Kem ISA wajar dipindahkan dari Perak
Subky Abdul Latif Mon Apr 28, 08 8:02:49 pm MYT
Menteri Besar Perak, Dato' Seri Nizar Jamaluddin ketika mengadakan kunjungan rasmi kepada Perdana Menteri membangkitkan tapak khemah tahanan Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) Kamunting, sedang parti yang memerintah Negeri Perak sekarang adalah menentang ISA.
Tidak pasti apa perincinya yang mereka bincang, tetapi yang jelas ketiga parti yang membentuk kerajaan campuran di Perak iaitu PAS, DAP dan KeADILan adalah menentang ISA dan mahu ISA dimansuhkan.
Kerajaan Perak tiada kuasa untuk memansuhkan ISA kerana ia adalah dalam bidang kuasa Kerajaan Pusat. Tetapi tentulah kerajaan Perak merasa tidak senang sesuatu yang dibenci dan dikutuknya berkhemah dalam wilayahnya.
Maka secara terhormat adalah munasabah kalau Perak minta Kerajaan Persekutuan memindahkan khemah tahanan ISA itu dari Kamunting ke negeri yang lain.
Adalah dipercayai empat lagi negeri yang ditadbir oleh Pakatan Rakyat iaitu Kelantan, Kedah, Pulau Pinang dan Selangor tidak sedia menimbangkan wilayah mereka untuk dijadikan tapak baru khemah undang-undang yang mereka sifatkan zalim itu.
Setakat ini Pahang dan Johor yang masih dikira kubu kuat BN yang tidak lagi tergugat tentu bersedia memberikan tanahnya untuk akta yang terkutuk itu. Kedua-dua negeri itu masih punya banyak kawasan yang belum diteroka, maka boleh dijadikan tapak khemah ISA yang baru.
Bukan suatu yang mudah bagi kerajaan Perak untuk mengusirkan khemah itu keluar dari Kamunting. Tentu ada perjanjian antara kedua kerajaan tentang tanah yang dijadikan khemah tahanan itu. Apa jua yang hendak dilakukan atas perkara itu terpaksa merujuk kepada persetujuan pemberian kawasan itu dulu.
Dulu tiada kerajaan yang menentang ISA. Tetapi sekarang mulai banyak kerajaan negeri yang menentang ISA. Kesemua parti pembangkang yang menguasai lima buah negeri sepanjang masa menjadikan ISA sebagai agenda yang perlu dimansuhkan.
Janji itu dibuat dalam setiap pilihan raya, baik pilihan raya umum mahu pun pilihan raya kecil. Ia adalah janji yang ditawarkan oleh mereka kepada rakyat.
Dalam pilihan raya pada 8 Mac lalu, majoriti pengundi di lima negeri itu mengundi mereka. Antara yang mereka setuju itu adalah untuk memansuhkan ISA.
Yang masih berdegil untuk mengekalkan ISA ialah BN. Maka secara sukarela wajarlah Kerajaan Pusat menimbangkan untuk keluar dari Kamunting jika diminta oleh kerajaan negeri itu.
Kawasan yang dijadikan khemah tahanan itu agak luas. Dalam rangka pelaksanaan program pembangunan koridor utara yang sudah dilancarkan itu, ia adalah sesuai untuk dibangunkan bagi satu-satu projek yang menjana kemajuan negeri Perak.
Mungkin ia boleh dijadikan kampus pengajian tinggi yang baru. Perak yang ramai penduduknya tentu memerlukan sebuah universiti. Jika nama ISA itu hendak dikekalkan tiada masalah, asal jangan untuk menahan rakyat tanpa bicara.
Jika kerajaan Perak hendak menjadikannya tapak kampus yang memakai nama ISA, maka boleh dinamakan Institut Sains Awam singkatnya ISA atau Institut Sultan Azlan juga singkatnya ISA.
Apa isi kampus itu boleh ditentukan oleh penduduk Perak, tetapi yang penting nama ISA boleh dipakai untuk tujuan yang baik, bukan untuk menindas seperti yang digunakan oleh BN selama lebilh 50 tahun lalu.
Adalah jauh lebih bermakna bagi ISA sama ada Institut Sains Awam atau Institut Sultan Azlan dijadikan tapak bagi membina modal insan yang seramai-ramainya yang diperlukan oleh masyarakat dan negara ssekarang, bukan dijadikan kawasan membunuh jiwa insan seperti yang berlaku selama ini.
Dato' Seri Nizar membangkitkan isu itu untuk difikirkan oleh Perdana Menteri bagaimana suatu yang tidak disukai oleh kerajaan Perak sekarang dibiarkan terus berada di dalam wilayahnya.
Tentunya kerajaan Perak tidak mahu menjadikan perkara itu sebagai suatu yang boleh menghalang kerjasama dan hubungan baik antara Kerajaan Pusat dan kerajaan negeri.
Belum pada peringkat ini kerajaan Perak hendak memberi kata dua kepada Kerajaan Pusat, tetapi yang diperlukan ialah bagaimana kerajaan menggunakan kebijaksanaannya menghormati keputusan pengundi di negeri itu.
Tentulah Menteri Besar Perak itu tidak bertujuan untuk menambah beban dan tekanan yang sedang dihadapi oleh Perdana Menteri gara-gara prestasi menjunamnya dalam pilihan raya lalu.
Perdana Menteri perlu dibantu oleh Menteri Dalam Negeri yang baru, Dato Syed Hamid Albar menimbang secara berhemat dan tidak menegangkan isu itu hingga menggawatkan lagi beban yang dihadapi Umno sekarang.
Kerajaan Persekutuan tidak wajar menganggap keputusan pengundi Perak itu sebagai satu perkembangan sementara. Ia jangan menjadikan perkembangan di Terengganu dulu akan berlaku pula di negeri-negeri yang ia kalah sekarang.
Dulu BN dilihat elok dan Perdana Menterinya juga dilihat elok. Tetapi sekarang Umno sendiri pun mula melihat semuanya sudah tidak elok. Maka adalah baik bagi Kerajaan Pusat mencari kawasan khemah baru di negeri yang ia tidak dilihat hodoh.
Jangan gunakan kuasa bagi menyelesaikan isu yang sangat ringan ini. Ia mesti berfikir bukan lagi mudah untuk mendapatkan kembali kuasa yang sudah terlucut. Yang terjadi di Terengganu itu adalah satu nasib baik. Tetapi nasib baik tidak semesti berlaku di semua tempat.
Perak tidak berkuasa untuk memansuhkan ISA dengan kuasa yang ada padanya, tetapi ia tidak mahu Kamunting terus menyakitkan mata kerajaan negeri.- tajdid
In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place-Mahatma
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
28/4 Video Clip-Mkini: Uthaya's rare clip at GH
28 April 2008 . Taiping Hospital with Mr P Uthaya Kumar
Tue, 29/04/2008 - 14:48 — admin
Click Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTupDdj07ZI
News Events
Uthaya rare video clips taken by supporter whom waits him at Taiping GH.
He just finished is health screening and was promised to be further refered to KL GH but until this moment ( 30th Apr 2008 1.40am) , he is still in KEMTA.
Why his health check up is been systematically denied by the wardens though Uthaya complainted several attempt.
Thx
Admin.Hindraf
Tue, 29/04/2008 - 14:48 — admin
Click Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTupDdj07ZI
News Events
Uthaya rare video clips taken by supporter whom waits him at Taiping GH.
He just finished is health screening and was promised to be further refered to KL GH but until this moment ( 30th Apr 2008 1.40am) , he is still in KEMTA.
Why his health check up is been systematically denied by the wardens though Uthaya complainted several attempt.
Thx
Admin.Hindraf
29/4- Lim Kit Siang - Urgent Parliament motion on Wed 30/4
Urgent Parliament motion on Wednesday for release of Hindraf 5 and 60 other ISA detainees
I have given notice to Parliament to have an urgent debate on Wednesday for the release of the Hindraf Five – M Manoharan, DAP Selangor Assemblyman for Kota Alam Shah, P. Uthayakumar, V. Ganabatirau, R. Kenghadharan dan T. Vasantha Kumar - and over 60 other detainees currently held in Kamunting Detention Centre under the Internal Security Act (ISA), including some who had been incarcerated for over six years.
In calling on Parliament to urge the Abdullah administration to respect and comply with the wishes of the people as demonstrated in the March 8 “political tsunami” for a more democratic, accountable and progressive Malaysia, the government is reminded that the ISA detainees should not be denied their fundamental rights to an open trial if they are deemed to be threats to national security.
The refusal of the government to release the Hindraf 5 and the scores of other ISA detainees is proof that the Abdullah administration is not prepared to heed the people’s aspirations clearly articulated in the March 8 “political tsunami” to end its arrogant governance and to revoke its high-handed and undemocratic policies and laws.
I have given notice to Parliament to have an urgent debate on Wednesday for the release of the Hindraf Five – M Manoharan, DAP Selangor Assemblyman for Kota Alam Shah, P. Uthayakumar, V. Ganabatirau, R. Kenghadharan dan T. Vasantha Kumar - and over 60 other detainees currently held in Kamunting Detention Centre under the Internal Security Act (ISA), including some who had been incarcerated for over six years.
In calling on Parliament to urge the Abdullah administration to respect and comply with the wishes of the people as demonstrated in the March 8 “political tsunami” for a more democratic, accountable and progressive Malaysia, the government is reminded that the ISA detainees should not be denied their fundamental rights to an open trial if they are deemed to be threats to national security.
The refusal of the government to release the Hindraf 5 and the scores of other ISA detainees is proof that the Abdullah administration is not prepared to heed the people’s aspirations clearly articulated in the March 8 “political tsunami” to end its arrogant governance and to revoke its high-handed and undemocratic policies and laws.
Friday, April 25, 2008
25/4 W.Vwashnavi presents flower and memo to King
Daughter of Hindraf leader presents letter to palace
By PAUL CHOO and AMANDA CHRISTI
KUALA LUMPUR: A group of Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) supporters gathered at Istana Negara here Friday in solidarity for the abolishment of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the release of its five members detained under the Act.
The group's intent was penned in a letter purportedly written by Hindraf chairman P. Waythamoorthy' s five-year-old daughter Vwaishhnnari, who was accompanied by her aunt during the event.
The three-page letter, childishly written on yellow paper with stickers of comic character Garfield wearing a royal crown and wielding a scepter requested for the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to urge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to abolish the "draconian ISA".
It read: "It is my humble request that you urge the Prime Minister to abolish the draconian ISA in your opening Royal Address in Parliament on April 29th and advise the Prime Minister to treat all Malaysians, especially the minority communities equally.
"Thank you Your Highness and I would eagerly wait for your speech before the TV," it further read.
Among other points raised in the letter included that "five of my uncles have been kept in jail without trial" and "many others are also held for very long, as the government claims they are JI members without proof".
Vwaishhnnari remained shy and rarely spoke throughout the event as she was carried by her aunt M. Philomena, 48, a housewife.
"I passed this letter to the Chief Minister of Penang yesterday, noting him of the matter.
"I deeply feel my father's absence and miss him dearly," she said when approached by reporters.
Her father is currently in London in self-imposed exile.
The five-year-old later presented the letter to the palace. The letter was received by the senior private secretary of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.
She was accompanied by Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam, Teluk Intan MP M. Manogaran, Hindraf coordinator S. Jayathas and lawyer N. Surendran.
A squad of policemen closely monitored the 30-minute gathering which ended at noon.
By PAUL CHOO and AMANDA CHRISTI
KUALA LUMPUR: A group of Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) supporters gathered at Istana Negara here Friday in solidarity for the abolishment of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the release of its five members detained under the Act.
The group's intent was penned in a letter purportedly written by Hindraf chairman P. Waythamoorthy' s five-year-old daughter Vwaishhnnari, who was accompanied by her aunt during the event.
The three-page letter, childishly written on yellow paper with stickers of comic character Garfield wearing a royal crown and wielding a scepter requested for the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to urge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to abolish the "draconian ISA".
It read: "It is my humble request that you urge the Prime Minister to abolish the draconian ISA in your opening Royal Address in Parliament on April 29th and advise the Prime Minister to treat all Malaysians, especially the minority communities equally.
"Thank you Your Highness and I would eagerly wait for your speech before the TV," it further read.
Among other points raised in the letter included that "five of my uncles have been kept in jail without trial" and "many others are also held for very long, as the government claims they are JI members without proof".
Vwaishhnnari remained shy and rarely spoke throughout the event as she was carried by her aunt M. Philomena, 48, a housewife.
"I passed this letter to the Chief Minister of Penang yesterday, noting him of the matter.
"I deeply feel my father's absence and miss him dearly," she said when approached by reporters.
Her father is currently in London in self-imposed exile.
The five-year-old later presented the letter to the palace. The letter was received by the senior private secretary of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.
She was accompanied by Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam, Teluk Intan MP M. Manogaran, Hindraf coordinator S. Jayathas and lawyer N. Surendran.
A squad of policemen closely monitored the 30-minute gathering which ended at noon.
25/4- HINDRAF wants Dato Siva of Suhakam resign
Hindraf wants Suhakam commissioner out
Read here for what Suhakam Commissioner said.
[via malaysiakini. com]Syed Jaymal Zahiid Apr 25, 08 12:12pm
About 30 supporters of Hindu Rights Action Force gathered at Istana Negara this morning to submit a memorandum seeking a royal intervention to release five Hindraf leaders detained under the ISA.
The memorandum was handed over to a palace official by five-year-old Vwaishhnnavi, daughter of Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy.
The memorandum called for the king to facilitate the release of P Uthayakumar, M Manoharan, V Ganabatirau, R Kenghadharan and T Vasantha Kumar who were all detained on Dec 13 for playing an important role in Hindraf.
They were sent to Kamunting Detention Camp immediately to serve a two-year detention, allegedly for being a national threat.
The memorandum to the king follows a recent media report he had actually agreed to a recommendation by the Prime Minister’s Advisory Board that the five are continued to be detained until the end of their two-year term.
The king’s letters, sent separately to the five last week, shut out any prospects of their early freedom. The five had earlier appealed against their detention to the board.
On another matter, Hindraf leaders present at the gathering this morning also deplored the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) for rejecting their claims that Uthayakumar was being denied proper medical treatment in Kamunting.
On Wednesday Suhakam commissioner N Siva Subramaniam, after a visit to the detention centre, said that Uthayakumar was given proper treatment by the authorities. He however did not meet Uthayakmar, or any of the other detainees during his visit.
Hindraf leaders today said lambasted Sivasubramaniam for his remarks and called for his resignation from the commission.
They said that Uthayakumar’s health condition was deteriorating under detention and that he was not being given a proper care or treatment.
Read here for what Suhakam Commissioner said.
[via malaysiakini. com]Syed Jaymal Zahiid Apr 25, 08 12:12pm
About 30 supporters of Hindu Rights Action Force gathered at Istana Negara this morning to submit a memorandum seeking a royal intervention to release five Hindraf leaders detained under the ISA.
The memorandum was handed over to a palace official by five-year-old Vwaishhnnavi, daughter of Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy.
The memorandum called for the king to facilitate the release of P Uthayakumar, M Manoharan, V Ganabatirau, R Kenghadharan and T Vasantha Kumar who were all detained on Dec 13 for playing an important role in Hindraf.
They were sent to Kamunting Detention Camp immediately to serve a two-year detention, allegedly for being a national threat.
The memorandum to the king follows a recent media report he had actually agreed to a recommendation by the Prime Minister’s Advisory Board that the five are continued to be detained until the end of their two-year term.
The king’s letters, sent separately to the five last week, shut out any prospects of their early freedom. The five had earlier appealed against their detention to the board.
On another matter, Hindraf leaders present at the gathering this morning also deplored the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) for rejecting their claims that Uthayakumar was being denied proper medical treatment in Kamunting.
On Wednesday Suhakam commissioner N Siva Subramaniam, after a visit to the detention centre, said that Uthayakumar was given proper treatment by the authorities. He however did not meet Uthayakmar, or any of the other detainees during his visit.
Hindraf leaders today said lambasted Sivasubramaniam for his remarks and called for his resignation from the commission.
They said that Uthayakumar’s health condition was deteriorating under detention and that he was not being given a proper care or treatment.
25/4- Urgent meeting bt'ween Hindraf Chairman and Bar Council of England and Wales
Hi all,
Our HINDRAF Chairman is going for an urgent meeting.
The meeting is called by the Chairman of Bar Council of England & Wales with Mr. Waythamoorthy, Hindraf Chairman.
Venue - Bar Council Office, London, UK
Time - 5.30 pm ( Msia time)
He will soon update the outcome of the meeting in the webapage and thru press release.
This is another success as our plight are been recognised by International groups.
Vaalge HINDRAF
Vaalge Makkal Sakthi
Update by,
Admin.Hindraf
Our HINDRAF Chairman is going for an urgent meeting.
The meeting is called by the Chairman of Bar Council of England & Wales with Mr. Waythamoorthy, Hindraf Chairman.
Venue - Bar Council Office, London, UK
Time - 5.30 pm ( Msia time)
He will soon update the outcome of the meeting in the webapage and thru press release.
This is another success as our plight are been recognised by International groups.
Vaalge HINDRAF
Vaalge Makkal Sakthi
Update by,
Admin.Hindraf
Thursday, April 24, 2008
24/5 - Meeting between Hindraf Chairman with Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Hi all,
Latest news from UK.
Mr Waythamoorthy, Chairman of HINDRAF is scheduled to attend a meeting with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Reps at their office.
Below are details:-
Date : 24th April 2008
Time : 5.30 ( Malaysia Time)
Venue : Foreign and Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London, UK
Will update more and thye outcoem of the meeting later tonight.
Thx
Admin.Hindraf
Latest news from UK.
Mr Waythamoorthy, Chairman of HINDRAF is scheduled to attend a meeting with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Reps at their office.
Below are details:-
Date : 24th April 2008
Time : 5.30 ( Malaysia Time)
Venue : Foreign and Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London, UK
Will update more and thye outcoem of the meeting later tonight.
Thx
Admin.Hindraf
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Hindraf seeks UN help
Hindraf seeks UN help to address Indian issues
K Kabilan Apr 22, 08 11:22am
K Kabilan Apr 22, 08 11:22am
The Hindu Rights Action Force is urging the United Nations to appoint a special rapporteur to specifically look into the plight of the Indian community in Malaysia.The request was made by Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy in a letter written to the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights which is based in Geneva, Switzerland on April 17.
“The Malaysian ethnic Indian has no other choice but to seek redress and solutions at the doorsteps of the United Nations,” he said in the letter, a copy of which was made available to Malaysiakini.“On behalf of all those oppressed, suppressed and marginalised ethnic Indian community I formally request that you exercise all powers conferred upon you to appoint a Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Affecting the community,” he added.
In his letter, Waythamoorthy - presently based in London following a government crackdown on Hindraf leaders - gave examples of various issues in which the members of the community were sidelined as a result of government policies.“The majority Indian community who belonged to the plantation sectors become internally displaced persons when their traditional plantation land is acquired by government for purposes of development and their very social living lifestyle are disrupted. “They are not provided adequate compensation for their contributions for the country’s economy over the last 200 years, not provided new job opportunities and training programs.“No permanent alternative is given to resolve their housing problems and ultimately they end up as squatters in urban and remain poor, underclass and neglected. “When their plantation land is taken they lose their land, houses, temples, schools and end up a new poor class neglected society,” he said in his letter.
UN’s fact-finding mission
Waythamoorthy also told Malaysiakini that he was invited to make a presentation on the conditions of the Malaysian Indians at the United Nations Human Rights commission in Geneva on April 17.“The meeting served as an eye opener to the United Nations Human Rights council. It was the first time serious human rights violations on Malaysia was presented,” he said.
He said that he was given as assurance by the world body that it would seek an explanation from the Malaysian government.“They also said they would request an invitation from Malaysia to visit for purposes of fact-finding on the issues raised,” he said.Hindraf became prominent after raising various issues pertaining to the Indian community in this country. On Nov 25, it organised a mass rally in Kuala Lumpur in which about 30,000 people took part to show their anger against the government for failing to uplift the community.Following that five top Hindraf leaders, including Waythamoorthy’s brother Uthayakumar, were detained under the Internal Security Act for two years for allegedly being a national threat.
Waythamoorthy left the country to India, and then to the United Kingdom, to canvass international support for Hindraf’s cause.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Urgent appeal to repeal ISA Nationwide by GMI
http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/human_rights/urgent_appeal_to_repeal_isa_your_voice_saves_humanity.html
Urgent appeal to repeal ISA: Your voice saves humanity!
Contributed by Fadiah Nadwa Binti Fikri
Saturday, 19 April 2008 08:22pm
Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI)’s campaign to call for the release of all detainees particularly those who have been detained for 6 years under the ISA was announced in a press conference held in the Chinese Assembly Hall on 11 April 2008.All Malaysians are encouraged to call on the Government to release all the ISA detainees and to repeal the ISA.The programmes for the campaign are as follows:
1. Distribution of open letters written by the wives of the detainees addressed to the Prime Minister of Malaysia
This particular programme was conducted and completed successfully during the 12th General Elections campaigning period. Open letters written to the PM were distributed by candidates to the public to raise awareness of the issues.
2. Petition Signing
A Petition has been drafted and it is up here:
http://www.petitiononline.com/NoISA/petition.html.
Kindly sign the Petition if you are in support of its contents. This programme aims to buttress a strong collective voice to repeal the ISA and release all the detainees.
3. Letter Signing
Kindly download and send the attached letters which are addressed to:(a) Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, Minister for Internal Security and Home Affairs(b) Ms Louise Arbour, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
4. Postcards Signing
A specially designed postcard calling for the repeal of the ISA and release of all detainees is being crafted, and which will be distributed soon. The proposal is to have several collection centres where the postcards may be deposited such as the Bar Council, Kuala Lumpur Legal Aid Centre and SUARAM office. The postcards will then be sent to the authorities.
5. Vigil in Kamunting and Hunger Strike
This event will be held in June 2008. All Malaysians are invited to participate. The details for the vigil in Kamunting and the proposed hunger strike will be informed soon.
It is also to be noted that the Bar Council Human Rights Committee has been actively involved in these on-going efforts. Apart from providing legal representation to the detainees, the Committee plans to conduct fortnightly rotational visits by teams of lawyers to the Kamunting camp in batches of 8 lawyers per team.
For those who are interested to be part of the teams, kindly email Syamsuriatina Ishak at syamsuriatina@yahoo.com. In the spirit of justice, it is our responsibility to be part of this cause and end this flagrant injustice and uphold the spirit of humanity. One minute of your time gives great hope and strength to those who have been oppressed by the use of the ISA and their family members.
One minute of our time will decide the fate and face of our nation. We can make a difference by being part of this noble cause. Your immediate action is important.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does”Margaret Mead
Urgent appeal to repeal ISA: Your voice saves humanity!
Contributed by Fadiah Nadwa Binti Fikri
Saturday, 19 April 2008 08:22pm
Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI)’s campaign to call for the release of all detainees particularly those who have been detained for 6 years under the ISA was announced in a press conference held in the Chinese Assembly Hall on 11 April 2008.All Malaysians are encouraged to call on the Government to release all the ISA detainees and to repeal the ISA.The programmes for the campaign are as follows:
1. Distribution of open letters written by the wives of the detainees addressed to the Prime Minister of Malaysia
This particular programme was conducted and completed successfully during the 12th General Elections campaigning period. Open letters written to the PM were distributed by candidates to the public to raise awareness of the issues.
2. Petition Signing
A Petition has been drafted and it is up here:
http://www.petitiononline.com/NoISA/petition.html.
Kindly sign the Petition if you are in support of its contents. This programme aims to buttress a strong collective voice to repeal the ISA and release all the detainees.
3. Letter Signing
Kindly download and send the attached letters which are addressed to:(a) Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, Minister for Internal Security and Home Affairs(b) Ms Louise Arbour, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
4. Postcards Signing
A specially designed postcard calling for the repeal of the ISA and release of all detainees is being crafted, and which will be distributed soon. The proposal is to have several collection centres where the postcards may be deposited such as the Bar Council, Kuala Lumpur Legal Aid Centre and SUARAM office. The postcards will then be sent to the authorities.
5. Vigil in Kamunting and Hunger Strike
This event will be held in June 2008. All Malaysians are invited to participate. The details for the vigil in Kamunting and the proposed hunger strike will be informed soon.
It is also to be noted that the Bar Council Human Rights Committee has been actively involved in these on-going efforts. Apart from providing legal representation to the detainees, the Committee plans to conduct fortnightly rotational visits by teams of lawyers to the Kamunting camp in batches of 8 lawyers per team.
For those who are interested to be part of the teams, kindly email Syamsuriatina Ishak at syamsuriatina@yahoo.com. In the spirit of justice, it is our responsibility to be part of this cause and end this flagrant injustice and uphold the spirit of humanity. One minute of your time gives great hope and strength to those who have been oppressed by the use of the ISA and their family members.
One minute of our time will decide the fate and face of our nation. We can make a difference by being part of this noble cause. Your immediate action is important.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does”Margaret Mead
Monday, April 21, 2008
Pakatan Rakyat in joint motion to Abolish ISA
Pakatan MPs' joint motion to abolish ISA
Mkini- Athi Veeranggan Apr 21, 08 11:09am
The Pakatan Rakyat opposition coalition will table a motion at forthcoming parliamentary sitting to demand for the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA).At the same time they will also be calling for the release of all ISA detainees, believed to be about 80 at present.Malaysiakini learnt that the Pakatan, which has 82 opposition MPs, will table the motion on the first day of the sitting on April 28. It is learnt a joint committee of Pakatan Rakyat is drafting the motion.
Parliamentary Opposition Leader and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is expected to table the motion, which would also include the demand for the immediate release of the five detained Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders.
In an immediate response, DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng declared his party’s undivided and unanimous support to the motion.“A detention without trial under the ISA law is against human rights, against liberty of individuals and against teachings of all religions.“DAP will also support a motion to abolish ISA and to secure an immediate release of all ISA detainees, including the Hindraf five,” he said, after speaking at a forum on ISA organised by the Makkal Sakti group in Penang on Saturday.Under the tough ISA law, a person can be detained without trial at the Kamunting Detention Centre near Taiping for a period of two years and more according to the discretion of the Home Ministry.The most recent detainees were the five Hindraf leaders - P Uthayakumar, M Manoharan, R Kenghadharan, V Ganabatirau and T Vasanthakumar, all of whom were detained on Dec 13 last year for allegedly being a national threat.
Other famous names to have been detained under ISA previously were PKR de facto leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, DAP supreme and former opposition leader Lim Kit Siang and the party national chairman Karpal Singh. Guan Eng too has been an ISA detainee.
Denying an elected rep’s right
One of the Hindraf 5 - Manoharan - also won a state seat in Selangor for DAP in the March 8 general election while contesting as a detainee from Kamunting.DAP’s Bukit Gelugor MP and party chairperson Karpal Singh had noted that Manoharan’s victory was a clear message that the constituents in the state seat of Kota Alam Shah did not perceive him as a threat to the security of the state.
Lim said the continued detention of Manoharan was not right and against the aspiration of Kota Alam Shah constituents.Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, he said, should initiate the necessary steps to release Manoharan immediately to enable him to swear-in and take his rightful place in the Selangor state legislative assembly.By detaining, Manoharan had been denied the right to serve his constituents and vice-versa,” said the Penang Chief Minister.
He said the Pakatan Rakyat’s success in winning five state governments was an unambiguous signal to the federal government that the people were against ISA and other suppressive and oppressive laws in the country.Last month’s general election saw Pakatan Rakyat capturing Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, Selangor and Perak.“People in these five states were clear in their opposition against ISA. The federal government, the prime minister and home minister should heed to the people’s demand“In their message, the electorates were unambiguous that they disliked oppressive, suppressive, abusive and undemocratic laws and orders,” said Lim.
Listen to the people
Penang Deputy Chief Minister Prof P Ramasamy told Makkal Sakti supporters at the forum that the DAP would exhaust all means and ways to secure the release of the Hindraf five soon."The DAP will surely raise the issue in the Parliament at first instance," he said.He said the federal government can no longer turn a blind eye and deaf ear to populist demand and people's wish.
He reminded Makkal Sakti supporters to remember the struggle of the Hindraf five, and also self-exiled Hindraf president P Waythamoorthy, for the minority community."Their struggle was a call for righteous, freedom, democracy and equality."The government must listen to the people and immediately release the Hindraf five without any condition," Ramasamy said.
This will be the first time five state governments in the country and the parliamentary opposition MPs have joined forces to unanimously support a motion to demanding the federal government to release ISA detainees and abolish the colonial act.
Vasanthakumar visits his daughter admitted in Hospital
Pics from Mkini
From thestar.com.my:
KUALA LUMPUR: A father and daughter share a special bond, and this was proven yesterday in the case of V. Vishaleny and K. Vasantha Kumar. Four-year-old Vishaleny, who is being warded at a private hospital in Cheras for severe viral fever, had asked to see her father, a Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) coordinator who is being held under ISA detention in Kamunting. A Special Branch officer had gone to the hospital at noon to inform the family that Vasantha Kumar would be brought to the hospital later yesterday. A large number of police and Special Branch officers were stationed at the hospital from 1pm until Vasantha Kumar arrived at 5pm. The detainee spent about 40 minutes with his sick daughter before being whisked away.
A small group of Hindraf supporters gathered outside the hospital to catch a glimpse of Vasantha Kumar. Vasantha Kumar’s wife, K. Vickneswary, said Vishaleny was asleep when her father arrived and was too dazed to say much to him. “All she said was “Appa (father), why you came so late?”‘ said Vickneswary. Vickneswary said Vasantha Kumar was troubled to see his daughter so ill. “I could see the tears in his eyes and I can understand why. Both our children have never been seriously ill or admitted to hospital before this,” said Vickneswary. The couple have another daughter, six-year-old Kayatirri.
Vickneswary thanked Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar for his compassion in allowing her husband to visit their daughter.
In Penang, Hindraf co-ordinator R.S. Thanenthiran appealed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to release its five leaders detained under the ISA. He said Abdullah had shown to be a man of compassion when he acknowledged the pain and loss suffered by the six Supreme Court judges who were sacked in 1988.
HINDRAF leader P. Wathyamoorthy was in Geneva since last week 17th April 2008,Thursday and just return back to UK yesterday, 20th April 2008 Sunday. He has addressed the United Nations Human Rights Commission on the plights of the Malaysian Indians who have been deprived despite being the citizens of Malaysia.
He had total of 10 meetings with various organizations and individuals under UN in Geneva.
It is expected that the current BN government will implement programmes to uplift the Indian community and also to immediately release the 5 HINDRAF detainees held under the ISA in Kamunting Detention Centre who had just voiced for the concern of their community.
Letter to PM from Int. Bar Asso. Human Rights Inst. (IBAHRI)
Saturday, 19 April 2008 11:47am
Dear Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,
Re: Concern over detention of five men under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Malaysia
We are writing on behalf of the International Bar Association Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) to express our concern about the detention of five lawyers under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Malaysia.
In its role as a dual membership organisation, comprising 30,000 individual lawyers and over 195 Bar Associations and Law Societies, the IBA influences the development of international law reform and shapes the future of the legal profession. Its Member Organisations cover all continents.
The Human Rights Institute works across the association, helping to promote, protect and enforce human rights under a just rule of law, and to preserve the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession worldwide.
We understand that P. Uthayakumar, M. Manoharan, V. Ganabatirau, R. Kenghadharan, and T. Vasanthakumar, reportedly the leaders and legal advisors of Malaysia’s Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF), were detained on 13 December 2007 under a detention order issued by the Minister of Home Affairs. We understand that these men were detained following a peaceful HINDRAF demonstration on 25 November 2007 protesting discriminatory government policies against the ethnic Indian population in Malaysia. Reports indicate that the charges against the five men include undermining national security and public order by threatening racial and religious harmony amongst Malaysia’s Malay, Indian and Chinese communities.
The IBAHRI has also learnt that on 26 February 2008, a habeas corpus application filed on behalf of the detainees was rejected by the Kuala Lumpur High Court Judicial Commissioner Zainal Azman Ab Aziz, thus confirming that the detention order was valid under the law.
However, reports received by the IBAHRI suggest that the charges brought against the five detained men under the ISA, namely breaching national security and public order, may not be based in fact and do not reflect the alleged actions of the five men. Therefore, the IBAHRI is concerned that their detention under the ISA may be arbitrary and unlawful. Furthermore, we understand that the five detainees have been linked without evidence to a terrorist organisation and we are concerned that the use of the Act in this way could indicate an abuse of process.
In addition to our specific concerns about the application of the ISA as it relates to the five arrests detailed above, we would also like to highlight a number of broader issues relating to the Act and its application in the context of peaceful demonstrations in Malaysia.
We understand that the Act gives power to the Minister of Home Affairs to issue detention orders against any member of civil society. Furthermore, detainees can be held up to 60 days without warrant, trial or access to legal counsel on suspicion that they have ‘acted or are about to act or are likely to act in any manner prejudicial to the security of Malaysia or any part thereof or to maintenance of essential services therein or to the economic life thereof’. Further, we understand that after 60 days, the Minister of Home Affairs can extend the period of detention without trial for up to two years, without submitting any evidence for review by the courts, by issuing a detention order, which is renewable indefinitely.
The ISA therefore establishes the conditions for long term and arbitrary detention without trial and contravenes the right to legal counsel, the right to defend oneself in an open court and the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty; principles which are protected and guaranteed under international law.
The IBAHRI would also like to point out that the prohibition of unlawful detention and the right to habeas corpus are recognised as key principles of customary international law and are therefore applicable to all states, even those that have yet to sign any international human rights treaties.
In this context, the IBAHRI would like to remind you that Malaysia is a founding member of the Association of South Asian Nations (ASEAN). Under the ASEAN Charter signed by Malaysia in 2007, and as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Malaysia is required to ‘promote and protect’ human rights. Malaysia’s Constitution also contains a number of human rights provisions including the right to freedom of expression, the right to free assembly and the right to form associations (Article 10).
We would also like to remind you of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers which provides standards by which lawyers worldwide should be treated. Principle 23 upholds that ‘lawyers like other citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, belief and association and assembly’. Further, Principle 18 states that ‘lawyers shall not be identified with their client or their clients’ causes as a result of discharging their functions’. The IBAHRI is concerned that the detention of the five lawyers under the ISA may be in breach of the above provisions.
Finally, the IBAHRI has received reports that the health of the detainees has deteriorated during the course of their detention and that urgent medical attention may be required. In particular, reports have been received suggesting that P. Uthayakumar has been denied diabetes medication essential for regulating his condition and maintaining his health. Article 22 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners stipulates that ‘sick prisoners who require specialist treatment shall be transferred to specialised institutions or to civil hospitals. Where hospital facilities are provided in an institution, their equipment, furnishings and pharmaceutical supplies shall be proper for the medical care and treatment of sick prisoners, and there shall be a staff of suitable trained officers’. We request that urgent medical attention should be made immediately available to all detainees if required.
The IBAHRI would like to receive your assurances that the issues raised above relating to what might constitute unlawful detention of the five men be promptly investigated and that, if the detention is found to be arbitrary, the detainees be immediately released. Furthermore, in light of the concerns relating to the broader application of the ISA as detailed above, we call upon the Malaysian Government to bring to trial all those currently detained under the Act. All those charged must be tried in accordance with international standards and, if not found guilty of any criminal offence, promptly released.
We further request that urgent medical attention is provided to P. Uthayakumar and to all other detainees who may require it.
Yours sincerely,
Ambassador Emilio Cárdenas
Co-Chair, Human Rights Institute
Justice Richard J. Goldstone
Co-Chair, Human Rights Institute
CC: Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman
Chairman,
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia
Dear Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,
Re: Concern over detention of five men under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Malaysia
We are writing on behalf of the International Bar Association Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) to express our concern about the detention of five lawyers under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Malaysia.
In its role as a dual membership organisation, comprising 30,000 individual lawyers and over 195 Bar Associations and Law Societies, the IBA influences the development of international law reform and shapes the future of the legal profession. Its Member Organisations cover all continents.
The Human Rights Institute works across the association, helping to promote, protect and enforce human rights under a just rule of law, and to preserve the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession worldwide.
We understand that P. Uthayakumar, M. Manoharan, V. Ganabatirau, R. Kenghadharan, and T. Vasanthakumar, reportedly the leaders and legal advisors of Malaysia’s Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF), were detained on 13 December 2007 under a detention order issued by the Minister of Home Affairs. We understand that these men were detained following a peaceful HINDRAF demonstration on 25 November 2007 protesting discriminatory government policies against the ethnic Indian population in Malaysia. Reports indicate that the charges against the five men include undermining national security and public order by threatening racial and religious harmony amongst Malaysia’s Malay, Indian and Chinese communities.
The IBAHRI has also learnt that on 26 February 2008, a habeas corpus application filed on behalf of the detainees was rejected by the Kuala Lumpur High Court Judicial Commissioner Zainal Azman Ab Aziz, thus confirming that the detention order was valid under the law.
However, reports received by the IBAHRI suggest that the charges brought against the five detained men under the ISA, namely breaching national security and public order, may not be based in fact and do not reflect the alleged actions of the five men. Therefore, the IBAHRI is concerned that their detention under the ISA may be arbitrary and unlawful. Furthermore, we understand that the five detainees have been linked without evidence to a terrorist organisation and we are concerned that the use of the Act in this way could indicate an abuse of process.
In addition to our specific concerns about the application of the ISA as it relates to the five arrests detailed above, we would also like to highlight a number of broader issues relating to the Act and its application in the context of peaceful demonstrations in Malaysia.
We understand that the Act gives power to the Minister of Home Affairs to issue detention orders against any member of civil society. Furthermore, detainees can be held up to 60 days without warrant, trial or access to legal counsel on suspicion that they have ‘acted or are about to act or are likely to act in any manner prejudicial to the security of Malaysia or any part thereof or to maintenance of essential services therein or to the economic life thereof’. Further, we understand that after 60 days, the Minister of Home Affairs can extend the period of detention without trial for up to two years, without submitting any evidence for review by the courts, by issuing a detention order, which is renewable indefinitely.
The ISA therefore establishes the conditions for long term and arbitrary detention without trial and contravenes the right to legal counsel, the right to defend oneself in an open court and the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty; principles which are protected and guaranteed under international law.
The IBAHRI would also like to point out that the prohibition of unlawful detention and the right to habeas corpus are recognised as key principles of customary international law and are therefore applicable to all states, even those that have yet to sign any international human rights treaties.
In this context, the IBAHRI would like to remind you that Malaysia is a founding member of the Association of South Asian Nations (ASEAN). Under the ASEAN Charter signed by Malaysia in 2007, and as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Malaysia is required to ‘promote and protect’ human rights. Malaysia’s Constitution also contains a number of human rights provisions including the right to freedom of expression, the right to free assembly and the right to form associations (Article 10).
We would also like to remind you of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers which provides standards by which lawyers worldwide should be treated. Principle 23 upholds that ‘lawyers like other citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, belief and association and assembly’. Further, Principle 18 states that ‘lawyers shall not be identified with their client or their clients’ causes as a result of discharging their functions’. The IBAHRI is concerned that the detention of the five lawyers under the ISA may be in breach of the above provisions.
Finally, the IBAHRI has received reports that the health of the detainees has deteriorated during the course of their detention and that urgent medical attention may be required. In particular, reports have been received suggesting that P. Uthayakumar has been denied diabetes medication essential for regulating his condition and maintaining his health. Article 22 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners stipulates that ‘sick prisoners who require specialist treatment shall be transferred to specialised institutions or to civil hospitals. Where hospital facilities are provided in an institution, their equipment, furnishings and pharmaceutical supplies shall be proper for the medical care and treatment of sick prisoners, and there shall be a staff of suitable trained officers’. We request that urgent medical attention should be made immediately available to all detainees if required.
The IBAHRI would like to receive your assurances that the issues raised above relating to what might constitute unlawful detention of the five men be promptly investigated and that, if the detention is found to be arbitrary, the detainees be immediately released. Furthermore, in light of the concerns relating to the broader application of the ISA as detailed above, we call upon the Malaysian Government to bring to trial all those currently detained under the Act. All those charged must be tried in accordance with international standards and, if not found guilty of any criminal offence, promptly released.
We further request that urgent medical attention is provided to P. Uthayakumar and to all other detainees who may require it.
Yours sincerely,
Ambassador Emilio Cárdenas
Co-Chair, Human Rights Institute
Justice Richard J. Goldstone
Co-Chair, Human Rights Institute
CC: Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman
Chairman,
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Letter to WOAT, Geneva from WMP
World Organization Against Torture
OMCT International Secretariat
PO Box 218,
rue du Vieux-BillardCH-1211
Geneva 8
Switzerland
Phone: + 41 22 809 4939
Fax: + 41 22 809 4929
15th April 2008
Attn: Ms Alexandra
Dear Sir,
Re: HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER/PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE DENIED MEDICINEP.UTHAYAKUMAR FORCED TO BE ADMITTED ON SERIOUS MEDICAL GROUNDS.4 OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS/PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE ALSO UNDERGOING TORTURE
I refer to the teleconversation we had earlier today and thank you for for agreeing to see me in such short notice and for your understanding on the seriousness of the matter.
I wish to bring to your kind attention the fact that Mr.P.Uthayakumar is a Human rights Defender and a prisoner of Conscience detained by the Malaysian Government without trial since 13th December 2007 together with four others for his active involvement (legal advisor) in my movement which advocate the protection of serious violations of Human Rights involving the ethnic minority Indian community in Malaysia.
Mr.P.Uthayakumar is a diabetic and has been for the past 12 years. His medication amongst others includes Glucophage (850mg) and Diamicron. He was admitted at the Taiping General Hospital,Perak Malaysia on the 8th April 2008 for the below stated reasons:sugar level at 18.8 , being three times more than the normal level of 6. This medically, is a dangerous situation and combined with other factors can cause serious harm.Protein and Uric acid levels, also very high.For the past month or so P.Uthayakumar had not been given the above medication although it was prescribed by doctors.Mr Uthayakumar’s family members had handed the necessary medication to a prison officer Chief Inspector Ayob but they are now told those medicines “went missing”. A report was lodged to the Taiping Prisons director Mr.Yasuhimi but to no avail.Last Thursday 13/03/2008 Mr.P.Uthayakumar’s lawyer Ms Santha Devi Velusamy handed over his diabetic medication to En. Shaharam a prisons officer but Mr.Uthayakumar never received the same. A request was made in writing to the Prison Director Mr. Yasuhimi on 17/03/2008 and still to no avail. Then on 18/03/2008 Mr Uthayakumar was referred to the prison’s clinic hospital assistant (H.A.) (and not a qualified doctor) who wanted our client to take some other medication. The said H.A. informed our client that the Prisons Director Mr. Yasuhimi refuses to hand over our client’s medication to our client.
P. Uthayakumar being a diabetic is not provided with a diabetic diet. He has no choice but to consume normal meals at the prison. The food prepared at the prison is quite often ‘Malay style’ and contains high sugar. It is a known fact that the Malay community consumes large amount of sugar in their diet.He had made 6 written attempts to see the Director of Taiping Prison (Kem Tar) , about his much needed medication and diet. However the Director did not reply nor did he make any attempts to see him.
Further, attempts to provide the above medicine to P.Uthayakumar, by his lawyers and family was prohibited by the Prison authorities. On the family visit to the hospital on 07/04/08, at 9pm, P.Uthayakumar looked very fragile and weak. He was hand-cuffed to the bed despite being very ill. The family were informed that he was not on any particular diabetic diet and was still being given rice and other sugar products for meals.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 assess his medical condition.
The continuous elevated blood sugar level is continuously contributing to worsening his eye condition and the risk of silent heart attack.
This is a serious violations of Mr.Uthayakumar’s right and is deliberately done to exert torture cruel and inhumane punishment on him.
The other 4 prisoners are as follows:
Mr. M. Manoharan
Mr. R. Kengadharan
Mr. B. GanapathyRao
Mr. T. Vasanthakumar
We have also received information from the prisoners of their poor living conditions;
1. They are kept in solitary confinement for more than 16 hours a day like common criminals
2. No proper diet given according to their health conditions. At least 2 are believed to be diabetic patients. 1 is a vegetarian and he lives only on biscuits and bread.
3. Severe mental torture inflicted on them to confess for crimes they didn't commit
4. Poor sleeping conditions i.e. they are only given an inch thick mattress foam on the floor.
5. The keys to their cells are kept some distance away in the administration block leading to potential delay in assistance in event of emergencies
6. They do not have access to Television, computers or up to date books, magazines and newspapers in the resource centre
7. limited visiting rights and time with family members - they are guarded by wardens during visits
8. Poor quality of food.
9. They are denied their right to worship.
No access to temples or prayer rooms or time allocated. The family members are unable to make a formal complaint for fear that they might lose their limited visiting rights and the prisoners may be subject to unknown internal disciplinary actions.
I now write to you to urgently seek the help of Mr. Kofi Annan who is now the President of this foundation to make representations to the Malaysian Government to stop this treatment of the already defenceless Mr.Uthayakumar and the other four.I also urge your esteemed organization to immediately send a fact finding mission to Malaysia to inquire on his health condition independently and make the necessary recommendations to the Malaysian Government.
I would be presenting more details at our meeting on the 17th April 2008.Yours faithfully
P. Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
OMCT International Secretariat
PO Box 218,
rue du Vieux-BillardCH-1211
Geneva 8
Switzerland
Phone: + 41 22 809 4939
Fax: + 41 22 809 4929
15th April 2008
Attn: Ms Alexandra
Dear Sir,
Re: HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER/PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE DENIED MEDICINEP.UTHAYAKUMAR FORCED TO BE ADMITTED ON SERIOUS MEDICAL GROUNDS.4 OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS/PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE ALSO UNDERGOING TORTURE
I refer to the teleconversation we had earlier today and thank you for for agreeing to see me in such short notice and for your understanding on the seriousness of the matter.
I wish to bring to your kind attention the fact that Mr.P.Uthayakumar is a Human rights Defender and a prisoner of Conscience detained by the Malaysian Government without trial since 13th December 2007 together with four others for his active involvement (legal advisor) in my movement which advocate the protection of serious violations of Human Rights involving the ethnic minority Indian community in Malaysia.
Mr.P.Uthayakumar is a diabetic and has been for the past 12 years. His medication amongst others includes Glucophage (850mg) and Diamicron. He was admitted at the Taiping General Hospital,Perak Malaysia on the 8th April 2008 for the below stated reasons:sugar level at 18.8 , being three times more than the normal level of 6. This medically, is a dangerous situation and combined with other factors can cause serious harm.Protein and Uric acid levels, also very high.For the past month or so P.Uthayakumar had not been given the above medication although it was prescribed by doctors.Mr Uthayakumar’s family members had handed the necessary medication to a prison officer Chief Inspector Ayob but they are now told those medicines “went missing”. A report was lodged to the Taiping Prisons director Mr.Yasuhimi but to no avail.Last Thursday 13/03/2008 Mr.P.Uthayakumar’s lawyer Ms Santha Devi Velusamy handed over his diabetic medication to En. Shaharam a prisons officer but Mr.Uthayakumar never received the same. A request was made in writing to the Prison Director Mr. Yasuhimi on 17/03/2008 and still to no avail. Then on 18/03/2008 Mr Uthayakumar was referred to the prison’s clinic hospital assistant (H.A.) (and not a qualified doctor) who wanted our client to take some other medication. The said H.A. informed our client that the Prisons Director Mr. Yasuhimi refuses to hand over our client’s medication to our client.
P. Uthayakumar being a diabetic is not provided with a diabetic diet. He has no choice but to consume normal meals at the prison. The food prepared at the prison is quite often ‘Malay style’ and contains high sugar. It is a known fact that the Malay community consumes large amount of sugar in their diet.He had made 6 written attempts to see the Director of Taiping Prison (Kem Tar) , about his much needed medication and diet. However the Director did not reply nor did he make any attempts to see him.
Further, attempts to provide the above medicine to P.Uthayakumar, by his lawyers and family was prohibited by the Prison authorities. On the family visit to the hospital on 07/04/08, at 9pm, P.Uthayakumar looked very fragile and weak. He was hand-cuffed to the bed despite being very ill. The family were informed that he was not on any particular diabetic diet and was still being given rice and other sugar products for meals.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 assess his medical condition.
The continuous elevated blood sugar level is continuously contributing to worsening his eye condition and the risk of silent heart attack.
This is a serious violations of Mr.Uthayakumar’s right and is deliberately done to exert torture cruel and inhumane punishment on him.
The other 4 prisoners are as follows:
Mr. M. Manoharan
Mr. R. Kengadharan
Mr. B. GanapathyRao
Mr. T. Vasanthakumar
We have also received information from the prisoners of their poor living conditions;
1. They are kept in solitary confinement for more than 16 hours a day like common criminals
2. No proper diet given according to their health conditions. At least 2 are believed to be diabetic patients. 1 is a vegetarian and he lives only on biscuits and bread.
3. Severe mental torture inflicted on them to confess for crimes they didn't commit
4. Poor sleeping conditions i.e. they are only given an inch thick mattress foam on the floor.
5. The keys to their cells are kept some distance away in the administration block leading to potential delay in assistance in event of emergencies
6. They do not have access to Television, computers or up to date books, magazines and newspapers in the resource centre
7. limited visiting rights and time with family members - they are guarded by wardens during visits
8. Poor quality of food.
9. They are denied their right to worship.
No access to temples or prayer rooms or time allocated. The family members are unable to make a formal complaint for fear that they might lose their limited visiting rights and the prisoners may be subject to unknown internal disciplinary actions.
I now write to you to urgently seek the help of Mr. Kofi Annan who is now the President of this foundation to make representations to the Malaysian Government to stop this treatment of the already defenceless Mr.Uthayakumar and the other four.I also urge your esteemed organization to immediately send a fact finding mission to Malaysia to inquire on his health condition independently and make the necessary recommendations to the Malaysian Government.
I would be presenting more details at our meeting on the 17th April 2008.Yours faithfully
P. Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
Memo to PM by Uthaya's mother at PM Office, Putrajaya
Hi all,
On the 15th April 2008, Uthaya Kumar's mother, Madam Kalaivany lead a team of HINDRAF Coordinators and her family member to hand over a memo to Malaysian Prime Minister to review urgently on Uthayakumar medical treatment in Kamunting Detention Camp.
Many supporters from all over the country came down to Putrajaya to support Uthaya's mother for her action to bring the matter up to PM's attention. There were about 200 supporters waiting near the side wing of PM's office from 10 am.
Mr RS Thanethiran, National Hindraf Coordinator and YB Manoharan (MP of Tk Intan) whom is also HINDRAF's National Legal Coordinator were there and had given brief explaination to the media before the group went into the PM's office. At outside there are many supporter carrying many 'manila' cards with various slogan such as :-
"SAVE UTHAYAKUMAR, GIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION"
"KERAJAAN JANGAN KEJAM, BAGI PERUBATAN SEGERA"
"SWEET FOOD, SILENT KILLER !!"
"WHY NO MEDICINE TO UTHAYA FOR ONE MONTH !!"
"WHY PREMATURELY DISCHARGED UTHAYA FROM HOSPITAL ??"
" PLS SAVE OUR UNCLE UTHAYA, GIVE HIM MEDICINE"
" GIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT, HINDRAF LEADERS ARE NOT CRIMINAL"
" DONT AGAINST BASIC RIGHTS, DENYING MEDICAL TREATMENT ABUSES INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS"
and many more ...
At 11 am, Uthayakumar mother with 20 members went into the JPM office ground lobby and only 10 members were allowed to further into PM's Office in level 5. They are Uthaya's Mother, Sister, Sister in law, YB Mano, Mr RS Thanethiran, Mr Kannan and some Hindraf coordinators. This group were escorted by 5 policemen, 2 SB and a security guard all the way to PM's secretary office.
The PM's Senior Private Secretary, Dato Ahmad Hj Yaacod was the one whom attended the group Level 5 as he claims that the PM is busy on duty.
Uthaya's mother started with her appeal pledge to Dato Ahmad to give urgent medical attention to her son Uthaya. She request PM should personally involve in this matter as his son's condition is getting worse. She have never seen Uthaya so sick ever before in her life. She also told that he had always in control of his diabetics though he had this disbetics for last 12 years as he is discipline guy on heatlh matter. He had never fail to talk his medicine before. While her recent visit of Uthaya at Taiping GH, his condition were very weak. She told that Uthaya was not given diabetic medicine for more than 1 month even though he had request almost 6 time to see the Camp Cheif Warden about this matter.
The denial of his diabetic medicine and continous supply of non diabetic food with high sugar and starch have caused serious health problem to her son. High sugar level were not monitored periodically as advice by Doctors. This had caused his sugar level rose 18.8 ( 3 times than a normal sugar level). She also told that he had complained about cheast pain and eye sight problem but no necessary check up were done in Taiping GH. He was later prematurely discharged from the hospital even his sugar level were high at 13.5 ( 2 times higher). She told that his medical check up is only given on 28th April though primary check up shows that there is irregularity in his heart.
She urged the PM to immediately look into his son's healthcare. The family want Uthaya to be transfered to IJN and they are willing to bear all expenses. She said that she is also sick and took all the effort to see the PM and her previous appeal and police report against the Chief Warden of Kamunting Camp were not given any attention neither by IGP nor the Home Minister.
Later YB Mano also have added that he went visited Uthaya at Kamunting Camp as his legal advisor on the day he was admitted and found that he was very weak. He also urge that this matter need to brought urgently to PM's attention as it involve basic human right of a detainee. This matter is been seen by all the Human Right Watch all over the world and have been seriously condemned for the premature discharge as well denial of medicine to Uthaya. He urge the PM to prompt his action as the Malaysian in general will further lost the faith in PM's administration.
Mr Thanethiran, Hindraf National Coordinator added that the PM has to seriously look into the welfare and health of Uthaya urgently. He also said that HINDRAF has been offering themselves to the PM to solve all the problem. It have the 3rd time HINDRAF attempt to seek PM attention but could see him. Thanethiran told that Malaysian Indian in large wants all the HINDRAF leaders to be released from ISA unconditionally and they are very angry in the manner with recent incident where the health of the detainee were not taken care and suspect some myterious activities going behind PM's knowledge.
He reaffirmed that HINDRAF is ever ready to talk to PM on the any matters and for now he wants PM to take immediate attention on Uthaya's medical treatment. He also added that there were many previous cases where an ISA detainee were given immediate medical treatment upon the medical treatment, example were Mr Karpal were transfered to Penang GH within 24 hours upon a request by his daughther to then PM, Tun Mahathir and also when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was allowed medical treatment by his family choice will still under detention. So why double standard been practised upon HINDRAF leaders !!
Ms Shanthi, Uthaya's sister in law whom also a lawyer raised concern about the intention of Kamunting Camp by denying medicine to Uthaya for more than one month. This had cause seriious health probelem to Uthaya. His blood sugar level rose 3 times to 18.8, his uric acid were high and his pottasium level were low. His is all indication that unattended diabetic had caused some of the organs to malfunction. She added that even after been prematurely discharged from Taiping GH, the camp delibrately failed to provide diabetic medicine to Uthaya after 20 hours. She quoted that there are many cases were people have fell into coma or had heart attack for not taking medicine for few days. She hold the PM and government held responsibilities if anything goes wrong to Uthaya's health or life !! She hope that there is no ploy to silently kill Uthaya during his detention.
Finally Dato Ahmad Hj Yaacob had give assurance that he will delivery the strong message and appeal from Uthaya's mother and Hindraf coordinators to the PM as soon as possible. He had taken contact numbers of Uthaya's family, Hindraf National Coordinator and Legal Advisor numbers to inform on the outcome.
The meeting ends about 12 pm and outside PM's office hundreds of supporters chanting Long Live HINDRAF, Long Live Uthaya, Long Live Makkal Sakthi.
Mr Thanethiran and YB Mano gave press conference outside the office back with supporters about the meeting inside. Both stressed that PM should take immediate action as claim that he realized his mistakes previously. The crowd dispearse peacefully after that with full cooperation of the policemen.
Message to PM - Ignorance is Not a BLISS now
Report by Karna57
On the 15th April 2008, Uthaya Kumar's mother, Madam Kalaivany lead a team of HINDRAF Coordinators and her family member to hand over a memo to Malaysian Prime Minister to review urgently on Uthayakumar medical treatment in Kamunting Detention Camp.
Many supporters from all over the country came down to Putrajaya to support Uthaya's mother for her action to bring the matter up to PM's attention. There were about 200 supporters waiting near the side wing of PM's office from 10 am.
Mr RS Thanethiran, National Hindraf Coordinator and YB Manoharan (MP of Tk Intan) whom is also HINDRAF's National Legal Coordinator were there and had given brief explaination to the media before the group went into the PM's office. At outside there are many supporter carrying many 'manila' cards with various slogan such as :-
"SAVE UTHAYAKUMAR, GIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION"
"KERAJAAN JANGAN KEJAM, BAGI PERUBATAN SEGERA"
"SWEET FOOD, SILENT KILLER !!"
"WHY NO MEDICINE TO UTHAYA FOR ONE MONTH !!"
"WHY PREMATURELY DISCHARGED UTHAYA FROM HOSPITAL ??"
" PLS SAVE OUR UNCLE UTHAYA, GIVE HIM MEDICINE"
" GIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT, HINDRAF LEADERS ARE NOT CRIMINAL"
" DONT AGAINST BASIC RIGHTS, DENYING MEDICAL TREATMENT ABUSES INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS"
and many more ...
At 11 am, Uthayakumar mother with 20 members went into the JPM office ground lobby and only 10 members were allowed to further into PM's Office in level 5. They are Uthaya's Mother, Sister, Sister in law, YB Mano, Mr RS Thanethiran, Mr Kannan and some Hindraf coordinators. This group were escorted by 5 policemen, 2 SB and a security guard all the way to PM's secretary office.
The PM's Senior Private Secretary, Dato Ahmad Hj Yaacod was the one whom attended the group Level 5 as he claims that the PM is busy on duty.
Uthaya's mother started with her appeal pledge to Dato Ahmad to give urgent medical attention to her son Uthaya. She request PM should personally involve in this matter as his son's condition is getting worse. She have never seen Uthaya so sick ever before in her life. She also told that he had always in control of his diabetics though he had this disbetics for last 12 years as he is discipline guy on heatlh matter. He had never fail to talk his medicine before. While her recent visit of Uthaya at Taiping GH, his condition were very weak. She told that Uthaya was not given diabetic medicine for more than 1 month even though he had request almost 6 time to see the Camp Cheif Warden about this matter.
The denial of his diabetic medicine and continous supply of non diabetic food with high sugar and starch have caused serious health problem to her son. High sugar level were not monitored periodically as advice by Doctors. This had caused his sugar level rose 18.8 ( 3 times than a normal sugar level). She also told that he had complained about cheast pain and eye sight problem but no necessary check up were done in Taiping GH. He was later prematurely discharged from the hospital even his sugar level were high at 13.5 ( 2 times higher). She told that his medical check up is only given on 28th April though primary check up shows that there is irregularity in his heart.
She urged the PM to immediately look into his son's healthcare. The family want Uthaya to be transfered to IJN and they are willing to bear all expenses. She said that she is also sick and took all the effort to see the PM and her previous appeal and police report against the Chief Warden of Kamunting Camp were not given any attention neither by IGP nor the Home Minister.
Later YB Mano also have added that he went visited Uthaya at Kamunting Camp as his legal advisor on the day he was admitted and found that he was very weak. He also urge that this matter need to brought urgently to PM's attention as it involve basic human right of a detainee. This matter is been seen by all the Human Right Watch all over the world and have been seriously condemned for the premature discharge as well denial of medicine to Uthaya. He urge the PM to prompt his action as the Malaysian in general will further lost the faith in PM's administration.
Mr Thanethiran, Hindraf National Coordinator added that the PM has to seriously look into the welfare and health of Uthaya urgently. He also said that HINDRAF has been offering themselves to the PM to solve all the problem. It have the 3rd time HINDRAF attempt to seek PM attention but could see him. Thanethiran told that Malaysian Indian in large wants all the HINDRAF leaders to be released from ISA unconditionally and they are very angry in the manner with recent incident where the health of the detainee were not taken care and suspect some myterious activities going behind PM's knowledge.
He reaffirmed that HINDRAF is ever ready to talk to PM on the any matters and for now he wants PM to take immediate attention on Uthaya's medical treatment. He also added that there were many previous cases where an ISA detainee were given immediate medical treatment upon the medical treatment, example were Mr Karpal were transfered to Penang GH within 24 hours upon a request by his daughther to then PM, Tun Mahathir and also when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was allowed medical treatment by his family choice will still under detention. So why double standard been practised upon HINDRAF leaders !!
Ms Shanthi, Uthaya's sister in law whom also a lawyer raised concern about the intention of Kamunting Camp by denying medicine to Uthaya for more than one month. This had cause seriious health probelem to Uthaya. His blood sugar level rose 3 times to 18.8, his uric acid were high and his pottasium level were low. His is all indication that unattended diabetic had caused some of the organs to malfunction. She added that even after been prematurely discharged from Taiping GH, the camp delibrately failed to provide diabetic medicine to Uthaya after 20 hours. She quoted that there are many cases were people have fell into coma or had heart attack for not taking medicine for few days. She hold the PM and government held responsibilities if anything goes wrong to Uthaya's health or life !! She hope that there is no ploy to silently kill Uthaya during his detention.
Finally Dato Ahmad Hj Yaacob had give assurance that he will delivery the strong message and appeal from Uthaya's mother and Hindraf coordinators to the PM as soon as possible. He had taken contact numbers of Uthaya's family, Hindraf National Coordinator and Legal Advisor numbers to inform on the outcome.
The meeting ends about 12 pm and outside PM's office hundreds of supporters chanting Long Live HINDRAF, Long Live Uthaya, Long Live Makkal Sakthi.
Mr Thanethiran and YB Mano gave press conference outside the office back with supporters about the meeting inside. Both stressed that PM should take immediate action as claim that he realized his mistakes previously. The crowd dispearse peacefully after that with full cooperation of the policemen.
Message to PM - Ignorance is Not a BLISS now
Report by Karna57
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