GMI: Enough of 6 years of ISA cruelty
Malaysiakini-Azreen Madzlan Apr 11, 08 6:16pm
As part of its ongoing campaign to seek justice for all Internal Security Act detainees, the Abolish ISA Movement (GMI) today launched a host of new measures to highlight the perils of detention without trial.For starters the movement aim to collect 300,000 letters from member of the public to be sent to the United Nation in the hope of raising the human rights issues in Malaysia. They would also be sent to Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar.The new campaign - themed ‘Enough of six years of cruelty’, to signify the duration 10 men have been detained for allegedly being members of Jemaah Islamiah - was launched this morning at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.According to GMI president Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh the campaign will also try to gain the support of the 82 Pakatan Rakyat members of Parliament.The letter will be sent to the Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar and High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), United Nation in Switzerland.Syed Ibrahim was confident that the new campaign would augur success, taking note of the recent dramatic changes in the country’s political landscape.“If people have shown their courage to deny Barisan Nasional two-thirds majority in the Parliament, let’s all of us rise again to pressure the government to release all the ISA detainees,” he said.Although principally the campaign was targeted for the 10 alleged JI detainees who have been incarcerated for six years, GMI reiterated that all other ISA detainees including the Hindraf 5 must be tried fairly in courts or released unconditionally.
Also present at the press conference were GMI campaign manager Noorlaila Othman and member of Human Rights Committee of the Bar Council Syamsuriatina Ishak.
‘Call for media to play their part’
According to Noorlaila, the campaign was a response to Syed Hamid’s call last Sunday that the government would abolish the ISA if the people wanted it.“This is what we are doing, we’ll take the challenge. We will show him that the people do not want the ISA.” she said. Noorlaila - whose husband is one of the ISA detainees- added the letter-signing marathon campaign might be new to the Malaysian public compared to other countries and urged to media to promote this cause to the public
She added that the movement’s previous postcard campaign by GMI in 2006 has helped the release of nine ISA detainees.The campaign is a continuation of an international campaign organized by the Islamic Human Rights Commision (IHRC) launched last year.Meanwhile, Syamsuriatina said that one of the efforts undertaken by the Bar Council to support GMI was by having lawyers visiting ISA detainees in Kamunting detention camp.“This will help monitor the situation of the detainees. It will give them moral boost,” she said.
Release Uthayakumar
GMI also revealed that of the 10 who had been in detention for six years, five have been given an extension for a further two years, making their detention to run into eight years.All of the detainees are allegedly members of the JI extremist group. To date, none of the detainees have been charged for any offences in an open court.
Syed Ibrahim also questioned why the 10 detainees were not released when 40 others who were detained for the same reason have been released in the past years.“These are questions that have always been asked by the media. Is there any reason why they are being detained for so long?” he asked.
Syed Ibrahim also said that the movement was also said, concerned with the health of Hindraf legal advisor P Uthayakumar, also an ISA detainee.“This has happened before. And it can be used as a form of mental torture on the detainees. For them to be denied the rights for medical treatment is a violation of human rights. It’s a gross injustice,” he said.He added the government must take this matter seriously and allow Uthayakumar to be given full medical treatment. He also called for the release all the Hindraf 5 leaders.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Hindu American Foundation Press Release: HAF Advocates for Malaysian Hindus at Congressional Briefing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Ishani Chowdhury
Hindu American Foundation
Director of Public Policy
Office: 301.770.7835
Fax: 301.770.7837
Washington, DC (April 8, 2008). The Hindu American Foundation Director of Public Policy, Ishani Chowdhury, testified on recent events in Malaysia at a briefing held by the Congressional Task Force on International Religious Freedom (TIRF) today on Capitol Hill. Entitled "Matters of Life and Death in Malaysia: Does the Recent Election Point to a Trend Toward Religious Tolerance?," prominent panelists included Dr. Bridget Welsh, Assistant Professor in the Southeast Asia Studies Program at Johns Hopkins University-SAIS; Angela Wu, International Director with The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty; and Mickey Spiegel, Senior Researcher with the Asia Division at Human Rights Watch.
At the briefing attended by representatives of the U.S. Department of State, staffers of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Malaysian Embassy, Chowdhury flayed the Malaysian government on its record of persecution and discrimination of the country's substantial Hindu minority, constituting 7% of the population. "With a 40% minority population, Malaysia needs to include the minority population in dialogue and address grievances such as the violent responses to peaceful protests, judicial onslaughts against faith, and destruction of temples," stated Chowdhury. As noted in the Foundation's report 'Hindus in South Asia and the Diaspora: A Survey of Human Report: 2006', 76 Hindu temples were demolished, desecrated or forcibly relocated by the Malaysian government. The most prominent case is that of the destruction of the 100-year old Sri Muthu Mariamman temple, which was located on a rubber plantation and home to approximately 1,000 families.
"Hindus also face an socio-economic disadvantage as they are not entitled to benefits under the government's bumiputra program," said Chowdhury. The majority Muslim Malay, viewed as bumiputra or "sons of the soil," benefit from an affirmative action policy that includes discounts on housing, quotas on educational institutions, preference for government jobs, and disproportionate opportunities for economic advancement. "Many Malaysian Hindus have left Malaysia to settle in the United States, as they are unable to gain scholarships or admission to colleges or jobs, despite high academic achievements," she said.
This panel included discussion of the implications of Malaysia's March 8th elections on religious minorities. Although the elections served as watermark of Malaysian democracy, the long-term effects are uncertain. Religious minorities were galvanized during the vote by the government authorized destruction of Hindu and Buddhist temples, and legal decisions that limit their religious freedom rights related to issues of life and death, including marriage, conversion, custody of children, and burial. The election resulted in damaging losses for Prime Minister's Abduallah Badawi's coalition.
"As an economically strong nation with a large minority community, Malaysia has the opportunity to serve as a model of harmony in the Muslim world, with the US benefiting both strategically and economically, " said Chowdhury. "It is in the nation's best interest to work to promote dialogue, repeal the draconian Internal Security Act, which allows indefinite imprisonment without trail, and work with the Hindu community to ensure fairness towards all faith traditions. Otherwise, it may not be too long until we see another country spiral out of control into the contentious and devastating realm of human rights abuse, and religious and racial divide.
"The Hindu American Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, non-partisan organization promoting the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism. Contact HAF at 1-301-770-7835 or on the web at www.HAFsite.org.
Contact:
Ishani Chowdhury
Hindu American Foundation
Director of Public Policy
Office: 301.770.7835
Fax: 301.770.7837
Washington, DC (April 8, 2008). The Hindu American Foundation Director of Public Policy, Ishani Chowdhury, testified on recent events in Malaysia at a briefing held by the Congressional Task Force on International Religious Freedom (TIRF) today on Capitol Hill. Entitled "Matters of Life and Death in Malaysia: Does the Recent Election Point to a Trend Toward Religious Tolerance?," prominent panelists included Dr. Bridget Welsh, Assistant Professor in the Southeast Asia Studies Program at Johns Hopkins University-SAIS; Angela Wu, International Director with The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty; and Mickey Spiegel, Senior Researcher with the Asia Division at Human Rights Watch.
At the briefing attended by representatives of the U.S. Department of State, staffers of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Malaysian Embassy, Chowdhury flayed the Malaysian government on its record of persecution and discrimination of the country's substantial Hindu minority, constituting 7% of the population. "With a 40% minority population, Malaysia needs to include the minority population in dialogue and address grievances such as the violent responses to peaceful protests, judicial onslaughts against faith, and destruction of temples," stated Chowdhury. As noted in the Foundation's report 'Hindus in South Asia and the Diaspora: A Survey of Human Report: 2006', 76 Hindu temples were demolished, desecrated or forcibly relocated by the Malaysian government. The most prominent case is that of the destruction of the 100-year old Sri Muthu Mariamman temple, which was located on a rubber plantation and home to approximately 1,000 families.
"Hindus also face an socio-economic disadvantage as they are not entitled to benefits under the government's bumiputra program," said Chowdhury. The majority Muslim Malay, viewed as bumiputra or "sons of the soil," benefit from an affirmative action policy that includes discounts on housing, quotas on educational institutions, preference for government jobs, and disproportionate opportunities for economic advancement. "Many Malaysian Hindus have left Malaysia to settle in the United States, as they are unable to gain scholarships or admission to colleges or jobs, despite high academic achievements," she said.
This panel included discussion of the implications of Malaysia's March 8th elections on religious minorities. Although the elections served as watermark of Malaysian democracy, the long-term effects are uncertain. Religious minorities were galvanized during the vote by the government authorized destruction of Hindu and Buddhist temples, and legal decisions that limit their religious freedom rights related to issues of life and death, including marriage, conversion, custody of children, and burial. The election resulted in damaging losses for Prime Minister's Abduallah Badawi's coalition.
"As an economically strong nation with a large minority community, Malaysia has the opportunity to serve as a model of harmony in the Muslim world, with the US benefiting both strategically and economically, " said Chowdhury. "It is in the nation's best interest to work to promote dialogue, repeal the draconian Internal Security Act, which allows indefinite imprisonment without trail, and work with the Hindu community to ensure fairness towards all faith traditions. Otherwise, it may not be too long until we see another country spiral out of control into the contentious and devastating realm of human rights abuse, and religious and racial divide.
"The Hindu American Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, non-partisan organization promoting the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism. Contact HAF at 1-301-770-7835 or on the web at www.HAFsite.org.
Friday, April 11, 2008
P.Uthayakumar Discharged prematurely and suffer Silent Heart Attack
P.UTHAYAKUMAR DISCHARGED PREMATURELY AND SUFFERS SILENT HEART ATTACK.
Mr.P.Uthayakumar was yesterday discharged prematurely despite his blood sugar level being recorded at 13.5. ( normal being 6 ) We believe this was deliberately done upon pressure by the Police and Prison authorities on doctors to discharge him.
Since being discharged and taken to Kamunting prison he was again not given medication for about 20 hours even that upon various complaints made by him.
His diet is still the same and it appears they are still serving him with food which contains high sugar level.
During his stay in Hospital Mr.Uthayakumar was informed by the doctor that there is some damage to his eyesight ( retinopathy) and his heart muscles may have been damaged but that only be confirmed after an ECO cardiogram test which is fixed on 28th April 2008. There is excessive urea and protein in his blood system and his blood pressure is still very high and despite all this he has been discharged.
There is no resident doctor or visiting doctor at the detention centre and in cases of emergency he has to be rushed to Taiping Hospital which is about an hour drive and with no modern medical facilities.
Mr.Uthayakumar’s family wishes he be taken urgently to a reputable Private Hospital on an urgent basis (they are prepared to bear the medical costs) or the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital for immediate treatment and a thorough medical check up be done to asscess his medical condition.
The continous elevated blood sugar level is continuously contributing to worsening his eye condition and the risk of silent heart attack.
The Home Minister should seriously take genuine professional medical advise, look into his health condition and take the necessary positive action and stop playing politics with his life.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
Currently in London.
Mr.P.Uthayakumar was yesterday discharged prematurely despite his blood sugar level being recorded at 13.5. ( normal being 6 ) We believe this was deliberately done upon pressure by the Police and Prison authorities on doctors to discharge him.
Since being discharged and taken to Kamunting prison he was again not given medication for about 20 hours even that upon various complaints made by him.
His diet is still the same and it appears they are still serving him with food which contains high sugar level.
During his stay in Hospital Mr.Uthayakumar was informed by the doctor that there is some damage to his eyesight ( retinopathy) and his heart muscles may have been damaged but that only be confirmed after an ECO cardiogram test which is fixed on 28th April 2008. There is excessive urea and protein in his blood system and his blood pressure is still very high and despite all this he has been discharged.
There is no resident doctor or visiting doctor at the detention centre and in cases of emergency he has to be rushed to Taiping Hospital which is about an hour drive and with no modern medical facilities.
Mr.Uthayakumar’s family wishes he be taken urgently to a reputable Private Hospital on an urgent basis (they are prepared to bear the medical costs) or the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital for immediate treatment and a thorough medical check up be done to asscess his medical condition.
The continous elevated blood sugar level is continuously contributing to worsening his eye condition and the risk of silent heart attack.
The Home Minister should seriously take genuine professional medical advise, look into his health condition and take the necessary positive action and stop playing politics with his life.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
Currently in London.
New Segment in our webpage www.hindraf.co.uk
Hi all,
We have addd in 2 addition segments in our HINDRAF webpage.
They are ,
1. Press Statements - it contains all the recent press statements by P.Waythamoorthy and other local National Coordinators.
2. Weekly Thought - a new segment that post letters/ comments on Hindraf struggle.
If anyone have any articles / letters / opinions pls do email to us.
Thx
Hindraf Coordinators
We have addd in 2 addition segments in our HINDRAF webpage.
They are ,
1. Press Statements - it contains all the recent press statements by P.Waythamoorthy and other local National Coordinators.
2. Weekly Thought - a new segment that post letters/ comments on Hindraf struggle.
If anyone have any articles / letters / opinions pls do email to us.
Thx
Hindraf Coordinators
Uthaya's condition is still not recovered but discharged !!
Hi all,
Today 10th April 2008, when one of Uthaya's relation visited Uthaya in Kemta after been discharged from Taiping Hospital yesterday afternoon.
His condition is still very bad and his diabetic is still HIGH at 15.5 !!!
His eye sight is getting blur and have some other complication as well.
This is TOTAL inhumane from both the Hospital and KEMTA.
We cant be leaving him at this condition.
He did NO wrong and his detention together with other Hindraf leaders are totally against human rights.
We are going to have a protest against the HOME Ministry and Health Ministry for failing and systematically denying basic medication / healthcare to the detainees.
Pls do join us as below :-
Date : 11 th April 2008 ( Friday)
Venue: in front of KEMTA ( Kamunting)
Time : 2 pm
Vaalge Hindraf
Vaalge Makkal Sakthi
Hindraf Coordinator
Today 10th April 2008, when one of Uthaya's relation visited Uthaya in Kemta after been discharged from Taiping Hospital yesterday afternoon.
His condition is still very bad and his diabetic is still HIGH at 15.5 !!!
His eye sight is getting blur and have some other complication as well.
This is TOTAL inhumane from both the Hospital and KEMTA.
We cant be leaving him at this condition.
He did NO wrong and his detention together with other Hindraf leaders are totally against human rights.
We are going to have a protest against the HOME Ministry and Health Ministry for failing and systematically denying basic medication / healthcare to the detainees.
Pls do join us as below :-
Date : 11 th April 2008 ( Friday)
Venue: in front of KEMTA ( Kamunting)
Time : 2 pm
Vaalge Hindraf
Vaalge Makkal Sakthi
Hindraf Coordinator
PS on Uthaya's condition- video clip
Below are links to press statement by HINDRAF lawyer, 2 MP's and the spouse.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNf3F0YzmpU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNf3F0YzmpU
Sunday, April 6, 2008
100 days under ISA Detention – P.Uthayakumar Hindraf
Dear HINDRAF supporters.
Mr.P.Uthayakumar had this message to convey to all HINDRAF supporters on the 100th day of ISA arrest and detention. The message was relayed to a close family member and I had prepared his message in a written form to reflect what he himself would have written had he be given the chance.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Message from P.Uthayakumar
100 days under ISA Detention – P.Uthayakumar Hindraf
Today is the 100th day of my arrest and detention under the ISA at Kamunting Prison, Taiping (Kemta).
I woke up early in the morning and only got to see the moon at 7am when the lock up doors were open. We are locked up about for 15 hours a day from 7pm to 7am and from 11.30am to about 2.30pm.
My spirits are manageable thus far. I have never regretted that my struggle has caused me my freedom and being locked up in prison. This is my contribution to the Malaysian Indian struggle which has been cheated by the Government for 50 years. We have remained a permanently colonized community without realizing it all these while. Now that every Malaysian Indian realises this and are willing to struggle for their “freedom” against the oppression of Malaysian Government we have no choise but to continue with the struggle. I am proud to belong to a generation who woke up against the injustices committed by the state.
The biggest satisfaction after being locked up is to see the BN being denied their two thirds majority and 5 states plus F.T. falling out of the hands of the BN. The UMNO leader who demolished the largestnumber of Hindu Temples ruthlessly, Khir Toyo was punished and so were the other UMNO leaders in their states.
I am regularly informed about HINDRAF’s Makkal Sakthi wave and spirit and people praying for us. People getting arrested and beaten up, fighting for our freedom. I offer my prayers to them and their families . I hear of the hundreds of prayer meetings at temples and other gatherings for us. Please continue fighting. We never stood up for our rights over the last 50 years.
Now that we have started, we shall not stop fighting against all forms of racism and religious extremism, equality and equal opportunities for all, especially for the Malaysian Indians.
It doesn’t matter how long the Government decides to lock me up but the most crucial point is we must fight and demand for our rights. 50 years of injustices are enough. Lets do it for our future generations.
The struggle goes on.
P.Uthayakumar
Hindraf
Kamunting Prison
Taiping (Kemta)
Mr.P.Uthayakumar had this message to convey to all HINDRAF supporters on the 100th day of ISA arrest and detention. The message was relayed to a close family member and I had prepared his message in a written form to reflect what he himself would have written had he be given the chance.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Message from P.Uthayakumar
100 days under ISA Detention – P.Uthayakumar Hindraf
Today is the 100th day of my arrest and detention under the ISA at Kamunting Prison, Taiping (Kemta).
I woke up early in the morning and only got to see the moon at 7am when the lock up doors were open. We are locked up about for 15 hours a day from 7pm to 7am and from 11.30am to about 2.30pm.
My spirits are manageable thus far. I have never regretted that my struggle has caused me my freedom and being locked up in prison. This is my contribution to the Malaysian Indian struggle which has been cheated by the Government for 50 years. We have remained a permanently colonized community without realizing it all these while. Now that every Malaysian Indian realises this and are willing to struggle for their “freedom” against the oppression of Malaysian Government we have no choise but to continue with the struggle. I am proud to belong to a generation who woke up against the injustices committed by the state.
The biggest satisfaction after being locked up is to see the BN being denied their two thirds majority and 5 states plus F.T. falling out of the hands of the BN. The UMNO leader who demolished the largestnumber of Hindu Temples ruthlessly, Khir Toyo was punished and so were the other UMNO leaders in their states.
I am regularly informed about HINDRAF’s Makkal Sakthi wave and spirit and people praying for us. People getting arrested and beaten up, fighting for our freedom. I offer my prayers to them and their families . I hear of the hundreds of prayer meetings at temples and other gatherings for us. Please continue fighting. We never stood up for our rights over the last 50 years.
Now that we have started, we shall not stop fighting against all forms of racism and religious extremism, equality and equal opportunities for all, especially for the Malaysian Indians.
It doesn’t matter how long the Government decides to lock me up but the most crucial point is we must fight and demand for our rights. 50 years of injustices are enough. Lets do it for our future generations.
The struggle goes on.
P.Uthayakumar
Hindraf
Kamunting Prison
Taiping (Kemta)
100 days under ISA Detention – P.Uthayakumar Hindraf
Dear HINDRAF supporters.
Mr.P.Uthayakumar had this message to convey to all HINDRAF supporters on the 100th day of ISA arrest and detention. The message was relayed to a close family member and I had prepared his message in a written form to reflect what he himself would have written had he be given the chance.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Message from P.Uthayakumar
100 days under ISA Detention – P.Uthayakumar Hindraf
Today is the 100th day of my arrest and detention under the ISA at Kamunting Prison, Taiping (Kemta).
I woke up early in the morning and only got to see the moon at 7am when the lock up doors were open. We are locked up about for 15 hours a day from 7pm to 7am and from 11.30am to about 2.30pm.
My spirits are manageable thus far. I have never regretted that my struggle has caused me my freedom and being locked up in prison. This is my contribution to the Malaysian Indian struggle which has been cheated by the Government for 50 years. We have remained a permanently colonized community without realizing it all these while. Now that every Malaysian Indian realises this and are willing to struggle for their “freedom” against the oppression of Malaysian Government we have no choise but to continue with the struggle. I am proud to belong to a generation who woke up against the injustices committed by the state.
The biggest satisfaction after being locked up is to see the BN being denied their two thirds majority and 5 states plus F.T. falling out of the hands of the BN. The UMNO leader who demolished the largestnumber of Hindu Temples ruthlessly, Khir Toyo was punished and so were the other UMNO leaders in their states.
I am regularly informed about HINDRAF’s Makkal Sakthi wave and spirit and people praying for us. People getting arrested and beaten up, fighting for our freedom. I offer my prayers to them and their families . I hear of the hundreds of prayer meetings at temples and other gatherings for us. Please continue fighting. We never stood up for our rights over the last 50 years.
Now that we have started, we shall not stop fighting against all forms of racism and religious extremism, equality and equal opportunities for all, especially for the Malaysian Indians.
It doesn’t matter how long the Government decides to lock me up but the most crucial point is we must fight and demand for our rights. 50 years of injustices are enough. Lets do it for our future generations.
The struggle goes on.
P.Uthayakumar
Hindraf
Kamunting Prison
Taiping (Kemta)
Mr.P.Uthayakumar had this message to convey to all HINDRAF supporters on the 100th day of ISA arrest and detention. The message was relayed to a close family member and I had prepared his message in a written form to reflect what he himself would have written had he be given the chance.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Message from P.Uthayakumar
100 days under ISA Detention – P.Uthayakumar Hindraf
Today is the 100th day of my arrest and detention under the ISA at Kamunting Prison, Taiping (Kemta).
I woke up early in the morning and only got to see the moon at 7am when the lock up doors were open. We are locked up about for 15 hours a day from 7pm to 7am and from 11.30am to about 2.30pm.
My spirits are manageable thus far. I have never regretted that my struggle has caused me my freedom and being locked up in prison. This is my contribution to the Malaysian Indian struggle which has been cheated by the Government for 50 years. We have remained a permanently colonized community without realizing it all these while. Now that every Malaysian Indian realises this and are willing to struggle for their “freedom” against the oppression of Malaysian Government we have no choise but to continue with the struggle. I am proud to belong to a generation who woke up against the injustices committed by the state.
The biggest satisfaction after being locked up is to see the BN being denied their two thirds majority and 5 states plus F.T. falling out of the hands of the BN. The UMNO leader who demolished the largestnumber of Hindu Temples ruthlessly, Khir Toyo was punished and so were the other UMNO leaders in their states.
I am regularly informed about HINDRAF’s Makkal Sakthi wave and spirit and people praying for us. People getting arrested and beaten up, fighting for our freedom. I offer my prayers to them and their families . I hear of the hundreds of prayer meetings at temples and other gatherings for us. Please continue fighting. We never stood up for our rights over the last 50 years.
Now that we have started, we shall not stop fighting against all forms of racism and religious extremism, equality and equal opportunities for all, especially for the Malaysian Indians.
It doesn’t matter how long the Government decides to lock me up but the most crucial point is we must fight and demand for our rights. 50 years of injustices are enough. Lets do it for our future generations.
The struggle goes on.
P.Uthayakumar
Hindraf
Kamunting Prison
Taiping (Kemta)
Friday, April 4, 2008
UN sRelease HINDRAF 5
Hindraf five, urges law expert
PETALING JAYA: Review the case of the five Hindraf leaders being detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) and release them unconditionally, says former United Nations special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Datuk Param Cumaraswamy.
In a letter to Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, Param urged Syed Hamid to release the five in the interest of justice and harmony in the country.
Param said one of those detained, M. Manoharan, was also elected a state assemblyman in Kota Alam Shah, which should be seen as a clear message that the electorate did not view him as a threat to state security.
He added that there was clearly no justification for the five to be detained any longer.
“Unite them with their families and allow Manoharan to serve his electorate effectively,” he said.
taken from the The Star.
PETALING JAYA: Review the case of the five Hindraf leaders being detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) and release them unconditionally, says former United Nations special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Datuk Param Cumaraswamy.
In a letter to Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, Param urged Syed Hamid to release the five in the interest of justice and harmony in the country.
Param said one of those detained, M. Manoharan, was also elected a state assemblyman in Kota Alam Shah, which should be seen as a clear message that the electorate did not view him as a threat to state security.
He added that there was clearly no justification for the five to be detained any longer.
“Unite them with their families and allow Manoharan to serve his electorate effectively,” he said.
taken from the The Star.
Msian parties seek Hindraf leaders release from ISA
Malaysian party seeks Hindu Rights leaders' release Malaysia
Sun : Friday 4th April, 2008
(IANS)
Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Malaysian People's Movement Party), a liberal party with predominant Chinese support that is part of the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN), has joined the appeal for the release of five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders.Gerakan National Legal Bureau chief Chang Ko Youn said the detention of the five leaders created 'unnecessary tension and unhappiness, especially among advocates of democracy and human rights', The Star newspaper said Friday.
Chang spoke on the day Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) chief S. Samy Vellu met Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar to formally seek release of the five leaders who have been detained for two years under the stringent Internal Security Act (ISA).'We are seriously against any act that prescribes detention without trial, such as the ISA and Emergency Ordinance, as they are against the cardinal principles and law, that is each person is entitled to a fair trial and right to be heard,' said Chang.When the five were detained last December, he said, Gerakan had voiced its concern over the repercussions.'True enough, it was an issue during the March general election and voters turned against us partly because of the use of the ISA against the five Hindraf leaders,' Chang said.Vellu, who was minister in the government till he lost last month's election, told media after meeting Albar that he had made the 'request' and had left it to the minister to take a decision 'at an appropriate time'.Albar told him that this was a policy matter and would require a decision by the cabinet.Vellu earlier said he would meet Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
On Thursday, however, he said: 'Syed Hamid is the Home Minister and this matter is in his hands and not with the Prime Minister.'Samy Vellu said he had also raised the issue of 500 priests from India who had been unable to extend their work permits to continue operating in the temples in the country.
The government is contesting the release bid in the Federal Court where M. Manoharan, P. Uthayakumar, V. Ganabatirau, R. Kengadharan, and K. Vasantha Kumar are appealing against the High Court's decision of Feb 26 to dismiss their applications for a writ of habeas corpus.
Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail told the apex court the five had been detained because the government had found that the five had organized a protest rally Nov 25 last year, a threat to the country's internal security.Patail said the government acted after police investigations showed that the Hindraf movement had 'incited racial sentiments and hatred' towards the government.'Looking at the matter objectively, one cannot say that the minister went on a frolic on his own,' he said, urging the court to dismiss defence counsel Karpal Singh's submission as 'mere baseless conjecture'
Sun : Friday 4th April, 2008
(IANS)
Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Malaysian People's Movement Party), a liberal party with predominant Chinese support that is part of the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN), has joined the appeal for the release of five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders.Gerakan National Legal Bureau chief Chang Ko Youn said the detention of the five leaders created 'unnecessary tension and unhappiness, especially among advocates of democracy and human rights', The Star newspaper said Friday.
Chang spoke on the day Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) chief S. Samy Vellu met Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar to formally seek release of the five leaders who have been detained for two years under the stringent Internal Security Act (ISA).'We are seriously against any act that prescribes detention without trial, such as the ISA and Emergency Ordinance, as they are against the cardinal principles and law, that is each person is entitled to a fair trial and right to be heard,' said Chang.When the five were detained last December, he said, Gerakan had voiced its concern over the repercussions.'True enough, it was an issue during the March general election and voters turned against us partly because of the use of the ISA against the five Hindraf leaders,' Chang said.Vellu, who was minister in the government till he lost last month's election, told media after meeting Albar that he had made the 'request' and had left it to the minister to take a decision 'at an appropriate time'.Albar told him that this was a policy matter and would require a decision by the cabinet.Vellu earlier said he would meet Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
On Thursday, however, he said: 'Syed Hamid is the Home Minister and this matter is in his hands and not with the Prime Minister.'Samy Vellu said he had also raised the issue of 500 priests from India who had been unable to extend their work permits to continue operating in the temples in the country.
The government is contesting the release bid in the Federal Court where M. Manoharan, P. Uthayakumar, V. Ganabatirau, R. Kengadharan, and K. Vasantha Kumar are appealing against the High Court's decision of Feb 26 to dismiss their applications for a writ of habeas corpus.
Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail told the apex court the five had been detained because the government had found that the five had organized a protest rally Nov 25 last year, a threat to the country's internal security.Patail said the government acted after police investigations showed that the Hindraf movement had 'incited racial sentiments and hatred' towards the government.'Looking at the matter objectively, one cannot say that the minister went on a frolic on his own,' he said, urging the court to dismiss defence counsel Karpal Singh's submission as 'mere baseless conjecture'
Meeting With RT.HON Mr. L.K. Advani
MEETING WITH RT.HON. MR. L.K.ADVANI
LEADER OF OPPOSITION PARTY
LOK SABHA NEW DELHI ON 1ST APRIL 2008.
A meeting between the leader of Malaysia’s HINDRAF, an ethnic minority Rights Movement from Malaysia took place today at the Rt.Hon. Leader of opposition’s residence at No 30 Prithvi Raj Road New Delhi at 7.00 pm.
The meeting lasted for about 50 minutes.
Among matters discussed are as follows:
a) Detention without trial of 5 HINDRAF leaders detained under the Internal Security Act for advocating the rights of ethnic minority Indians in Malaysia.
b) Plight of ethnic minority Indian community who have been oppressed suppressed marginalized and remain a permanently colonized community.
c) Possibility of raising a motion in the Lok Sabha on the above issues.
d) Possibility of exerting economic pressure on Malaysia.
e) Possibility of sending a high powered delegation to make personal representations to the Malaysian Government.
f) Hindraf’s International campaign and its progress.
g) Future plans of HINDRAF.
Mr. Advani was also briefed on the condition of the 5 political prisoners and the sufferings of their family members. He showed particular concern to the medical condition of Mr. R. Kengadharan.
Mr.Advani was also surprised with the treatment and plight of the ethnic minority Malaysian Indians and the violations of their human rights. He was sympathetic and deeply disturbed with the situation and assured HINDRAF that he would do everything necessary to bring the matter up with the Indian Prime Minister.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF.
Currently in New Delhi
LEADER OF OPPOSITION PARTY
LOK SABHA NEW DELHI ON 1ST APRIL 2008.
A meeting between the leader of Malaysia’s HINDRAF, an ethnic minority Rights Movement from Malaysia took place today at the Rt.Hon. Leader of opposition’s residence at No 30 Prithvi Raj Road New Delhi at 7.00 pm.
The meeting lasted for about 50 minutes.
Among matters discussed are as follows:
a) Detention without trial of 5 HINDRAF leaders detained under the Internal Security Act for advocating the rights of ethnic minority Indians in Malaysia.
b) Plight of ethnic minority Indian community who have been oppressed suppressed marginalized and remain a permanently colonized community.
c) Possibility of raising a motion in the Lok Sabha on the above issues.
d) Possibility of exerting economic pressure on Malaysia.
e) Possibility of sending a high powered delegation to make personal representations to the Malaysian Government.
f) Hindraf’s International campaign and its progress.
g) Future plans of HINDRAF.
Mr. Advani was also briefed on the condition of the 5 political prisoners and the sufferings of their family members. He showed particular concern to the medical condition of Mr. R. Kengadharan.
Mr.Advani was also surprised with the treatment and plight of the ethnic minority Malaysian Indians and the violations of their human rights. He was sympathetic and deeply disturbed with the situation and assured HINDRAF that he would do everything necessary to bring the matter up with the Indian Prime Minister.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF.
Currently in New Delhi
Thursday, April 3, 2008
UTHAYAKUMAR DOESNT NEED FREEDOM BROKERED BY SAMY
BRIEF STATEMENT
Re : Uthayakumar does not need freedom initiated by Samy Velu
Samy Velu should apologize first.
The recent statement by Dato Seri Samy Velu that he would urge the Prime Minister to release the 5 HINDRAF leaders is most appalling. He was part of the system that incarcerated those “messengers of truth” and suppressed the legitimate voice of Democracy.
Whilst the Prime Minister was a “gentleman” in accepting his errors and pledging to rectify his mistakes, Samy Velu is playing politics by his regular antics now, seeking the release of the 5.
He should first of all apologize to the 5 families and the Malaysian Indians for the following reasons:
a) failure to oppose the arrest by Government openly on 13th December 2007
b) misleading the Government and public that HINDRAF is a threat to National Security and linked to terrorist organizations
c) misleading HINDRAF struggle for his own political survival
d) denying the 18 demands of HINDRAF as absurd and claim that the Indians were not marginalized.
It is plainly clear the initiative now is to gain popularity and to repair the damage done to his reputation as an obsolete leader.
I wish to stress Uthayakumar wouldn’t want a freedom based on sympathy by Samy Velu or anyoneone else.
FREEDOM should come on basis of acknowledgement that HINDRAF struggle is legitimate and his struggle is peaceful and not a National Security Threat.
P.Waytha Moorthy
ChairmanHINDRAF
Re : Uthayakumar does not need freedom initiated by Samy Velu
Samy Velu should apologize first.
The recent statement by Dato Seri Samy Velu that he would urge the Prime Minister to release the 5 HINDRAF leaders is most appalling. He was part of the system that incarcerated those “messengers of truth” and suppressed the legitimate voice of Democracy.
Whilst the Prime Minister was a “gentleman” in accepting his errors and pledging to rectify his mistakes, Samy Velu is playing politics by his regular antics now, seeking the release of the 5.
He should first of all apologize to the 5 families and the Malaysian Indians for the following reasons:
a) failure to oppose the arrest by Government openly on 13th December 2007
b) misleading the Government and public that HINDRAF is a threat to National Security and linked to terrorist organizations
c) misleading HINDRAF struggle for his own political survival
d) denying the 18 demands of HINDRAF as absurd and claim that the Indians were not marginalized.
It is plainly clear the initiative now is to gain popularity and to repair the damage done to his reputation as an obsolete leader.
I wish to stress Uthayakumar wouldn’t want a freedom based on sympathy by Samy Velu or anyoneone else.
FREEDOM should come on basis of acknowledgement that HINDRAF struggle is legitimate and his struggle is peaceful and not a National Security Threat.
P.Waytha Moorthy
ChairmanHINDRAF
MEETING WITH RT.HON. MR. L.K.ADVANI
MEETING WITH RT.HON. MR. L.K.ADVANI
LEADER OF OPPOSITION PARTY
LOK SABHA NEW DELHI ON 1ST APRIL 2008.
A meeting between the leader of Malaysia’s HINDRAF, an ethnic minority Rights Movement from Malaysia took place today at the Rt.Hon. Leader of opposition’s residence at No 30 Prithvi Raj Road New Delhi at 7.00 pm.
The meeting lasted for about 50 minutes.
Among matters discussed are as follows:
a) Detention without trial of 5 HINDRAF leaders detained under the Internal Security Act for advocating the rights of ethnic minority Indians in Malaysia.
b) Plight of ethnic minority Indian community who have been oppressed suppressed marginalized and remain a permanently colonized community.
c) Possibility of raising a motion in the Lok Sabha on the above issues.
d) Possibility of exerting economic pressure on Malaysia.
e) Possibility of sending a high powered delegation to make personal representations to the Malaysian Government.
f) Hindraf’s International campaign and its progress.
g) Future plans of HINDRAF.
Mr. Advani was also briefed on the condition of the 5 political prisoners and the sufferings of their family members. He showed particular concern to the medical condition of Mr. R. Kengadharan.
Mr.Advani was also surprised with the treatment and plight of the ethnic minority Malaysian Indians and the violations of their human rights. He was sympathetic and deeply disturbed with the situation and assured HINDRAF that he would do everything necessary to bring the matter up with the Indian Prime Minister.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF.
Currently in New Delhi
LEADER OF OPPOSITION PARTY
LOK SABHA NEW DELHI ON 1ST APRIL 2008.
A meeting between the leader of Malaysia’s HINDRAF, an ethnic minority Rights Movement from Malaysia took place today at the Rt.Hon. Leader of opposition’s residence at No 30 Prithvi Raj Road New Delhi at 7.00 pm.
The meeting lasted for about 50 minutes.
Among matters discussed are as follows:
a) Detention without trial of 5 HINDRAF leaders detained under the Internal Security Act for advocating the rights of ethnic minority Indians in Malaysia.
b) Plight of ethnic minority Indian community who have been oppressed suppressed marginalized and remain a permanently colonized community.
c) Possibility of raising a motion in the Lok Sabha on the above issues.
d) Possibility of exerting economic pressure on Malaysia.
e) Possibility of sending a high powered delegation to make personal representations to the Malaysian Government.
f) Hindraf’s International campaign and its progress.
g) Future plans of HINDRAF.
Mr. Advani was also briefed on the condition of the 5 political prisoners and the sufferings of their family members. He showed particular concern to the medical condition of Mr. R. Kengadharan.
Mr.Advani was also surprised with the treatment and plight of the ethnic minority Malaysian Indians and the violations of their human rights. He was sympathetic and deeply disturbed with the situation and assured HINDRAF that he would do everything necessary to bring the matter up with the Indian Prime Minister.
P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF.
Currently in New Delhi
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
HINDRAF seeks Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Y.A.B. DATO’ SERI ABDULLAH AHMAD BADAWI
Prime Minister of Malaysia
Block Utama,Bangunan Perdana Putra,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
62502 Putrajaya
Email: reduceredtape@pmo.gov.my
Email: abdullah@kdn.gov.my
Tel: 03 8888 8000
Fax: 03 8888 3444
YAB,
Re: Truth and Reconciliation Commission on the discrimination and
Maginalisation of Malaysian Indians
May we firstly congratulate your goodself and your party in winning the 12th General Election held on 8/03/2008.
As your goodselves have acknowledged the winds of change and the past mistakes, may we humbly propose that your goodselves form the Truth and Reconciliation Commission with regards to the very sad state of affairs, discrimination and maginalisation of especially the 80% Malaysian Indian poor. With the sincere formation of this commission we hope to move forward and grow together from now onwards in the True spirit of oneness, and equality and equal opportunity for all the poor especially the Malaysian Indian poor and mostly importantly humanity. The Malaysian Indians have persistently complained about the following:
(1) Hardly any kindergartens in Tamil schools as opposed to Malay schools and the kemas kindergartens, which literally excludes Indians.
(2) After 50 years of independence about two thirds of 523 Tamil schools in Malaysia are not fully aided.
(3) Indians are not allowed into Mara Junior Colleges, Fully Residential Schools, Giat Mara Technical Schools, Matriculation Schools, Islamic Universities and many other educational institutions save and except the very few to show color.
(4) All deserving Indians unlike their Malay Muslim brothers are denied places in the local public universities especially in the critical courses like medicine, dentistry, engineering, bio technology, accountancy etc. on an equal opportunity basis.
(5) Overseas posting, training, scholarships, placements are denied to all deserving Indian students on an equal opportunity basis.
(6) 30% of this Indian population can’t even properly read and write in the National language.
(7) 60% of deaths in police custody (one in every two weeks) and by police shooting (one in every week) and detainees in police lock ups and prisons are Indians when they only form about 8% of the total population.
(8) Indians have the highest suicide rate (for every 100,000 there are 35 Indians, 8 Chinese and 5 Malays).
(9) Civil service jobs for Indians have dwindled from about 60% in 1957 to about 2% today in 2008 with very little promotion prospects.
(10) Top executive and managerial positions in the civil, corporate, banking, government linked companies, small and medium sized industries are denied to all deserving Indians on an equal opportunity basis.
(11) Hindu Temples are indiscriminately demolished at the rate of one Hindu Temple in every three weeks.
(12) 40,000 children are without even birth certificate in the first place, in the state of Selangor alone (Estimated at least 100,000 nationwide) which is their innate birthright.
(13) Direct discrimination, marginalisation and racism from the counter level onwards both at the public and private sectors.
(14) 60% of police abuse of powers cases are against the Indians (unlawful detention and torture etc).
(15) Affirmative action programs e.g. PNB, Bank Pertanian, Felda, Felcra, Risda, UDA are completely closed to the Indians.
(16) Licenses, permits, business opportunities are denied to all deserving Indians on an equal opportunity basis.
(17) Distribution of contracts, projects, legal work, panel ship etc. both in private and public sectors almost always exclude Indians.
With this we hope from now onwards the Indians would be treated accordingly to Article 8 of the Federal Constitution (Equality before the Law). We hope for sincerity on your part. We hereby pray for an appointment to meet your good self with the sincere view to move forward.
Thank you,
Yours faithfully
P Waytha Moorthy
(Chairman)
Prime Minister of Malaysia
Block Utama,Bangunan Perdana Putra,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
62502 Putrajaya
Email: reduceredtape@pmo.gov.my
Email: abdullah@kdn.gov.my
Tel: 03 8888 8000
Fax: 03 8888 3444
YAB,
Re: Truth and Reconciliation Commission on the discrimination and
Maginalisation of Malaysian Indians
May we firstly congratulate your goodself and your party in winning the 12th General Election held on 8/03/2008.
As your goodselves have acknowledged the winds of change and the past mistakes, may we humbly propose that your goodselves form the Truth and Reconciliation Commission with regards to the very sad state of affairs, discrimination and maginalisation of especially the 80% Malaysian Indian poor. With the sincere formation of this commission we hope to move forward and grow together from now onwards in the True spirit of oneness, and equality and equal opportunity for all the poor especially the Malaysian Indian poor and mostly importantly humanity. The Malaysian Indians have persistently complained about the following:
(1) Hardly any kindergartens in Tamil schools as opposed to Malay schools and the kemas kindergartens, which literally excludes Indians.
(2) After 50 years of independence about two thirds of 523 Tamil schools in Malaysia are not fully aided.
(3) Indians are not allowed into Mara Junior Colleges, Fully Residential Schools, Giat Mara Technical Schools, Matriculation Schools, Islamic Universities and many other educational institutions save and except the very few to show color.
(4) All deserving Indians unlike their Malay Muslim brothers are denied places in the local public universities especially in the critical courses like medicine, dentistry, engineering, bio technology, accountancy etc. on an equal opportunity basis.
(5) Overseas posting, training, scholarships, placements are denied to all deserving Indian students on an equal opportunity basis.
(6) 30% of this Indian population can’t even properly read and write in the National language.
(7) 60% of deaths in police custody (one in every two weeks) and by police shooting (one in every week) and detainees in police lock ups and prisons are Indians when they only form about 8% of the total population.
(8) Indians have the highest suicide rate (for every 100,000 there are 35 Indians, 8 Chinese and 5 Malays).
(9) Civil service jobs for Indians have dwindled from about 60% in 1957 to about 2% today in 2008 with very little promotion prospects.
(10) Top executive and managerial positions in the civil, corporate, banking, government linked companies, small and medium sized industries are denied to all deserving Indians on an equal opportunity basis.
(11) Hindu Temples are indiscriminately demolished at the rate of one Hindu Temple in every three weeks.
(12) 40,000 children are without even birth certificate in the first place, in the state of Selangor alone (Estimated at least 100,000 nationwide) which is their innate birthright.
(13) Direct discrimination, marginalisation and racism from the counter level onwards both at the public and private sectors.
(14) 60% of police abuse of powers cases are against the Indians (unlawful detention and torture etc).
(15) Affirmative action programs e.g. PNB, Bank Pertanian, Felda, Felcra, Risda, UDA are completely closed to the Indians.
(16) Licenses, permits, business opportunities are denied to all deserving Indians on an equal opportunity basis.
(17) Distribution of contracts, projects, legal work, panel ship etc. both in private and public sectors almost always exclude Indians.
With this we hope from now onwards the Indians would be treated accordingly to Article 8 of the Federal Constitution (Equality before the Law). We hope for sincerity on your part. We hereby pray for an appointment to meet your good self with the sincere view to move forward.
Thank you,
Yours faithfully
P Waytha Moorthy
(Chairman)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Malaysia’s Hindraf leader opposes ‘only Indians’ deal [IANS]
Malaysia's Hindraf leader opposes 'only Indians' deal [IANS]Malaysia's interest in signing an agreement with India to protect Indian workers is a diversionary tactic intended to keep the latter quiet on the rights of Malaysians of Indian origin, a leader of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) said here Monday. "Such an MoU (memorandum of understanding) protecting just the Indian workers' rights will effectively silence the government of India on the issue of rights of Malaysians of Indian origin," said Hindraf leader P. Waytha Moorthy. "There are workers of all nationalities in Malaysia and the country has enough laws to protect foreign workers. An MoU with India will only create discrimination between foreign workers in Malaysia."Moorthy, who frequently visits Tamil Nadu, also called for immediate release of five Hindraf leaders being held for over 100 days in Malaysian jails under the draconian Internal Securities Act (ISA) of that country. He said: "Hindraf will continue to fight for the abrogation of this Act." Hindraf has demanded that Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri A.A. Badawi "table an act (in parliament) to repeal the ISA in the forthcoming session due to be held in May". The Hindraf leader, against whom an arrest warrant has been issued in Malaysia, also appealed to the Indian prime minister and the Tamil Nadu chief minister to intervene to secure the release of the Hindraf leaders.Hindraf, which claims to speak for the two million Malaysians of Indian origin, has courted controversy since last November when it held a rally that was forcibly dispersed.Five of its top leaders, who organised the rally, have been accused of trying to destabilise the state and detained for two years under the ISA.Moorthy also claimed that Hindraf was the "new voice of Malaysian Indians"."The fact that in the March 8 elections, most of the candidates of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) including (its chief) Samy Velu lost shows that Hindraf is the new voice of Malaysian Indians," he said."The election result shows people no longer believe Velu," Moorthy told IANS."We now hope that the Badawi government will now at least stop denying the marginalisation of Malaysians of Indian origin and undo the 50 years of violation of their rights," he said."We have proved people's power (Makkal Shakthi). The Muslim Malaysians and Malaysians of Chinese origin are now taking inspiration from the Hindraf movement and are demanding their rights," Moorthy said.The Hindraf leader urged the new Malyasian government to "seriously consider Hindraf's 18-point demand", and "initiate the mechanism to come out with and implement concrete plans to correct the economic and opportunity
violations against Malaysians of Indian origin". [THE END]
violations against Malaysians of Indian origin". [THE END]
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