunday 23rd March after some advice from concern Swamijis and learned leader from Astrology field on the date and time planned. Since the whole activities are for a good cause with unify prayers to get blessing from Lord Muruga, we wisely heard the advice on the need to change.
Pls inform the temples and our devotees on this changes.
Do work with the temples on having several yaagam ( 5 or 9 or 18 ) at the same time. This can be done by requesting the priest to chant mantras while the devotees can do the yaagam offering.
Any concern or queries, please do call Kannan R at 012-269-0024.
Nandri.
Inbame Sulge
Yellorum Vaalge.
Vaalge HINDRAF
Valarge Makkal Sakthi
Kannan R
HINDRAF National Event Coordinator
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Hindu American Foundation Supporting the Malaysian Rights Rally in San Francisco
HINDU AMERICAN FOUNDATION
SUPPORT
Malaysian rights rally in San Francisco
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is throwing its support behind a rally planned to take place in front of the United Nations Plaza in San Francisco, California on Saturday, March 22, 2008. The rally, organized by American Hindus with familial ties to Malaysia, is to support human rights in Malaysia. The organizers are calling for an end to the apartheid policies of the Malaysian government that favor ethnic Malay Muslims over other ethnic groups, and are demanding an immediate end to the destruction of Hindu Temples. The rally will also mark the 100th day of the unjust and unlawful detention of 5 leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF), who were jailed after they led a non-violent protest in the nation's capital in late November.
Venue: United Nations Plaza in San Francisco, CA (at the intersection of Market & Hyde)
Date/Time: Saturday, March 22, 2008 from 10a.m. – 1p.m.
Contact: Bhuvan Govindasamy
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
100 days of ISA detention- nationwide forums on ISA cruelty and worldwide protest.
Dear HINDRAF supporters,
22nd March marks 100 days of the draconian arrest and detention of our brothers under the Internal Security Act.
In conjunction of this I invite HINDRAF supporters to organize nationwide forums on the 22nd March and at least 100 yagams (fire rituals) throughout the country.
Please organise the forums in public halls and seek/apply police permits early. You could invite the newly elected MP’s/ State assemblymen/ ex ISA detainees/lawyers to talk on the cruelty of ISA detentions.
A representative of HINDRAF could speak on the continued struggle of HINDRAF and our commitments for the protection of Minority Rights. At the end of the Forums kindly release 5 pigeons to mark the quest for freedom of the 5.
I also urge you to organize 100 yagams (fire rituals) throughout the country to mark this day seeking Divine Blessings for our 5 heroes detained and for the success of our 18 demands. I suggest we all collectively organise the yagams for Lord Muruga and invoke his blessings for our struggle.
The yagams could be organized in Temples/homes ect and need not be large numbers of participants. There are simple methods of conducting these yagams and you need not engage priests or “qualified persons”. All men and women with sincere heart and thoughts are qualified to organise these rituals. You may obtain simple instructions on how to organise these yagams by contacting Mr. Shanmugam on +6 019 2285124.
If you are organising a yagam please inform details and venues of your yagam by way of email to admin@hindraf.org or contact HINDRAF event co-ordinator Mr. Kannan on +6012 2690024.
For all enquiries of the programs ie Forum and the yagams please do not hesitate to contact Mr Kannan on the above number.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
22nd March marks 100 days of the draconian arrest and detention of our brothers under the Internal Security Act.
In conjunction of this I invite HINDRAF supporters to organize nationwide forums on the 22nd March and at least 100 yagams (fire rituals) throughout the country.
Please organise the forums in public halls and seek/apply police permits early. You could invite the newly elected MP’s/ State assemblymen/ ex ISA detainees/lawyers to talk on the cruelty of ISA detentions.
A representative of HINDRAF could speak on the continued struggle of HINDRAF and our commitments for the protection of Minority Rights. At the end of the Forums kindly release 5 pigeons to mark the quest for freedom of the 5.
I also urge you to organize 100 yagams (fire rituals) throughout the country to mark this day seeking Divine Blessings for our 5 heroes detained and for the success of our 18 demands. I suggest we all collectively organise the yagams for Lord Muruga and invoke his blessings for our struggle.
The yagams could be organized in Temples/homes ect and need not be large numbers of participants. There are simple methods of conducting these yagams and you need not engage priests or “qualified persons”. All men and women with sincere heart and thoughts are qualified to organise these rituals. You may obtain simple instructions on how to organise these yagams by contacting Mr. Shanmugam on +6 019 2285124.
If you are organising a yagam please inform details and venues of your yagam by way of email to admin@hindraf.org or contact HINDRAF event co-ordinator Mr. Kannan on +6012 2690024.
For all enquiries of the programs ie Forum and the yagams please do not hesitate to contact Mr Kannan on the above number.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
PRESS STATEMENT 11.3.08
RE: HINDRAF WELCOMES PM’S STATEMENT TO LEARN FROM PAST MISTAKES.
WISHES AND SENTIMENT OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY VITAL “TO CHALK” THE FUTURE POLITICAL SCENARIO IN MALAYSIA.
PM SHOULD IMMEDIATELY TABLE AN ACT OF PARLIAMENT TO REPEAL THE EXISTING INTERNAL SECURITY ACT.
ALL ISA DETAINEES SHOULD BE RELEASED WITHOUT CONDITION.
HINDRAF welcomes the statement by Prime Minister taking collective responsibilities for the defeat and mistakes committed by the Government.
It is time the BN Government take cognisance of the wishes and sentiment if the Indian community “to chalk” the future political scenario in Malaysia. HINDRAF has played a vital role in shifting the sentiments of the Indian voters and have influenced the shift of “ political wave” of Chinese and Malay voters significantly.
There is no doubt that the Chinese and Malays do not believe the accusations levelled against HINDRAF that its demands are extreme and are linked to terrorists. The Chinese and Malays sympathise with the plight of Indians and are not perturbed into believing the propaganda perpetrated by the BN controlled media levelling HINDRAF as an extremist organization.
We wish to caution the Government that should HINDRAF continuously be ignored and suppressed by Government, it would have far reaching impact on the sentiments of all races in Malaysia for Malaysians have shown tremendous maturity in political thinking and discarded the race based politics.
Malaysians of races despised the Internal Security Act, which had served the personal agenda to ruling BN Government. If the Prime Minister is truly sincere in his statement that he had learnt and are willing to rectify the mistakes of his Government, he should release all existing ISA detainees with immediate effect without conditions and table the First Act of Parliament to repeal the Internal Security Act. This would serve as the beginning of the return of “Rakyat trust” on BN Government. The PM should also sincerely assure the Indian community that their plight would be the priority of future Government policies.
P Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
Currently in New Delhi
WISHES AND SENTIMENT OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY VITAL “TO CHALK” THE FUTURE POLITICAL SCENARIO IN MALAYSIA.
PM SHOULD IMMEDIATELY TABLE AN ACT OF PARLIAMENT TO REPEAL THE EXISTING INTERNAL SECURITY ACT.
ALL ISA DETAINEES SHOULD BE RELEASED WITHOUT CONDITION.
HINDRAF welcomes the statement by Prime Minister taking collective responsibilities for the defeat and mistakes committed by the Government.
It is time the BN Government take cognisance of the wishes and sentiment if the Indian community “to chalk” the future political scenario in Malaysia. HINDRAF has played a vital role in shifting the sentiments of the Indian voters and have influenced the shift of “ political wave” of Chinese and Malay voters significantly.
There is no doubt that the Chinese and Malays do not believe the accusations levelled against HINDRAF that its demands are extreme and are linked to terrorists. The Chinese and Malays sympathise with the plight of Indians and are not perturbed into believing the propaganda perpetrated by the BN controlled media levelling HINDRAF as an extremist organization.
We wish to caution the Government that should HINDRAF continuously be ignored and suppressed by Government, it would have far reaching impact on the sentiments of all races in Malaysia for Malaysians have shown tremendous maturity in political thinking and discarded the race based politics.
Malaysians of races despised the Internal Security Act, which had served the personal agenda to ruling BN Government. If the Prime Minister is truly sincere in his statement that he had learnt and are willing to rectify the mistakes of his Government, he should release all existing ISA detainees with immediate effect without conditions and table the First Act of Parliament to repeal the Internal Security Act. This would serve as the beginning of the return of “Rakyat trust” on BN Government. The PM should also sincerely assure the Indian community that their plight would be the priority of future Government policies.
P Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
Currently in New Delhi
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Mahathir talks nonsense - Malaysiakini interview
I refer to the interview given by ex Premier Mahathir Mohamad to Malaysiakini.
The ex premier laments that the Indians never appreciated him. Why should the Indians say thank you to a man who “threw the seeds” of hatred, marginalization and discrimination during his regime.
There is no doubt that the intake for medical seats was the worst during his tenure. And yet he had the audacity to complain that the Indians never thanked him for ultimately being doctors.
Instead of wanting to claim credit for what he doesn’t deserve, he should provide proof that he was the reason for the success of the Indians. Most Indians sold off their property and lifelong savings to educate their children and provide them a career opportunity that they deserve according to their qualifications. Unfortunately Mahathir failed to address the failure of the Government (his) to provide opportunities to good ranking students who performed well at their STPM and SPM levels. They deserved good courses at Universities. Our Country needs the best brains to serve the country and Mahathir is guilty of suppressing them (Indians and Chinese) on grounds of Racist and Fascist policies.
Despite the suppression the Indians and Chinese have made it through their own sacrifices i.e. most had to sell their only property and lifelong savings to educate their children overseas only for them to return to this country to serve. Even then, they are discriminated and various restrictions imposed on their qualifications on grounds that their Universities are not recognized when the rest of the world could do so. One cannot forget it was during Mahathir’s era that his “great education Minister” derecognized a Russian University upon visiting the said university and realizing 80% of Malaysian students there were Indians.
To cut a long story short “ Mahathir you do not deserve a thank you from the Indians – I can go on listing the number of atrocities you committed to the non Malays in this country.
Leaders like you and your successors should learn to appreciate and welcome the “best brains” available to this country for its progressive development. Education and nation building has nothing to do with Race or the Malay Special Privileges. Politicians like you and your successors are deliberately suppressing the “best brains” the country inherited for your personal agenda.
ISNT THAT NOT BETRAYING YOUR COUNTRY MY DEAR EX PRIMIER??
P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
The ex premier laments that the Indians never appreciated him. Why should the Indians say thank you to a man who “threw the seeds” of hatred, marginalization and discrimination during his regime.
There is no doubt that the intake for medical seats was the worst during his tenure. And yet he had the audacity to complain that the Indians never thanked him for ultimately being doctors.
Instead of wanting to claim credit for what he doesn’t deserve, he should provide proof that he was the reason for the success of the Indians. Most Indians sold off their property and lifelong savings to educate their children and provide them a career opportunity that they deserve according to their qualifications. Unfortunately Mahathir failed to address the failure of the Government (his) to provide opportunities to good ranking students who performed well at their STPM and SPM levels. They deserved good courses at Universities. Our Country needs the best brains to serve the country and Mahathir is guilty of suppressing them (Indians and Chinese) on grounds of Racist and Fascist policies.
Despite the suppression the Indians and Chinese have made it through their own sacrifices i.e. most had to sell their only property and lifelong savings to educate their children overseas only for them to return to this country to serve. Even then, they are discriminated and various restrictions imposed on their qualifications on grounds that their Universities are not recognized when the rest of the world could do so. One cannot forget it was during Mahathir’s era that his “great education Minister” derecognized a Russian University upon visiting the said university and realizing 80% of Malaysian students there were Indians.
To cut a long story short “ Mahathir you do not deserve a thank you from the Indians – I can go on listing the number of atrocities you committed to the non Malays in this country.
Leaders like you and your successors should learn to appreciate and welcome the “best brains” available to this country for its progressive development. Education and nation building has nothing to do with Race or the Malay Special Privileges. Politicians like you and your successors are deliberately suppressing the “best brains” the country inherited for your personal agenda.
ISNT THAT NOT BETRAYING YOUR COUNTRY MY DEAR EX PRIMIER??
P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
Sunday, March 2, 2008
DPM NAJIB INTERVIEW IN ALJAZEERA, MORE LIES
LOOK AT THE LIAR - MANIPULATIONS, BN STYLE In the Aljazeera Channel East 101 interview with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the Q&A touched on various election issues - press and campaigning freedom, sedition, balloting transparency, Hindraf and the Government's liberal stance. The Aljazeera media team had travelled nationwide to gauge the election campaign.Transcribed by Nisha Sabanayagam
Q. On the conduct of the electoral process. The group BERSIH has provided with us some details on what they way are anomalies in the process. Do you think the registration and the voting practices are completely clean?A. Yes, its very transparent. It is very fair. We have lost the elections before. In fact, the entire state of Kelantan is controlled by PAS. And the present state government has survived for a number of years on the basis of having one seat more than Barisan Nasional. And that one seat which they won, they won by a majority of two. If BERSIH claims that the process is not fair and is not transparent and that we have the means of exploiting the elections results, don’t tell me we cannot find three more votes to change the situation.
Q. I have a list here of at least 100 people over the age of 100 registered as voters. A. It is possible that the names of people who have died in the past, their names are still on the list. But they will not appear as voters. The opposition parties also have polling agents. They can verify those names.
Q. There have been instances where dead people have turned up to vote. A. Let us find out and let them bring it up to the Elections Commission.
Q. The DAP recently called this the most important election in Malaysia’s history because they perceive a very strong move towards greater Islamisation of what is the historically a secular state and they worry about issues which marginalise those who are not Muslims. Do they have a reason to be concerned? A. No. We have not changed the fundamental policies. But the irony is that they have some sort of political understanding with PAS, which has a much more Islamic agenda, which is they want to turn Malaysia into a theocratic Islamic state. That is an agenda we do not have. They are political partners.
Q. Does that suggest they are desperate? A. Yes, absolutely. It is just a political ploy on the part of DAP. How can you present an electorate when you cannot even agree on a common policy let alone a common symbol? They don’t even have a common symbol. So they are not really an alternative to the present Barison Nasional.
Q. On the issue of freedom of speech. There have been a number of attempted rallies in Kuala Lumpur in the past few months which have been denied permission to take place and there have been a bit unpleasantness. Why is it that the government is so cautious about public rallies? A. Because most of the demonstrations that have been organised are street demonstrations. When there are street demonstrations, there is very little control about what’s likely to happen. As you know some of the demonstrations that have been organized have resulted in some physical clashes and there is the risk (not withstanding the risk of businesses being affected) that could spark off retaliatory demonstrations by others who are opposed to some of the issues carried by these groups.
Q. On the HINDRAF rally recently. What you say demonstration they would call it a rally, with the point of trying to present a petition to the Prime Minister at Parliament. They were a rather modest crowd of 700 people and yet the force of police that turned out against them was much higher and rather immediate.. Where was the threat? A. The threat can come first of all (from) the people who are involved in this who may resort to throwing stones. That actually happened in the Batu Caves area, organised by HINDRAF. Secondly there is also the danger that other groups for example the Malays in Kampung Baru, who can get quite agitated and they may organize their demonstrations and this could lead to something very serious in terms of a multiracial society.
Q. What about the different approach to facilitate the demonstration and allow it to disperse as soon as possible? A. We leave it to the police to manage this. It is very much a police matter. We don’t actually give explicit instructions to the police. They will decide what is the best way to control the situation.
Q. The police obviously have control of the actual event on site.. The government has control over issuance of permits and acceptance for those demonstrations. A. Well, actually I have to correct you. The issuance of permits is actually decided by the police. For your in formation, in the state of Terengganu for example, in the last year, there were about 200 public rallies organized by the opposition and another 200, without permits. So there are many instances in which the police have allowed rallies to be continued despite the fact the organizers have not obtained the necessary permits from the police.
Q. The former deputy prime minister Datuk Anwar Ibrahim has complained that genuine political gathering for the purpose of disseminating information are denied permits? A. I give the example of the state of Terengganu. There were more rallies organized by the opposition and rallies that do not get police permits were actually allowed by the police and not disrupted. So in fact, there is a deal of latitude given in our society. In fact, the opposition parties have started their political rallies or campaigns ever since the last elections happened. Over a period of four years, they have been going down to the ground.
Q. Let me ask you your view of the local media. Many complaints have been made, not just against the media, but within the media itself, that they are not allowed to report on and often do not report on issues of certain significance. Do you think there is free speech in the media? A. I think it is quite open. For example, the alternative media is very open in this country.
Q. And often quite oppressed, it is not? A. No, it is not. You go through the internet, there are websites and blogs and a lot of the material there is actually very, very critical of the government. And this has been allowed. There are also papers owned by the opposition parties, for example PAS, Keadilan and DAP all have their own newspapers.
Q. So, it the government’s position they are free to write what they want? A. Of course. Except if you break the laws of the country. If what you write can be construed as seditious, then its different. There is a lot of latitude given. I tell you, the kind of things that is written on the internet, it is mind-boggling.
Q. Some of the HINDRAF leaders have been arrested with charges of sedition. Is there any intent to bring charges against these people? Do they deserve to be held? A.. The general reaction of the people have been quite positive in terms of using of the ISA because this has led to quite a de-escalation in terms of all the activities going on this country such as the street demonstrations. With some of the street demonstrations in the country, people feel that the government has been too liberal perhaps and people want the stability in this country to be upheld.
Q. A lot people say that the government has not been liberal enough?A. On the contrary, we have been very liberal in this country. - NST
Q. On the conduct of the electoral process. The group BERSIH has provided with us some details on what they way are anomalies in the process. Do you think the registration and the voting practices are completely clean?A. Yes, its very transparent. It is very fair. We have lost the elections before. In fact, the entire state of Kelantan is controlled by PAS. And the present state government has survived for a number of years on the basis of having one seat more than Barisan Nasional. And that one seat which they won, they won by a majority of two. If BERSIH claims that the process is not fair and is not transparent and that we have the means of exploiting the elections results, don’t tell me we cannot find three more votes to change the situation.
Q. I have a list here of at least 100 people over the age of 100 registered as voters. A. It is possible that the names of people who have died in the past, their names are still on the list. But they will not appear as voters. The opposition parties also have polling agents. They can verify those names.
Q. There have been instances where dead people have turned up to vote. A. Let us find out and let them bring it up to the Elections Commission.
Q. The DAP recently called this the most important election in Malaysia’s history because they perceive a very strong move towards greater Islamisation of what is the historically a secular state and they worry about issues which marginalise those who are not Muslims. Do they have a reason to be concerned? A. No. We have not changed the fundamental policies. But the irony is that they have some sort of political understanding with PAS, which has a much more Islamic agenda, which is they want to turn Malaysia into a theocratic Islamic state. That is an agenda we do not have. They are political partners.
Q. Does that suggest they are desperate? A. Yes, absolutely. It is just a political ploy on the part of DAP. How can you present an electorate when you cannot even agree on a common policy let alone a common symbol? They don’t even have a common symbol. So they are not really an alternative to the present Barison Nasional.
Q. On the issue of freedom of speech. There have been a number of attempted rallies in Kuala Lumpur in the past few months which have been denied permission to take place and there have been a bit unpleasantness. Why is it that the government is so cautious about public rallies? A. Because most of the demonstrations that have been organised are street demonstrations. When there are street demonstrations, there is very little control about what’s likely to happen. As you know some of the demonstrations that have been organized have resulted in some physical clashes and there is the risk (not withstanding the risk of businesses being affected) that could spark off retaliatory demonstrations by others who are opposed to some of the issues carried by these groups.
Q. On the HINDRAF rally recently. What you say demonstration they would call it a rally, with the point of trying to present a petition to the Prime Minister at Parliament. They were a rather modest crowd of 700 people and yet the force of police that turned out against them was much higher and rather immediate.. Where was the threat? A. The threat can come first of all (from) the people who are involved in this who may resort to throwing stones. That actually happened in the Batu Caves area, organised by HINDRAF. Secondly there is also the danger that other groups for example the Malays in Kampung Baru, who can get quite agitated and they may organize their demonstrations and this could lead to something very serious in terms of a multiracial society.
Q. What about the different approach to facilitate the demonstration and allow it to disperse as soon as possible? A. We leave it to the police to manage this. It is very much a police matter. We don’t actually give explicit instructions to the police. They will decide what is the best way to control the situation.
Q. The police obviously have control of the actual event on site.. The government has control over issuance of permits and acceptance for those demonstrations. A. Well, actually I have to correct you. The issuance of permits is actually decided by the police. For your in formation, in the state of Terengganu for example, in the last year, there were about 200 public rallies organized by the opposition and another 200, without permits. So there are many instances in which the police have allowed rallies to be continued despite the fact the organizers have not obtained the necessary permits from the police.
Q. The former deputy prime minister Datuk Anwar Ibrahim has complained that genuine political gathering for the purpose of disseminating information are denied permits? A. I give the example of the state of Terengganu. There were more rallies organized by the opposition and rallies that do not get police permits were actually allowed by the police and not disrupted. So in fact, there is a deal of latitude given in our society. In fact, the opposition parties have started their political rallies or campaigns ever since the last elections happened. Over a period of four years, they have been going down to the ground.
Q. Let me ask you your view of the local media. Many complaints have been made, not just against the media, but within the media itself, that they are not allowed to report on and often do not report on issues of certain significance. Do you think there is free speech in the media? A. I think it is quite open. For example, the alternative media is very open in this country.
Q. And often quite oppressed, it is not? A. No, it is not. You go through the internet, there are websites and blogs and a lot of the material there is actually very, very critical of the government. And this has been allowed. There are also papers owned by the opposition parties, for example PAS, Keadilan and DAP all have their own newspapers.
Q. So, it the government’s position they are free to write what they want? A. Of course. Except if you break the laws of the country. If what you write can be construed as seditious, then its different. There is a lot of latitude given. I tell you, the kind of things that is written on the internet, it is mind-boggling.
Q. Some of the HINDRAF leaders have been arrested with charges of sedition. Is there any intent to bring charges against these people? Do they deserve to be held? A.. The general reaction of the people have been quite positive in terms of using of the ISA because this has led to quite a de-escalation in terms of all the activities going on this country such as the street demonstrations. With some of the street demonstrations in the country, people feel that the government has been too liberal perhaps and people want the stability in this country to be upheld.
Q. A lot people say that the government has not been liberal enough?A. On the contrary, we have been very liberal in this country. - NST
Saturday, March 1, 2008
SV was not welcome in Lunas
Samy Vellu was not welcomed in Lunas yesterday ( 26/02/2008 ). More than 3000 people gathered with bannners to block Samy Vellu from entering Lunas. He was supposed to meet the people there and also attend a dinner organized by MCA Lunas and Pemuda MIC . Roads to enter the Chinnese hall was blocked with the poeple there.. and refused to let Samy Vellu in. He then had no choice.More than 100 policemen were placed there to control the situation. Yet they could not control the crowd, more than 12 FRU trucks complete with water cannons and tear gas launchers was brought to control the situation there.. No tear gas and water canons were used. But they are all in postion. Padang Serai Parliment candidate Gopalakrishnan was on the spot to ensure the safety of the people there and to calm down the situation there. His son was arrested by the police.
-posted by Supporter in Malaysian_Indian yahoogroup
Tamil Nesan (29.02.08) Misquote our Support to Anwar
Below is the explaination done by VK Regu - Makkal Sakthi Area Coordinator regarding the news in Tamil Nesan on 29.02.08.
The Tamil Nesan have written that Makkal Sakthi have no relation with ANWAR.
It was a total FALSE news as MAKKAL SAKTHI have been a strong supporter of all opposition this general election.
Mr RK Regu, Sri Ramaji and Kannan from Makkal Sakthi and HINDRAF were on the same stage with Datuk Seri Anwar, Pn Nurul Izzah Anwar, Sdr Deo Govind Karpal Singh and RPK supporting PKR on 28.02.08 at Brickfield PKR Campaign.
Makkal Sakthi is going throughout the nation to campaign for opposition in this election after 50 years of marginalization of UMNO lead government towards Malaysian Indians.
All this mislead information by BN control media are to further confuse the Indians in Malaysia.
Makkal Sakthi also pledge all the voters to uphold the AHIMSA way during the campaigning and show the People's Power thru ballot.
Thanks,
வி.கே. ரகு அப்படி சொன்னாரா?
ஜீவி காத்தையா, Feb 29 2008, 10:02 pm
“நேற்று அன்வார் நடத்திய கூட்டத்தில் கலந்து கொண்டேன்; இன்று ஜசெக தேர்தல் கூட்டத்தில் கலந்து கொள்கிறேன்” - வி.கே. ரகு
“வரும் மார்ச் 8 ஆம் தேதி நடைபெறும் பொதுத்தேர்தலில் குறிப்பிட்ட சில தரப்பினரை அல்லது வேட்பாளர்களை ஆதரிக்கும்படியோ அல்லது அவர்களுக்கு வாக்களிக்கும்படியோ மக்கள் சக்தி இயக்கம் எவரையும் கேட்டுக் கொள்ளாது. மாறாக வாக்காளர்கள் த்ங்களது விவேகத்திற்கு ஏற்ப அவர்கள் விரும்பும் வேட்பபளர்களுக்கு வாக்களிக்களாம் என மக்கள் சக்தி இயக்கத்தின் ஒருங்கிணப்பாளர் வி.கே. ரகு கூறினார்.” (த்மிழ் நேசன் 29.2.2008)
திரு. வி.கே. ரகு மேற்கூறியவாறு எந்த அறிக்கையும் வெளியிடவில்லை. “நான் நேற்று அன்வார் பிரிக்பீல்ட்ஸில் நடத்திய தேர்தல் பிரச்சாரத்தில் கலந்து கொண்டேன். இன்று (29.2. 08) ஜசெக நட்த்தும் கூட்டத்தில் கலந்துகொள்கிறேன்”, என்று வி.கே. ரகு மலேசியாஇன்று.கோம்மிடம் கூறினார்.
மேலும், கீழ்க்கண்ட விளக்கத்தை அவர் அளித்தார்:
1) பத்துமலை திருத்தலத்தில் மார்ச் 2 ஆம் திகதி நடைபெறவிருந்த சிறப்பு பிராத்தணை குறித்து முடிவெடுக்க மட்டுமே நாங்கள் கூடினோம்.
2) சிறப்பு பிராத்தணை வேறொரு நாளுக்கு ஒத்திப்போட முடிவெடுக்கப்பட்டது.
3) அந்த ஒத்திவைப்பு பற்றி மட்டுமே செய்தியாளர்கள் கூட்டத்தில் அறிவிக்கப்பட்டது.
4) ” ‘மக்கள் சக்தி’ பெயரைப் பயன்படுத்தி வன்முறைகளா? ஏற்க முடியாது”, என்று நாங்கள் கூறவில்லை.
5) “விரும்புகின்ற வேட்பாளர்களுக்கு மக்கள் சக்தியினர் வாக்களிக்கலாம்”, என்று நாங்கள் கூறவில்லை.
6) “விரக்தியினால் குழப்பம் செய்வோர் மக்கள் சக்தி என்று கூறிக்கொள்வதா?”, என்று நாங்கள் கூறவில்லை.
7) “அன்வாருக்கும் எங்களுக்கும் எந்தவொரு சம்பந்தமும் இல்லை”‘ என்று நாங்கள் கூறவில்லை.
நாங்கள் கூறாததைக் கூறியதாகச் செய்தி வெளியிட்டிருப்பதின் உள்நோக்கம் என்ன என்பதை விழித்தெழிந்து நிற்கும் இந்தியர்கள் நிச்சயம் புரிந்து கொள்வார்கள் என்று வி.கே. ரகு கூறினார்.
நாங்கள் கூறாததைக் கூறியதாகச் சொல்வது கண்டனதுக்குறியது. வன்முறைகளை நாங்கள் ஏற்றுக்கொள்கிறோமா அல்லது இல்லையா என்பதை நாங்கள்தான் கூறவேண்டும். நாங்கள் கூறியதாக மற்றவ்ர்கள் கூறுவது அசிங்கமானச் செயலாகும் என்று வி.கே. ரகு இடித்துரைத்தார்.
நாங்கள் எப்போதும் அஹிம்சையைத்தான் கடைபிடிக்கிறோம்; நம்புகிறோம். யாருக்கு வாக்களிக்க வேண்டும் என்பதை மக்கள் என்றோ முடிவு செய்துவிட்டனர். அது விவேகமான முடிவாக இருக்கும் என்று அழுத்தம் திருத்தமாக வி.கே. ரகு கூறினார்.
The Tamil Nesan have written that Makkal Sakthi have no relation with ANWAR.
It was a total FALSE news as MAKKAL SAKTHI have been a strong supporter of all opposition this general election.
Mr RK Regu, Sri Ramaji and Kannan from Makkal Sakthi and HINDRAF were on the same stage with Datuk Seri Anwar, Pn Nurul Izzah Anwar, Sdr Deo Govind Karpal Singh and RPK supporting PKR on 28.02.08 at Brickfield PKR Campaign.
Makkal Sakthi is going throughout the nation to campaign for opposition in this election after 50 years of marginalization of UMNO lead government towards Malaysian Indians.
All this mislead information by BN control media are to further confuse the Indians in Malaysia.
Makkal Sakthi also pledge all the voters to uphold the AHIMSA way during the campaigning and show the People's Power thru ballot.
Thanks,
வி.கே. ரகு அப்படி சொன்னாரா?
ஜீவி காத்தையா, Feb 29 2008, 10:02 pm
“நேற்று அன்வார் நடத்திய கூட்டத்தில் கலந்து கொண்டேன்; இன்று ஜசெக தேர்தல் கூட்டத்தில் கலந்து கொள்கிறேன்” - வி.கே. ரகு
“வரும் மார்ச் 8 ஆம் தேதி நடைபெறும் பொதுத்தேர்தலில் குறிப்பிட்ட சில தரப்பினரை அல்லது வேட்பாளர்களை ஆதரிக்கும்படியோ அல்லது அவர்களுக்கு வாக்களிக்கும்படியோ மக்கள் சக்தி இயக்கம் எவரையும் கேட்டுக் கொள்ளாது. மாறாக வாக்காளர்கள் த்ங்களது விவேகத்திற்கு ஏற்ப அவர்கள் விரும்பும் வேட்பபளர்களுக்கு வாக்களிக்களாம் என மக்கள் சக்தி இயக்கத்தின் ஒருங்கிணப்பாளர் வி.கே. ரகு கூறினார்.” (த்மிழ் நேசன் 29.2.2008)
திரு. வி.கே. ரகு மேற்கூறியவாறு எந்த அறிக்கையும் வெளியிடவில்லை. “நான் நேற்று அன்வார் பிரிக்பீல்ட்ஸில் நடத்திய தேர்தல் பிரச்சாரத்தில் கலந்து கொண்டேன். இன்று (29.2. 08) ஜசெக நட்த்தும் கூட்டத்தில் கலந்துகொள்கிறேன்”, என்று வி.கே. ரகு மலேசியாஇன்று.கோம்மிடம் கூறினார்.
மேலும், கீழ்க்கண்ட விளக்கத்தை அவர் அளித்தார்:
1) பத்துமலை திருத்தலத்தில் மார்ச் 2 ஆம் திகதி நடைபெறவிருந்த சிறப்பு பிராத்தணை குறித்து முடிவெடுக்க மட்டுமே நாங்கள் கூடினோம்.
2) சிறப்பு பிராத்தணை வேறொரு நாளுக்கு ஒத்திப்போட முடிவெடுக்கப்பட்டது.
3) அந்த ஒத்திவைப்பு பற்றி மட்டுமே செய்தியாளர்கள் கூட்டத்தில் அறிவிக்கப்பட்டது.
4) ” ‘மக்கள் சக்தி’ பெயரைப் பயன்படுத்தி வன்முறைகளா? ஏற்க முடியாது”, என்று நாங்கள் கூறவில்லை.
5) “விரும்புகின்ற வேட்பாளர்களுக்கு மக்கள் சக்தியினர் வாக்களிக்கலாம்”, என்று நாங்கள் கூறவில்லை.
6) “விரக்தியினால் குழப்பம் செய்வோர் மக்கள் சக்தி என்று கூறிக்கொள்வதா?”, என்று நாங்கள் கூறவில்லை.
7) “அன்வாருக்கும் எங்களுக்கும் எந்தவொரு சம்பந்தமும் இல்லை”‘ என்று நாங்கள் கூறவில்லை.
நாங்கள் கூறாததைக் கூறியதாகச் செய்தி வெளியிட்டிருப்பதின் உள்நோக்கம் என்ன என்பதை விழித்தெழிந்து நிற்கும் இந்தியர்கள் நிச்சயம் புரிந்து கொள்வார்கள் என்று வி.கே. ரகு கூறினார்.
நாங்கள் கூறாததைக் கூறியதாகச் சொல்வது கண்டனதுக்குறியது. வன்முறைகளை நாங்கள் ஏற்றுக்கொள்கிறோமா அல்லது இல்லையா என்பதை நாங்கள்தான் கூறவேண்டும். நாங்கள் கூறியதாக மற்றவ்ர்கள் கூறுவது அசிங்கமானச் செயலாகும் என்று வி.கே. ரகு இடித்துரைத்தார்.
நாங்கள் எப்போதும் அஹிம்சையைத்தான் கடைபிடிக்கிறோம்; நம்புகிறோம். யாருக்கு வாக்களிக்க வேண்டும் என்பதை மக்கள் என்றோ முடிவு செய்துவிட்டனர். அது விவேகமான முடிவாக இருக்கும் என்று அழுத்தம் திருத்தமாக வி.கே. ரகு கூறினார்.
Msia's Anwar vows to dismantle race policies - AFP
M'sia's Anwar vows to dismantle race policies
Feb 26, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIA'S opposition figurehead Anwar Ibrahim vowed on Tuesday to end race-based discrimination policies, lower fuel prices andfight corruption in a policy manifesto ahead of Mar 8 polls.Anwar, who was deputy prime minister until being sacked and jailed in 1998,said long-running policies favouring majority Malays had only benefitedcronies of the ruling United Malays National Organisation (Umno).
'The New Economic Policy has been abused to enrich the family of Umnoleaders and their cronies,' said Mr Anwar who is campaigning for theKeadilan formally led by his wife.'If you really want to deal with the issue of poverty, why can't we just say we have an affirmative action policy helping the poor and the marginalised. ''It should not be racially based.
'Malaysia has pursued an affirmative action programme for Malays andindigenous groups known as 'bumiputras' since the 1970s to close a wealthgap with the minority Chinese community.
However, it has been criticised for failing to pull a large number of Muslim Malays out of poverty, and of ignoring the minority ethnic Indian community,which is also disadvantaged.
The manifesto entitled 'A New Dawn for Malaysia,' centred on battling rising inflation, which has triggered public anger and rare public protests as theprices of food and fuel edge higher.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has said the government cannot affordto continue spending 43.4 billion ringgit (S$19 billion) annually to subsidise essential items.
Mr Anwar, who was heir apparent in 1998 to then-premier Mahathir Mohamad,spent six years in jail on sex and corruption charges. The sex charge was overturned but the corruption count bars him from taking public office until April.His wife has said she will stand aside to make way for Mr Anwar to contesther seat in a by-election after the March polls, in a plan that could seehim return to parliament within months.Mr Anwar said Mr Abdullah was 'in denial' over the state of the economy.'Keadilan promises to lower the price of petrol ... as well as manage the prices of basic goods to ensure a consistent supply. Tolls and tariffs will also no longer be raised,' he said.
Keadilan has forged a loose alliance with two other opposition parties whohave agreed to stand just one candidate against the government in eachconstituency, avoiding damaging three-cornered contests.The opposition hopes that gripes over inflation, rising crime rates andmounting ethnic tensions will enable it to reduce the government's thumpingmajority below two-thirds for the first time in history. -- AFP
Show Hindraf 5 our gratitude
Show Hindraf 5 our gratitude
KillBill07 Feb 26, 08 4:22pm
Before you lay yourself down to sleep tonight, take a moment to think of the Hindraf 5 currently being detained under the ISA in Kamunting. Just wonder what must be going through their minds, as they lie on their beds. Without doubt, they must be missing their wives and children. Take a moment to think of their children who cannot see, hug or play with their fathers.
The Hindraf 5 must be wondering how to support their families since they are out of work. They must be thinking how to continue the struggle for the Indians in this country since their freedom has been so unjustly taken away from them. They may even wonder if the Indian Malaysians have forgotten them.
Now, take a moment to think of our prime minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Think of him lying on his comfortable bed in Putrajaya. Do you think he feels an iota of guilt, since he was the one who signed the ISA instructions to wrongfully separate these men from their wives and children? Think of MIC President S Samy Vellu lying on his bed after a good dinner with his family.
Do you think he feels sorry for the plight of these men, since he was the one who boldly declared to the international media that they were detained under the ISA on mere suspicions that they had terrorist links? Both of them know in their hearts that these men are innocent, but they had to selfishly put them away to safeguard their political futures.
How can we continue to allow these kinds of men to be our leaders?
The MIC was supposed to take care of the Indian community¢s interests all these years, but only after the Nov 25 Hindraf rally do you see the government taking such a keen interest in this deprived community. Million of dollars have been ¡promised¢ for Tamil schools. The chief secretary to the government has been instructed to ¡look into¢ hiring more Indians for the civil service. An Indian boy falls to his death at a school in Puchong, and Umno Youth now sends an officer to visit the family and investigate!
Would all this have taken place if not for Hindraf? If your answer is ¡no,¢ take a moment to think about where their struggles and sacrifices have landed them.
How do we repay these men who put the interests of their community above themselves and their families? How do we give back for the sacrifices they have made?
The best thing we can do is to free them. How do we do it? The ISA is the tool of this government. If this government is replaced in the next elections, the ISA will fall, and the Hindraf heroes will be freed. Therefore, if you value the sacrifices these men, their wives and their young children have made for your interests, then all you registered voters should make a commitment to vote against the Barisan Nasional on March 8, election day.
Go out in force and urge your families and friends to go with you. Just remember that every vote counts. The government has taken us for fools by promising a lot of last-minute goodies and last-minute development plans. Let us show them that we are not fools.
Most importantly, come election day, let us show Uthayakumar, Manoharan, Kenghadharan, Ganabatirau, Vasantakumar and their families that we have not, and will never forget them.
In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place-Mahatma
-taken from malaysian_indian yahoogroup
KillBill07 Feb 26, 08 4:22pm
Before you lay yourself down to sleep tonight, take a moment to think of the Hindraf 5 currently being detained under the ISA in Kamunting. Just wonder what must be going through their minds, as they lie on their beds. Without doubt, they must be missing their wives and children. Take a moment to think of their children who cannot see, hug or play with their fathers.
The Hindraf 5 must be wondering how to support their families since they are out of work. They must be thinking how to continue the struggle for the Indians in this country since their freedom has been so unjustly taken away from them. They may even wonder if the Indian Malaysians have forgotten them.
Now, take a moment to think of our prime minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Think of him lying on his comfortable bed in Putrajaya. Do you think he feels an iota of guilt, since he was the one who signed the ISA instructions to wrongfully separate these men from their wives and children? Think of MIC President S Samy Vellu lying on his bed after a good dinner with his family.
Do you think he feels sorry for the plight of these men, since he was the one who boldly declared to the international media that they were detained under the ISA on mere suspicions that they had terrorist links? Both of them know in their hearts that these men are innocent, but they had to selfishly put them away to safeguard their political futures.
How can we continue to allow these kinds of men to be our leaders?
The MIC was supposed to take care of the Indian community¢s interests all these years, but only after the Nov 25 Hindraf rally do you see the government taking such a keen interest in this deprived community. Million of dollars have been ¡promised¢ for Tamil schools. The chief secretary to the government has been instructed to ¡look into¢ hiring more Indians for the civil service. An Indian boy falls to his death at a school in Puchong, and Umno Youth now sends an officer to visit the family and investigate!
Would all this have taken place if not for Hindraf? If your answer is ¡no,¢ take a moment to think about where their struggles and sacrifices have landed them.
How do we repay these men who put the interests of their community above themselves and their families? How do we give back for the sacrifices they have made?
The best thing we can do is to free them. How do we do it? The ISA is the tool of this government. If this government is replaced in the next elections, the ISA will fall, and the Hindraf heroes will be freed. Therefore, if you value the sacrifices these men, their wives and their young children have made for your interests, then all you registered voters should make a commitment to vote against the Barisan Nasional on March 8, election day.
Go out in force and urge your families and friends to go with you. Just remember that every vote counts. The government has taken us for fools by promising a lot of last-minute goodies and last-minute development plans. Let us show them that we are not fools.
Most importantly, come election day, let us show Uthayakumar, Manoharan, Kenghadharan, Ganabatirau, Vasantakumar and their families that we have not, and will never forget them.
In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place-Mahatma
-taken from malaysian_indian yahoogroup
Open Letter - Appeal for a better Parliament
An Open Letter - Appeal for a better Parliament
Contributed by Yeo Yang Poh
Wednesday, 27 February 2008 10:59am
Dear Fellow Malaysians,
It is true that there are things that we Malaysians should be proud of, and be thankful for. It is equally true that many things are not well in our country. They have not been well for some time now. Matters of safety and security, price hikes, education, issues of equal opportunities and equal treatment, constriction of various forms of freedom, marginalisation of several segments of society, the failing justice system, corruption in the public sector, the rising denial syndromes, the arrogance of wrongdoers nourished by their repeated ability to get off scot-free, and the numbness of the public reaction towards misdeeds and the lack of accountability, just to describe a few.
Many of the ills that we complain about in our society are the symptoms of the underlying causes. Some of the major root causes are:
(a) epidemic corruption in a system that does little to prohibit or redress it,
(b) lack of a system of transparency and accountability,
(c) the suppression of various freedoms so as to turn a silent majority into a silenced majority, (d) a Government that is more interested in commanding than serving,
(e) a Parliament whose overwhelming majority cares more about power-consolidation than nation-building, and
(f) a weak “last bastion” in the form of a failing justice system.
Can things be allowed to go on this way?
Can we afford to do so? Should our future generations suffer the consequences of our permissiveness?It is quite obvious that we need a better Government and a better Parliament. But that will not happen if we, the citizens of Malaysia, do little more than blaming the Government and criticizing our Members of Parliament.
It is we who put our MPs in the Parliament. It is we who must take the ultimate responsibility. The buck stops at each and every one of us.
My earnest appeal to everyone is therefore as follows:
(i) discuss the need for a better Parliament and a better Government, with your family members, colleagues, friends and persons close to you;
(ii) make it a point to go and vote in the next election, and to vote for change and for betterment;(iii) discard the notion or excuse that your single vote will not matter;
(iv) discard the notion or excuse that politics is dirty and all politicians are the same, and therefore that there is no point in voting;
(v) influence and encourage as many of your family members, colleagues, friends and persons close to you as possible, to come out and vote for change and for betterment in the coming election.
It is meaningless for us to complain about our Parliamentarians and the Government, if we do not first discharge a simple but sacrosanct duty of choice.Let us all take the time to look into the beautiful but expectant eyes of our children, and of the children of many others for whom we care. The future of our nation is meant for them. But millions of them cannot vote. They put their fate in our hands. They rely on us not just for their present living and support.
They rely on us, too, to vote for a better future for them.And after discharging our duty to vote, we must continue to be vigilant, and ensure that our elected representatives account for their actions, and make good their promises.
I humbly suggest to you that change and betterment are not empty dreams, if all of us play our respective parts. I invite you, and I urge you, to answer my appeal as set out above.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Yeo Yang Poh
Advocate & Solicitor,& a concerned Malaysian
Contributed by Yeo Yang Poh
Wednesday, 27 February 2008 10:59am
Dear Fellow Malaysians,
It is true that there are things that we Malaysians should be proud of, and be thankful for. It is equally true that many things are not well in our country. They have not been well for some time now. Matters of safety and security, price hikes, education, issues of equal opportunities and equal treatment, constriction of various forms of freedom, marginalisation of several segments of society, the failing justice system, corruption in the public sector, the rising denial syndromes, the arrogance of wrongdoers nourished by their repeated ability to get off scot-free, and the numbness of the public reaction towards misdeeds and the lack of accountability, just to describe a few.
Many of the ills that we complain about in our society are the symptoms of the underlying causes. Some of the major root causes are:
(a) epidemic corruption in a system that does little to prohibit or redress it,
(b) lack of a system of transparency and accountability,
(c) the suppression of various freedoms so as to turn a silent majority into a silenced majority, (d) a Government that is more interested in commanding than serving,
(e) a Parliament whose overwhelming majority cares more about power-consolidation than nation-building, and
(f) a weak “last bastion” in the form of a failing justice system.
Can things be allowed to go on this way?
Can we afford to do so? Should our future generations suffer the consequences of our permissiveness?It is quite obvious that we need a better Government and a better Parliament. But that will not happen if we, the citizens of Malaysia, do little more than blaming the Government and criticizing our Members of Parliament.
It is we who put our MPs in the Parliament. It is we who must take the ultimate responsibility. The buck stops at each and every one of us.
My earnest appeal to everyone is therefore as follows:
(i) discuss the need for a better Parliament and a better Government, with your family members, colleagues, friends and persons close to you;
(ii) make it a point to go and vote in the next election, and to vote for change and for betterment;(iii) discard the notion or excuse that your single vote will not matter;
(iv) discard the notion or excuse that politics is dirty and all politicians are the same, and therefore that there is no point in voting;
(v) influence and encourage as many of your family members, colleagues, friends and persons close to you as possible, to come out and vote for change and for betterment in the coming election.
It is meaningless for us to complain about our Parliamentarians and the Government, if we do not first discharge a simple but sacrosanct duty of choice.Let us all take the time to look into the beautiful but expectant eyes of our children, and of the children of many others for whom we care. The future of our nation is meant for them. But millions of them cannot vote. They put their fate in our hands. They rely on us not just for their present living and support.
They rely on us, too, to vote for a better future for them.And after discharging our duty to vote, we must continue to be vigilant, and ensure that our elected representatives account for their actions, and make good their promises.
I humbly suggest to you that change and betterment are not empty dreams, if all of us play our respective parts. I invite you, and I urge you, to answer my appeal as set out above.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Yeo Yang Poh
Advocate & Solicitor,& a concerned Malaysian
Who is Makkal Sakthi ( in Malay)
Mereka adalah Makkal Sakthi
Mereka Punya Harapan dan Matlamat
Mereka Miliki Kerjaya dan Keluarga
Mereka Berpendidikan Tinggi
Mereka Berpenggetahuan Luas
Mereka Pengamal undang-undang di Malaysia
Mereka Penuntut hak Rakyat Yang Tidak Terbela
Mereka Tidak Tunduk Kepada Kuasa Politik
Mereka Tidak Takut Kepada Pemimpin Berpengaruh
Mereka Berani Kerana Benar
Mereka Guna Sistem Yang Betul
Mereka Rayu Agar Hak Asasi Rakyat Dibela
Mereka Bukan Anti Kerajaan
Mereka Bukan Anti Mana-mana Bangsa Mahupun Agama
Mereka Bukan Anti Keamanan
Mereka Cuba Segala Cara Yang Ada
Mereka Pernah Kecewa Dengan Segala Pengabaian
Mereka Memilih Jalan Raya Sebelum Pilihan Raya
Mereka Hanya Mampu Memiliki Perhatian
Mereka Hanya Mampu Memiliki Tuduhan
Mereka Hanya Mampu Memiliki Hukuman
Mereka Hanya Mampu Memiliki Kata ‘Maaf’ Oleh Seorang Pemimpin
Mereka Kini Menanti Tindakan dan Perubahan
Mereka Tidak akan Berputus Asa
Mereka Berjanji Bersorak Terus Berjuang
Mereka Memilih Jalan Aman Damai
Mereka masih Ditindas dan Dikhianati
Mereka Takut Mempercayai Mana-mana Pemimpin
Mereka Kini Meletakkan Harapan Kepada Rakyat
Mereka Tetap Mereka Yang Ingin Mempertahankan Hak Asasi Manusia
Mereka Tidak Mempunyai Wang dan Harta Untuk Mengubah Kerajaan
Mereka Perlukan Sokongan Seluruh Rakyat Malaysia
Mereka Inginkan Kesedaran Di Kalangan Rakyat
Mereka Menanti Tarikh Keramat 8hb March 2008
Mereka Menanti Penggumuman Yang Positif
Mereka Sanggup Berkorban Demi Melihat Negara Bebas Dari Kezaliman
Mereka Bukan Parti Politik
Mereka Hanyalah Rakyat! (namun sentiada diabaikan)
Mereka Hanya Pembayar (namun duit yang dibayar disalah gunakan)
Mereka Hanya Pengundi! (Pilihlah dengan bijak agar dapat hentikan kezaliman)
Mereka Hanya Kuasa Rakyat (Usah memilih politik duit dan pentingkan kuasa)
Merekalah Makkal Sakthi (Peoples Power)
Apa lagi yang perlu dibuktikan?
Apa lagi yang perlu dipertikaikan?
5 orang peguam yang membela nasib rakyat telah ditahan dan dikurung dibawah Akta Keselamatan Negara.
Siapakah akan membela nasib anda sekiranya ada salah laku terjadi di dalam pentadbiran pihak berkuasa?
Mereka juga pernah mempertahankan hak asasi manusia tanpa menjulung Keris mahupun bendera Parti.
Mereka tidak pernah bertindak demi kepentingan diri mahupun keluarga dengan mengharapkan pulangan mahupun balasan.
taken from Hindraf yahoogroups
Bukankah mereka adalah contoh-contoh rakyat yang berani dan berjiwa perikemanusiaan? Lihatlah apa telah terjadi pada mereka yang berani meletakkan diri di dalam risiko demi membela hak rakyat!
Bukalah mata wahai teman-teman ku. Bukalah hati wahai specis manusia ku. Usahlah biarkan generasi kita menjadi mangsa hanya kerana kita gagal mengambil tindakan pada hari ini. Usalah menyesal di hari muka apabila kita sudah tidak mampu berbuat apa-apa.
Stand Up For Your Rights.....Its Now Or NEVER!
Mereka Punya Harapan dan Matlamat
Mereka Miliki Kerjaya dan Keluarga
Mereka Berpendidikan Tinggi
Mereka Berpenggetahuan Luas
Mereka Pengamal undang-undang di Malaysia
Mereka Penuntut hak Rakyat Yang Tidak Terbela
Mereka Tidak Tunduk Kepada Kuasa Politik
Mereka Tidak Takut Kepada Pemimpin Berpengaruh
Mereka Berani Kerana Benar
Mereka Guna Sistem Yang Betul
Mereka Rayu Agar Hak Asasi Rakyat Dibela
Mereka Bukan Anti Kerajaan
Mereka Bukan Anti Mana-mana Bangsa Mahupun Agama
Mereka Bukan Anti Keamanan
Mereka Cuba Segala Cara Yang Ada
Mereka Pernah Kecewa Dengan Segala Pengabaian
Mereka Memilih Jalan Raya Sebelum Pilihan Raya
Mereka Hanya Mampu Memiliki Perhatian
Mereka Hanya Mampu Memiliki Tuduhan
Mereka Hanya Mampu Memiliki Hukuman
Mereka Hanya Mampu Memiliki Kata ‘Maaf’ Oleh Seorang Pemimpin
Mereka Kini Menanti Tindakan dan Perubahan
Mereka Tidak akan Berputus Asa
Mereka Berjanji Bersorak Terus Berjuang
Mereka Memilih Jalan Aman Damai
Mereka masih Ditindas dan Dikhianati
Mereka Takut Mempercayai Mana-mana Pemimpin
Mereka Kini Meletakkan Harapan Kepada Rakyat
Mereka Tetap Mereka Yang Ingin Mempertahankan Hak Asasi Manusia
Mereka Tidak Mempunyai Wang dan Harta Untuk Mengubah Kerajaan
Mereka Perlukan Sokongan Seluruh Rakyat Malaysia
Mereka Inginkan Kesedaran Di Kalangan Rakyat
Mereka Menanti Tarikh Keramat 8hb March 2008
Mereka Menanti Penggumuman Yang Positif
Mereka Sanggup Berkorban Demi Melihat Negara Bebas Dari Kezaliman
Mereka Bukan Parti Politik
Mereka Hanyalah Rakyat! (namun sentiada diabaikan)
Mereka Hanya Pembayar (namun duit yang dibayar disalah gunakan)
Mereka Hanya Pengundi! (Pilihlah dengan bijak agar dapat hentikan kezaliman)
Mereka Hanya Kuasa Rakyat (Usah memilih politik duit dan pentingkan kuasa)
Merekalah Makkal Sakthi (Peoples Power)
Apa lagi yang perlu dibuktikan?
Apa lagi yang perlu dipertikaikan?
5 orang peguam yang membela nasib rakyat telah ditahan dan dikurung dibawah Akta Keselamatan Negara.
Siapakah akan membela nasib anda sekiranya ada salah laku terjadi di dalam pentadbiran pihak berkuasa?
Mereka juga pernah mempertahankan hak asasi manusia tanpa menjulung Keris mahupun bendera Parti.
Mereka tidak pernah bertindak demi kepentingan diri mahupun keluarga dengan mengharapkan pulangan mahupun balasan.
taken from Hindraf yahoogroups
Bukankah mereka adalah contoh-contoh rakyat yang berani dan berjiwa perikemanusiaan? Lihatlah apa telah terjadi pada mereka yang berani meletakkan diri di dalam risiko demi membela hak rakyat!
Bukalah mata wahai teman-teman ku. Bukalah hati wahai specis manusia ku. Usahlah biarkan generasi kita menjadi mangsa hanya kerana kita gagal mengambil tindakan pada hari ini. Usalah menyesal di hari muka apabila kita sudah tidak mampu berbuat apa-apa.
Stand Up For Your Rights.....Its Now Or NEVER!
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