MEDIA EVENT
Appeal to Prime Minister YAB Abdullah Ahmad Badawi by mother of Human Rights Defender and Prisoner of Conscience P.Uthayakumar to help seek consent of Home Ministry to refer Uthayakumar to the National Heart Institute urgently and to seek for a complete medical check up following denial of diabetes medication, premature discharge from Taiping Hospital and the continued serving of high sugar content diet.
Date : 15th April 2008 (Tuesday)
Venue : Prime Ministers office Putrajaya
Time : 10.15 am
Hindraf Lawyers, leaders, Members of Parliament and supporters would be present. A Press statement would be issued thereafter.
We seek the co operation of HINDRAF supporters to inform all our supporters via text/sms to attend to show show support.
For further information please contact Mr. Kannan 012 269 0024 or Mr Jayathas 012 6362287.
P. Waytha moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
Currently in London
Monday, April 14, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Mkini-Accord Uthaya proper attention
MIC: Accord Uthaya proper attention
Malaysiakinia-Apr 12, 08 8:29pm
Malaysiakinia-Apr 12, 08 8:29pm
Selangor MIC Youth chief S Murugesan has called on the authorities to seriously look into the health condition of Hindraf leader and Internal Security Act detainee P Uthayakumar and provide him with the necessary medical attention.“It is the duty of the prison authorities to ensure the health and safety of those under their custody, a duty made onerous in cases where one is held without trial,” he said in a statement today.“The authorities must act on the advice of doctors and in cases where there is doubt, they must act and think in favour of the detainee,” he added.Murugesan, a member of MIC central working committee member, was the latest among a chorus of voices that have called for Uthayakumar, a diabetic for the past 12 years, to be accorded proper medical attention.Uthayakumar is said to have been deprived of his medicine for the past month despite repeated requests to the director of Kamunting Prison where he is held.Uthayakumar is among four other Hindraf leaders who were detained under the ISA on Dec 13 shortly after organising a mammoth rally in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25 which saw some 30,000 Indians taking to the streets.
Inhumane treatment
He was admitted to the Taiping hospital in Perak on April 7 after his sugar level rose to more than three times the normal level.
Discharged from the hospital on April 10 and taken back to the detention centre, his family members insisted that he was still unwell.Human rights movement Aliran, meanwhile, expressed shock at the “inhumane” treatment Uthayakumar has been subjected. “Aliran wishes to emphasise that a detainee does not forfeit his right to medical care under whatever circumstance,” said its president P Ramakrishnan in a statement.“As a human being, he is entitled to receive medical attention like any other Malaysian and his family has a right to be notified when a detainee is hospitalised. This is something very basic in a civilised society,” he stressed. “Kamunting authorities need to be given an urgent course on human decency so that they will react as human beings and treat others under their care with dignity and compassion. “So far their conduct has been disgraceful, deserving condemnation from the civilised international community,” the Aliran president added.
Discharged from the hospital on April 10 and taken back to the detention centre, his family members insisted that he was still unwell.Human rights movement Aliran, meanwhile, expressed shock at the “inhumane” treatment Uthayakumar has been subjected. “Aliran wishes to emphasise that a detainee does not forfeit his right to medical care under whatever circumstance,” said its president P Ramakrishnan in a statement.“As a human being, he is entitled to receive medical attention like any other Malaysian and his family has a right to be notified when a detainee is hospitalised. This is something very basic in a civilised society,” he stressed. “Kamunting authorities need to be given an urgent course on human decency so that they will react as human beings and treat others under their care with dignity and compassion. “So far their conduct has been disgraceful, deserving condemnation from the civilised international community,” the Aliran president added.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Uthaya suffered a silent heart attack !!
Family: Uthaya suffered a silent heart attack
Malaysiakini - K Kabilan Apr 12, 08 12:22pm
The Malaysian Indian United Party (MIUP) today joined a chorus of calls being made to the government to ensure that ISA-detained Hindraf legal advisor P Uthayakumar is given a proper medical treatment.MIUP president KS Nallakaruppan said that it was the duty of the government to ensure Uthayakumar received proper medical treatment for his diabetes.“The detention centre authorities must make sure that Uthayakumar and the other four Hindraf detainees are in good health,” said Nallakaruppan today.“The authorities must not fail in their duty to provide healthcare for these detainees. “If they are needed to be admitted in a hospital, they then should be admitted. If they need to see a specialist, again, the detention centre must make arrangements for that,” he added.He also warned that the detention camp authorities should not turn the admission of any of these Hindraf leaders into a government hospital into a media event.“We see them parading Uthayakumar in handcuffs while being taken to the hospital and back to the detention centre. “This shouldn’t happen. He is not a criminal. If you are taking him to the hospital for treatment, then make sure that he gets the propers treatment,” he said.Nallakaruppan also urged the detention centre authorities to allow Uthayakumar to receive his proper medications from his doctors.
Similarly, Nallakaruppan added that two other Hindraf detainees - V Ganabatirau and R Kenghadharan - had also complained of being denied medical treatment. “I urge the authorities to look into this matter seriously. I know how it feels to be locked up and being denied medical treatment. The government must show its humane face by giving proper medical treatment for these detainees,” he added.
Family: a silent heart attack
Uthayakumar, Ganabatirau, Kenghadharan, M Manoharan and T Vasantha Kumar - all key leaders of Hindu Rights Action Force - were detained under the Internal Security Act on Dec 13 shortly after organising a mammoth rally in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25 which saw some 30,000 Indians taking to the streets.Uthayakumar, a diabetic for the past 12 years, was admitted to the Taiping hospital in Perak on April 7 after his sugar level rose to more than three times the normal level. His lawyer Santha Devi Velusamy complained that he was not given his diabetes medicines for the past one month despite making repeated requests to the detention centre director.Uthayakumar was discharged from the hospital on April 10 and taken back to the detention centre but his family members insist that he is still not well.
Uthayakumar’s brother and Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy today criticised the authorities for prematurely discharging his sibling from the hospital.In a statement issued from London where he is currently based, Waythamoorthy urged all Hindraf supporters to lodge police reports against the director of detention centre and the Home Affairs Minister for “negligently and prematurely discharging Uthayakumar thus seriously damaging his health”.“My family member who visited him confirms his complaints of decreased vision, giddiness, weakness and uncomfortable feeling in the heart. “The doctor who examined him at Taiping hospital suspected he may have damaged heart muscles and is suffering a silent heart attack as a result of being denied diabetes medication for more than a month,” he said.
Police reports lodgedWaythamoorthy added that a proper test to confirm Uthayakumar’s heart condition is only available at the Taiping hospital on April 28.
“His condition is so serious and my family are willing to bear the private medical expenses. He needs to be referred to IJN urgently and we need the public to support our request for urgent private medical treatment,” he added.
Waythamoorthy also claimed that upon Uthayakumar’s discharge from the hospital, he was again denied medication for more than 20 hours and served diet with high sugar content.
In order to force the government to provide proper medical treatment to Uthayakumar, his mother K Kalaivaniy and fiancée Indra Devi Subramaniam lodged separate police reports at the Seremban and Brickfields police stations respectively this morning.Yesterday some 300 Hindraf supporters gathered at the Kamunting detention centre to protest against the lack of medical treatment for Uthayakumar.
Malaysiakini - K Kabilan Apr 12, 08 12:22pm
The Malaysian Indian United Party (MIUP) today joined a chorus of calls being made to the government to ensure that ISA-detained Hindraf legal advisor P Uthayakumar is given a proper medical treatment.MIUP president KS Nallakaruppan said that it was the duty of the government to ensure Uthayakumar received proper medical treatment for his diabetes.“The detention centre authorities must make sure that Uthayakumar and the other four Hindraf detainees are in good health,” said Nallakaruppan today.“The authorities must not fail in their duty to provide healthcare for these detainees. “If they are needed to be admitted in a hospital, they then should be admitted. If they need to see a specialist, again, the detention centre must make arrangements for that,” he added.He also warned that the detention camp authorities should not turn the admission of any of these Hindraf leaders into a government hospital into a media event.“We see them parading Uthayakumar in handcuffs while being taken to the hospital and back to the detention centre. “This shouldn’t happen. He is not a criminal. If you are taking him to the hospital for treatment, then make sure that he gets the propers treatment,” he said.Nallakaruppan also urged the detention centre authorities to allow Uthayakumar to receive his proper medications from his doctors.
Similarly, Nallakaruppan added that two other Hindraf detainees - V Ganabatirau and R Kenghadharan - had also complained of being denied medical treatment. “I urge the authorities to look into this matter seriously. I know how it feels to be locked up and being denied medical treatment. The government must show its humane face by giving proper medical treatment for these detainees,” he added.
Family: a silent heart attack
Uthayakumar, Ganabatirau, Kenghadharan, M Manoharan and T Vasantha Kumar - all key leaders of Hindu Rights Action Force - were detained under the Internal Security Act on Dec 13 shortly after organising a mammoth rally in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25 which saw some 30,000 Indians taking to the streets.Uthayakumar, a diabetic for the past 12 years, was admitted to the Taiping hospital in Perak on April 7 after his sugar level rose to more than three times the normal level. His lawyer Santha Devi Velusamy complained that he was not given his diabetes medicines for the past one month despite making repeated requests to the detention centre director.Uthayakumar was discharged from the hospital on April 10 and taken back to the detention centre but his family members insist that he is still not well.
Uthayakumar’s brother and Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy today criticised the authorities for prematurely discharging his sibling from the hospital.In a statement issued from London where he is currently based, Waythamoorthy urged all Hindraf supporters to lodge police reports against the director of detention centre and the Home Affairs Minister for “negligently and prematurely discharging Uthayakumar thus seriously damaging his health”.“My family member who visited him confirms his complaints of decreased vision, giddiness, weakness and uncomfortable feeling in the heart. “The doctor who examined him at Taiping hospital suspected he may have damaged heart muscles and is suffering a silent heart attack as a result of being denied diabetes medication for more than a month,” he said.
Police reports lodgedWaythamoorthy added that a proper test to confirm Uthayakumar’s heart condition is only available at the Taiping hospital on April 28.
“His condition is so serious and my family are willing to bear the private medical expenses. He needs to be referred to IJN urgently and we need the public to support our request for urgent private medical treatment,” he added.
Waythamoorthy also claimed that upon Uthayakumar’s discharge from the hospital, he was again denied medication for more than 20 hours and served diet with high sugar content.
In order to force the government to provide proper medical treatment to Uthayakumar, his mother K Kalaivaniy and fiancée Indra Devi Subramaniam lodged separate police reports at the Seremban and Brickfields police stations respectively this morning.Yesterday some 300 Hindraf supporters gathered at the Kamunting detention centre to protest against the lack of medical treatment for Uthayakumar.
Gerakan Urges Govt to review Manoharan's ISA Detention- Bernama
Gerakan Urges Government To Review Manoharan's ISA Detention
KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) --
Gerakan has urged the home minister to review the decision to continue holding lawyer M. Manoharan under the Internal Security Act (ISA).Its vice-president, Datuk Dr S. Vijayaratnam said that as Manoharan was given the mandate by the people of Kota Alam Shah to represent them, the decision to detain him under the ISA should be reviewed."He received more than 12,600 votes, a 7,000 plus majority, which indicates they (the people) have faith in him."Continued detention is tantamount to ignoring the wishes of the people. At least, he should be sworn in as a state assemblyman," he said in a statement Friday.
Last December, Manoharan was detained for alleged involvement in organising illegal gatherings on Nov 25, and making seditious statements against the government.He is the third ISA detainee to contest on a DAP ticket in a general election.Chan Kok Kit and Chian Heng Khai contested on a DAP ticket in 1978 in Sungai Besi (Selangor) and Batu Gajah (Perak), respectively, when they were under detention.Both won.-- BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) --
Gerakan has urged the home minister to review the decision to continue holding lawyer M. Manoharan under the Internal Security Act (ISA).Its vice-president, Datuk Dr S. Vijayaratnam said that as Manoharan was given the mandate by the people of Kota Alam Shah to represent them, the decision to detain him under the ISA should be reviewed."He received more than 12,600 votes, a 7,000 plus majority, which indicates they (the people) have faith in him."Continued detention is tantamount to ignoring the wishes of the people. At least, he should be sworn in as a state assemblyman," he said in a statement Friday.
Last December, Manoharan was detained for alleged involvement in organising illegal gatherings on Nov 25, and making seditious statements against the government.He is the third ISA detainee to contest on a DAP ticket in a general election.Chan Kok Kit and Chian Heng Khai contested on a DAP ticket in 1978 in Sungai Besi (Selangor) and Batu Gajah (Perak), respectively, when they were under detention.Both won.-- BERNAMA
GMI- Calling to release all ISA detainee
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.
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.
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
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