The latest initiative taken by Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the De Facto Leader of the opposition in voicing his concern for Tanjung Tokong is definitely welcomed but HINDRAF is surprised and disappointed that he chose to observe silence in the Kg Buah Pala issue.
The rhetoric of every Malaysian is “Anak Saya” seems very shallow now when no voice was heard from him as the Leader of the opposition party in the Kg Buah Pala issue.
Dato Seri Anwar, stating that the land issue comes under the purview of the state authority have urged the authorities, UDA and residents> to discuss and address the issues of compensation, resettlement and preservation of the heritage value, but why did he stay silence on the Kg Buah Pala issue? Didn’t the state authority have the power then to preserve Kg Buah Pala or the Indians are so insignificant in the opposition’s Malaysian agenda?
The residents of Kg Buah Pala is as much as a citizen of Malaysia as anyone else and they had fought tooth and nail by themselves to preserve their land only to be manipulated by the obstinate approach and attitude taken by the opposition led government in Penang with their endless spin along with the Developer.
HINDRAF although had urged the Malaysian Indians to throw in their support for the opposition in hope of a change, it is now seems quite transparent that the Malaysian Indians have again been short changed with the double standard practiced by the opposition similar to what had been done to the Indians over the last 52 years by the facist BN led government.
On March 8, 2008, the public in unity had made the change to ensure that the opposition will step in and ensure that the public interest is taken care for rather than feeding its own political agenda and survival according to the segment of the society as what has been the ruling government’s modus operandi.
The path created by the opposition leader in having selective process in dealing with different segment of the society leaves the the masses of the Indian society in such a precarious position on whom to trust as in reality nothing have changed for them. The selective process exercised by the De Facto leader as seen in this case sets dangerous precedent for the actual objective of the opposition leader who has portrait himself to be working for all Malaysian irrespective of their origin.
Notwithstanding the biased approached taken by the opposition against the Malaysian Indians, HINDRAF is in full support of any pro-active action taken by the state authority to safeguard Kampung Tanjung Tokong for its historical value although it failed in Kg Buah Pala.
R.Shan
HINDRAF
International Coordinator
+16466378600
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Hindraf on Mahathir's 'sin' against Indians - Malaysiakini
Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy said Umno and its former president Dr Mahathir Mohamad were pinning the blame on MIC president S Samy Vellu in order to 'cover up their own sins' with regards to the Indian community.
Commenting on the 'slipper garland' controversy, the Hindraf leader said he also understands why Mahathir was not interested in an apology from the MIC delegate who made the remark.
"Having observed Mahathir ever since I heard him speak at a student function in London in 1989, I know how the man thinks," Waythamoorthy told Malaysiakini.
"When Mahathir says he's not interested in something, I know he means it."
According to this school of thought, Mahathir did not do anything at all for the Indian community during his 22 years as prime minister. Hence, he does not expect Indians to be grateful to him.
"So, if any Indian insults him, he knows that he has to just grin and take it," said Waythamoorthy.
"In fact, he's probably surprised deep down that he has not been insulted at all so far and Samy (Vellu) instead gets all the blame, a situation he encourages."
'Covering up sins'
The Hindraf chief noted that Samy Vellu has come under all around fire including from Mahathir and Umno for not doing enough for the Indian community "but this is just to cover up their own sins."
"The fact remains that Samy Vellu is not the prime minister of Malaysia. If he were, we can blame him for not doing enough or anything for the Indian community," he said.
"It is Mahathir who should be blamed. He's trying to shift the blame on to Samy Vellu. Mahathir failed to be the prime minister for all Malaysians. He was more interested in his own petty racist agenda."
So, it's not surprising that someone in MIC suggested a 'garland of slippers' for him, he added.
Waythamoorthy also called on the MIC president to stop parroting about Mahathir being a great leader, a great man, a great statesman and a builder of the nation, among others, "since he (Mahathir) didn't do anything at all for the Indian community and in fact set out to hurt them and others as well."
"After all the prime minister is supposed to be the leader for all Malaysians, under the Federal Constitution, not just for some Malaysians," he said.
On Umno's claims that the government had allocated considerable funds for the Indian community but Samy Vellu did not pass them on, Wayathamoorthy wanted the claims to be backed up by facts and figures and other relevant evidence.
The first of Mahathir's'sins' against the Indian community and Malaysians in general, stressed Waythamoorthy, was to distort and deviate from the New Economic Policy (NEP) and introduce racist elements which set the nation on a slippery slope and the Indians among the worst-hit victims.
As an example he cited the withdrawal of recognition for degrees from overseas medical institutions which had a large number of Indian Malaysian students.
He noted that the special privileges meant for the Malays, and by extension other natives, only covered four areas - intake into the civil service, intake into institutions of higher learning, government scholarships and opportunities in business.
"The special privileges were only meant to ensure that the Malays and other natives were not left out as the nation developed since there was this fear at independence," said Waythamoorthy. "It is not a carte blanc (blank cheque) to grab the whole pie in the four areas mentioned and other areas as well."
Commenting on the 'slipper garland' controversy, the Hindraf leader said he also understands why Mahathir was not interested in an apology from the MIC delegate who made the remark."Having observed Mahathir ever since I heard him speak at a student function in London in 1989, I know how the man thinks," Waythamoorthy told Malaysiakini.
"When Mahathir says he's not interested in something, I know he means it."
According to this school of thought, Mahathir did not do anything at all for the Indian community during his 22 years as prime minister. Hence, he does not expect Indians to be grateful to him.
"So, if any Indian insults him, he knows that he has to just grin and take it," said Waythamoorthy.
"In fact, he's probably surprised deep down that he has not been insulted at all so far and Samy (Vellu) instead gets all the blame, a situation he encourages."
'Covering up sins'
The Hindraf chief noted that Samy Vellu has come under all around fire including from Mahathir and Umno for not doing enough for the Indian community "but this is just to cover up their own sins."
"The fact remains that Samy Vellu is not the prime minister of Malaysia. If he were, we can blame him for not doing enough or anything for the Indian community," he said.
"It is Mahathir who should be blamed. He's trying to shift the blame on to Samy Vellu. Mahathir failed to be the prime minister for all Malaysians. He was more interested in his own petty racist agenda."So, it's not surprising that someone in MIC suggested a 'garland of slippers' for him, he added.
Waythamoorthy also called on the MIC president to stop parroting about Mahathir being a great leader, a great man, a great statesman and a builder of the nation, among others, "since he (Mahathir) didn't do anything at all for the Indian community and in fact set out to hurt them and others as well."
"After all the prime minister is supposed to be the leader for all Malaysians, under the Federal Constitution, not just for some Malaysians," he said.
On Umno's claims that the government had allocated considerable funds for the Indian community but Samy Vellu did not pass them on, Wayathamoorthy wanted the claims to be backed up by facts and figures and other relevant evidence.
The first of Mahathir's'sins' against the Indian community and Malaysians in general, stressed Waythamoorthy, was to distort and deviate from the New Economic Policy (NEP) and introduce racist elements which set the nation on a slippery slope and the Indians among the worst-hit victims.
As an example he cited the withdrawal of recognition for degrees from overseas medical institutions which had a large number of Indian Malaysian students.
He noted that the special privileges meant for the Malays, and by extension other natives, only covered four areas - intake into the civil service, intake into institutions of higher learning, government scholarships and opportunities in business.
"The special privileges were only meant to ensure that the Malays and other natives were not left out as the nation developed since there was this fear at independence," said Waythamoorthy. "It is not a carte blanc (blank cheque) to grab the whole pie in the four areas mentioned and other areas as well."
Mahathir will not apologise
In any case, Waythamoorthy doesn't expect Mahathir to apologise to the Indian community for past hurts and sleights "although time is running out for him."
Similarly, he does not expect Mahathir to apologise to his former heir apparent, Anwar Ibrahim, for doing everything possible to destroy not only his political career but the man himself.
"Samy Vellu himself has labelled Mahathir as the destroyer of deputies," said Waythamoorthy.
The Hindraf leader said Mahathir is more concerned about Umno leaders insulting or humiliating him and getting away with it.
In short, that's why Mahathir is using the "garland of slippers" insult as an excuse to name all those who had insulted or humiliated him in the past and are still walking around scott-free.
His suggestion that he would not hesitate to drop them from the cabinet if he had his way, suggested Waythamoorthy, was a strong hint for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak "to do what is necessary to avenge his hurt pride".
Friday, September 18, 2009
Quit 'liability' Samy: Dr M strikes again - Malaysiakini
Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has once again lashed out at MIC president S Samy Vellu, describing him as a liability to the Barisan Nasional coalition.
In an interview with Bernama, the 84-year-old statesman showed little mercy in ripping apart his long-time friend, who only yesterday had reiterated his admiration for the former premier.
Mahathir said he was concerned that support for BN would decline in the coming elections because Samy Vellu continued to helm MIC.
The former premier said the 73-year-old MIC president should relinquish his post for his party's failure in the last elections, where Samy Vellu was also defeated in his parliamentary stronghold of Sungai Siput.
"In other countries, when a leader fails, he resigns voluntarily. In Japan, he would commit harakiri (suicide). We are not asking him (Samy Vellu) to commit harakiri.
"You have failed to lead MIC to the point that you lost yourself," he said.
Comparing Samy Vellu to his successor and former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Mahathir said Abdullah had resigned due to his poor performance.
"Samy's performance is worse than Pak Lah (Abdullah), but he still does not want to give up his post," he said, adding: "He should have resigned before things got to this stage."
Mahathir stressed that he had a right to criticise anyone for the sake of BN, and added: "I've criticised Pak Lah, who's Samy Vellu that I cannot criticise?"
The former premier said leaders must realise that the post they held was not for life. "This is not directed at Samy Vellu alone because there are others who are like him," he added.
As for himself, Mahathir said he had wanted to resign in 1998 but because of the economic crisis and the Anwar Ibrahim issue, he had to continue leading the nation until 2003.
"I resigned not when people criticised me. I resigned because I had stayed too long.
"Malaysian leaders still do not understand that when they fail they should resign of their own volition, no need for others to tell them. When you fail, your party fails. You are responsible," he said.
BN leaders should interfere
Asked what BN could do in view of its principle not to interfere in the affairs of component parties, he said when the matter became a problem for BN, the coalition would become the victim if it did not intervene.
He said BN leaders must admonish Samy Vellu because as BN leaders they were responsible not only for the performance of their own parties but also that of BN as a whole.
"If I know that a person will cause BN to lose, that is already a BN problem, no longer a MIC problem. We cannot keep saying don't interfere. This is a BN affair. Because of him, the BN lost.
"Previously there was no Hindraf. Now there are scores (of pressure groups from the Indian community.) It's him that the people don't want but he still wants to be president," he added.
He said leaders who resorted to money, pressure, abuse of power and threats could remain as party presidents but would not win elections.
On Samy Vellu's chosen leaders winning the party elections last week, Mahathir said they could win party elections but would lose in general elections because the people would not support them.
He also criticised Samy Vellu for not playing a role to stop the building of temples without approval despite having promised to do so.
According to Mahathir, Samy Vellu became popular because he (Mahathir) had helped him.
"He wanted to build a university, I persuaded the government to give a RM50 million allocation and I've helped in many more of his projects," he said.
Mahathir said he had to persuade the Malays to allow BN to place MIC candidates in Malay-majority areas because no constituency in the country had an Indian majority.
"Besides that, I also strove to get MIC candidates supported by the Malays. Without support from Umno members and the other Malays, MIC could not win. So that's is my service to MIC.
"But when the MIC does something that will cause it not to be supported by the Indians, Chinese and Malays, I have to criticise," he said.
In an interview with Bernama, the 84-year-old statesman showed little mercy in ripping apart his long-time friend, who only yesterday had reiterated his admiration for the former premier.
Mahathir said he was concerned that support for BN would decline in the coming elections because Samy Vellu continued to helm MIC.
The former premier said the 73-year-old MIC president should relinquish his post for his party's failure in the last elections, where Samy Vellu was also defeated in his parliamentary stronghold of Sungai Siput."In other countries, when a leader fails, he resigns voluntarily. In Japan, he would commit harakiri (suicide). We are not asking him (Samy Vellu) to commit harakiri.
"You have failed to lead MIC to the point that you lost yourself," he said.
Comparing Samy Vellu to his successor and former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Mahathir said Abdullah had resigned due to his poor performance.
"Samy's performance is worse than Pak Lah (Abdullah), but he still does not want to give up his post," he said, adding: "He should have resigned before things got to this stage."
Mahathir stressed that he had a right to criticise anyone for the sake of BN, and added: "I've criticised Pak Lah, who's Samy Vellu that I cannot criticise?"
The former premier said leaders must realise that the post they held was not for life. "This is not directed at Samy Vellu alone because there are others who are like him," he added.
As for himself, Mahathir said he had wanted to resign in 1998 but because of the economic crisis and the Anwar Ibrahim issue, he had to continue leading the nation until 2003.
"I resigned not when people criticised me. I resigned because I had stayed too long.
"Malaysian leaders still do not understand that when they fail they should resign of their own volition, no need for others to tell them. When you fail, your party fails. You are responsible," he said.
BN leaders should interfere
Asked what BN could do in view of its principle not to interfere in the affairs of component parties, he said when the matter became a problem for BN, the coalition would become the victim if it did not intervene.
He said BN leaders must admonish Samy Vellu because as BN leaders they were responsible not only for the performance of their own parties but also that of BN as a whole.
"If I know that a person will cause BN to lose, that is already a BN problem, no longer a MIC problem. We cannot keep saying don't interfere. This is a BN affair. Because of him, the BN lost."Previously there was no Hindraf. Now there are scores (of pressure groups from the Indian community.) It's him that the people don't want but he still wants to be president," he added.
He said leaders who resorted to money, pressure, abuse of power and threats could remain as party presidents but would not win elections.
On Samy Vellu's chosen leaders winning the party elections last week, Mahathir said they could win party elections but would lose in general elections because the people would not support them.
He also criticised Samy Vellu for not playing a role to stop the building of temples without approval despite having promised to do so.
According to Mahathir, Samy Vellu became popular because he (Mahathir) had helped him.
"He wanted to build a university, I persuaded the government to give a RM50 million allocation and I've helped in many more of his projects," he said.
Mahathir said he had to persuade the Malays to allow BN to place MIC candidates in Malay-majority areas because no constituency in the country had an Indian majority.
"Besides that, I also strove to get MIC candidates supported by the Malays. Without support from Umno members and the other Malays, MIC could not win. So that's is my service to MIC.
"But when the MIC does something that will cause it not to be supported by the Indians, Chinese and Malays, I have to criticise," he said.
Hindraf on why Mahathir dismisses MIC apology - Malaysiakini
Its understandable why former premier Mahathir Mohamad could not possibly be interested or concerned with any apology from MIC over a delegate's suggestion that he be "honoured with a garland of slippers",according exiled Hindraf chairman P Waythmoorthy.
The garland suggestion came from one M. Sukumaran at the recent MIC General Assembly.
In fact, said Waythamoorthy, he (Mahathir) can even understand the reasons behind the calculated insult.
"Having observed Mahathir ever since I heard him speak at a student function in London in 1989, I know how the man thinks," said Waythamoorthy (right) in a telephone call to Malaysiakini from an undisclosed location outside London where he's based. "When Mahathir says he's not interested in something, I know he means it."
According to this school of thought, Mahathir did not do anything at all for the Indian community during his 22 years as Prime Minister.
The garland suggestion came from one M. Sukumaran at the recent MIC General Assembly.
In fact, said Waythamoorthy, he (Mahathir) can even understand the reasons behind the calculated insult.
"Having observed Mahathir ever since I heard him speak at a student function in London in 1989, I know how the man thinks," said Waythamoorthy (right) in a telephone call to Malaysiakini from an undisclosed location outside London where he's based. "When Mahathir says he's not interested in something, I know he means it."According to this school of thought, Mahathir did not do anything at all for the Indian community during his 22 years as Prime Minister.
Hence, he does not expect Indians to be grateful to him.
"So, if any Indian insults him, he knows that he has to just grin and take it," said Waythamoorthy.
"In fact, he's probably surprised deep down that he has not been insulted at all so far and Samy - MIC President -- instead gets all the blame, a situation he encourages."
'Covering up sins'
The Hindraf Chief notes that Samy has even come under all around fire including Mahathir and Umno for not doing enough for the Indian community "but this is just to cover up their own sins".
"The fact remains that Samy is not the prime minister of Malaysia. If he were, we can blame him for not doing enough or anything for the Indian community," said Waythamoorthy.
"It is Mahathir who should be blamed. He's trying to shift the blame on to Samy. Mahathir failed to be the Prime Minister for all Malaysians. He was more interested in his own petty racist agenda."
So, it's not surprising that someone in MIC suggested a 'garland of slippers' for him, he added.
Waythamoorthy called on the MIC president Samy to stop parroting about Mahathir being a great leader, a great man, a great statesman and a builder of the nation, among others, "since he (Mahathir) didn't do anything at all for the Indian community and in fact set out to hurt them and others as well".
"After all the prime minister is supposed to be the leader for all Malaysians, under the Federal Constitution, not just for some Malaysians."
On Umno's claims that the government had allocated considerable funds for the Indian community but Samy did not pass them to them, Wayathamoorthy wanted the claims to be backed up by facts and figures and other relevant evidence.
Down slippery slopeThe first of Mahathir's (left) sins against the Indian community and Malaysians in general, stressed Waythamoorthy, was to distort and deviate from the New Economic Policy (NEP) and introduce racist elements which set the nation on a slippery slope and the Indians among the worst-hit victims.
As an example he cited the withdrawal of recognition for degrees from overseas medical institutions which had a large number of Malaysian Indian students.
He noted that the Special Privileges meant for the Malays, and by extension other natives, only covered four areas intake into the civil service, intake into institutions of higher learning, Government scholarships and opportunities in business.
"The special privileges were only meant to ensure that the Malays and other natives were not left out as the nation developed since there was this fear at independence," said Waythamoorthy. "It is not a carte blanc (blank cheque) to grab the whole pie in the four areas mentioned and other areas as well."
In any case, Waythamoorthy doesn't expect Mahathir to apologise to the Indian community for past hurts and sleights "although time is running out for him".
Similarly, he does not expect Mahathir to apologise to his former heir apparent, Anwar Ibrahim, for doing everything possible to destroy not only his political career but the man himself.
"Samy himself has labelled Mahathir as the destroyer of deputies," said Waythamoorthy. Even Anwar has said he cannot forget although he has forgiven."
Mahathir is more concerned about Umno leaders insulting or humiliating him and getting away with it.
In short, that's why Mahathir is using the "garland of slippers" insult as an excuse to name all those who had insulted or humiliated him in the past and are still walking around Scott-free.
His suggestion that he would not hesitate to drop them from the Federal Cabinet if he had his way, suggested Waythamoorthy, was a strong hint for Prime Minister Mohd Najib Abdul Razak "to do what is necessary to avenge his hurt pride".
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Kampong Buah Pala, letter by P. Uthayakumar to Lim Guan Eng
HUMAN RIGHTS PARTY (HRP)
NO.6, Jalan Abdullah, Off Jalan Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 03-2282 5241 Fax: 03-2282 5241 Website: www.humanrightspartymalaysia.com
16th September 2009
YAB Lim Guan Eng
Chief Miniter of Penang,
c/o Pejabat Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang, By Fax No: 04-261 3003
Tingkat 28, KOMTAR 10503, Pulau Pinang. By E-Mail : limguaneng@penang.gov.my
Re: 1) In memorium, Kampong Buah Pala the last Indian traditional village in Penang.
2) Buah Pala road sealed off (The Star 16/9/09 page 13)
3) Developer says Council has given approval (The Star 16/09/09 page 31)
4) You too brutas (Guan Eng, DAP, PKR, and PAS)
5) What a wonderful game you played, Guan Eng
We refer to the above matter.
With the above and of the closing chapter of the last Indian heritage village in Penang having been raped and descerated, your goodself the DAP, PKR, PAS and UMNO may rejoice. But for the two million Indians in Malaysia this is the last nail in the coffin. DAP, PKR and PAS are not very much different from the UMNO/BN regime in so far as the working class Indians are concerned.
The tears of the powerless and working class Indians of Kampong Buah Pala will remain the most painful memory in the history of the Malaysian Indians vis a vis the DAP, PKR, PAS and UMNO axis. In fact DAP, PKR and PAS/PR are more blameworthy than UMNO/BN because they have always portrayed and championed themselves as the people’s saviour government upholding democracy (DAP) Justice (PKR) and fairness (PAS).
But as the victims of Kampong Buah Pala are “merely” the working class Indians it did not matter to DAP, PKR and PAS. They were tampled with brute force using UMNOS’ police and riot police and DAP’s Chinese gangsters.
We will never forget that the DAP/PR told us:-
1) Your goodselves and PKR Anwar Ibrahim’s election promise to preserve Kampong Buah Pala if your goodselves won to rule as the next Penang state government was as good as the Tamil saying “written on running water”
2) That the Kampong Buah Pala land sold by the DAP state government for a mere RM3.2 Million has shot up to RM150 Million within just over one year and therefore cannot “bail out” Kampong Buah Pala.
3) By the stroke of a pen you could have given a letter to the Developer by virtue of Section 116 (1) (d) the National Land Code that the Penang State government does not give consent to the intended demolished of Kampong Buah Pala. But you deliberatery chose not to do so.
4) By the stroke of a pen invoking Section 76 of the National Land Code read with Section 3 of the Land Acquisition Act, your goodself could have saved this last Indian traditional village in Penang but you chose not to do so. You would have done so had it been a Malay or Chinese traditional village, e.g Weld Quay, Khoo kongsi or Kampong Melayu.
5) After initially promising that no building permission would be given to the Developer until the Kampong Buah Pala problem is settled, today The Star reports “Developer says council has given approval”
6) After promising to apply for an urgent High Court Order to stop the demolishment as there was no State government consent to demolish the houses on alienated Penang State government land in Kampong Buah Pala, nothing was done by your goodself. Now you will tell us that it is academic for you to do so.
7) Your goodself had personally called the previous UMNO/Gerakan Penang State government robbers but you had done nothing to undo their injustices especially when the people power Hindraf Makkal Sakthi had empowered you to do so.
Your goodself had procured your Indian “mandores” and your cyber troopers to divert attention away from the real Kampong Buah Pala issue and instead do a Hindraf bashing.
9) The last straw for us was when Lim Kit Siang, Anwar Ibrahim and Hadi Awang stood by and watched silently this “blood letting” of the poor helpless and working class Indians of Kampong Buah Pala.
You too brutals! (Guan Eng, DAP, PKR, and PAS) What a wonderful game you played, Guan Eng.
We salute the villagers of Kampong Buah Pala who had done everything possible from the peaceful protests to the traditional Indian village bull fight, to a bullock cart protest at Komtar, little children presenting your goodself with a written appeal, being beaten up by the UMNO controlled riot police, and DAP gangsters and the police arresting the villagers and finally the self immolution attempt (trying to set herself on fire after dousing herself with kerosene) by a distraught lady in Kampong Buah Pala.
All this done by goodself and DAP, PKR and PAS as your political calculation may be that the Indians would have no other alternative as they would not vote for UMNO/BN and would have no other choice or alternative but to vote for DAP, PKR and PAS in the general elections is no longer tenable. Watch and learn!
Thank you.
Your faithfully,
________________________
P.Uthayakumar
Do we really own that land we own?
The long and the short of it is we do not own that land which we own. We only have the right to use that land. The land belongs to the government. And the government can take it back from us any time it so wishes.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
I have thus far not commented on the Kampong Buah Pala land issue in Penang. One reason is because so much has already been said about the matter that there is very little I can add to the issue.
It appears that most comments made about the matter are very emotional in nature and the angle being taken is that poor Indian landowners are being oppressed by powerful people. The fact that the government of Penang is a Pakatan Rakyat government makes these people even angrier. They had expected the Pakatan Rakyat government to fight for the people rather than ‘take the side’ of the developer.
Some have even slammed Lim Guan Eng. They wanted Guan Eng to reverse the decision of the previous Barisan Nasional government. They just can’t understand why the Pakatan Rakyat Chief Minister, and from the DAP on top of that, is not the rakyat’s ‘champion’ as they had expected him to be.
I remember back in the old days when my grandfather’s land was acquired by the government. He was then still the Governor of Penang and he had just completed his retirement home on a plot of land in the Lake Gardens in Kuala Lumpur.
The government, however, wanted that plot of land plus the few surrounding it to build Malaysia’s new Parliament House. So the government acquired all the land on that hill and my grandfather lost his retirement home even before the paint on the walls could dry.
I remember seeing the house being given the finishing touches and not long after that it was totally demolished.
My grandfather may have been the Governor of Penang, but if the government wants to take his land then there is nothing you can do about it.
Over the last 50 years I have seen many plots of land acquired by the government. Some of them belonged to my friends and family. Even my own land was once acquired by the government.
Unfortunately, there is nothing much we can do if the government wishes to acquire our land. You see, under the National Land Code, we only have rights over the land as long as we pay the cukai tanah and as long as the government does not need it back. Once the government needs it then we lose that right to the land, never mind how many generations that land has been in the family.
In fact, our right over that land is only as far as the approved land usage of the land is concerned. If we need to change the usage then we need to apply for permission and only if the government approves the conversion of that land can we change the usage.
Therefore, agricultural land must only be for agricultural purposes and even then if it is for padi planting then it can only be used for planting padi and not for planting other agricultural produce.
In short, we can’t simply do whatever we like with ‘our’ land even though we may think we own that land.
Furthermore, our right to the land is only the space within six feet above it and six feet below it, so to speak. Therefore, if we discover oil 100 feet below our land, that oil does not belong to us but to the government. And we can’t stop any plane from flying over our land because the air space more than six feet above our land does not belong to us but to the government. In fact, even to fill your land or level it you need government approval.
Okay, maybe I am over-simplifying the argument, but this is as simple as I can explain it without throwing in too much legal jargon and whatnot.
The long and the short of it is we do not own that land which we own. We only have the right to use that land. The land belongs to the government. And the government can take it back from us any time it so wishes.
But the government can’t just take back our land for the heck of it. There must be a reason for doing so. And the reason must be that they need to develop the land for the needs of the community. So we, the individual, must lose our land so that the community can benefit.
Nevertheless, I remember more than 25 years ago when the Terengganu government acquired big chunks of land just for the heck of it. You see, at that time the state government had plenty of cash and did not know how to spend it -- thanks to the oil royalty it was receiving. So they just acquired as much land as they could get their hands on and built up a huge land bank for future development purposes.
The government did not even know what it was going to do with the land after acquiring it. And all the land belonged to Malays but they had not choice but to surrender their land. And many of them were padi farmers who lost their livelihood. Of course, the cash soon ran out whereas if they still had their land they could continue planting padi.
One thing to note is that the government can’t take back the land for free. The landowner must be compensated. And the compensation must be according to market value plus whatever loss we might suffer.
So, while we can’t challenge the government when it wants to take back our land, we can, however, challenge how much compensation we will receive.
Once the government takes back our land we can’t refuse to accept the compensation that the government wants to pay us. We accept the compensation but we ask for it to be noted that we accept the compensation ‘under protest’. Then we file in court a demand for more compensation.
Say the government acquires our 10,000 square feet land and pays us RM50.00 per square foot as compensation. We may feel this is too low. The compensation should actually be RM120.00 per square foot according to market value. Then there is our house sitting on the land which is worth at least RM350,000.00 if we were to build it today.
So we go to court and challenge the compensation. If the court agrees with us then the government has to pay us the difference of RM70.00 per square foot plus another RM350,000.00 for the house.
But we must first accept the RM50.00 per square foot compensation. We can’t refuse to accept it. If we do not accept the compensation then we can't demand the extra or shortfall. But on accepting the compensation we must note on the papers that we are accepting it under protest so that we can go to court to ask for more.
There is no issue about whether the Penang government can or cannot acquire the Kampong Buah Pala land. It can. The one thing we can argue about is whether the government acquired the land following the proper procedure. The next thing would be, if we are the legal owner of that land, is to challenge the compensation we are being paid, assuming we feel the compensation is too low.
Of course, we must also separate the legal issue from the moral issue. Maybe the government is legally allowed to acquire the land and did, in fact, acquire it following the proper procedure. But is it morally right for them to acquire the land? Is the land being acquired for the sake of development so that it will benefit the entire community or is it being acquired so that someone can make money from it and become very rich?
In short, the intention (niat) behind this whole thing has to be explored. Right, from the legal point of view, might not be right from the moral point of view. For example, it is legally right for the Minister to sign a detention order and detain you without trial for ten years just because you criticised Rosmah Mansor. But is it morally right in spite of the fact that he did it the legal way?
This should be the issue debated with regards to the Kampong Buah Pala land issue. And if the acquisition was because of a larger agenda then we need to go to part two. And part two would be are the landowners, even if they are squatters with no titles over the land, being paid the proper compensation?
Unfortunately, we can’t stand in the way of progress. But we must not become a victim of progress. Sure, sometimes when they widen roads and build schools and hospitals we end up having to make way for this development. But we must be properly compensated for our loss and not short-changed.
If we argue that you can develop the country but please do not touch my land, then there would be no development because most times development will have to be done in the built-up areas and not in the deep isolated jungles where no privately-owned land would be involved.
The Kampong Buah Pala folks are not the first to lose their land -- and neither will they be the last. Penang is crowded and most of the land is no longer government-owned. To continue developing Penang would mean it would affect private land. So what does the Penang government do? Stop all development?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
PR Senior Leadrs should make their stand on KBP
Press statement
HINDRAF is appalled by the demolition of the last remaining Indian Heritage village in Penang today aided, abetted and assisted by the Penang State Government.
Malaysians should be aware that Hindraf assistance to help preserve the village was sought on the 26th June 2009 when the villagers have been battling a more than 10 years struggle to preserve their village. Upon our campaigns and questions on the legality of the attempt to demolish the village many eye opening facts surfaced.
Till date Lim Guan Eng has refused and deliberately diverted from answering the real questions posed on him on the saga of KBP.
The final act of wiping out the village would serve as the beginning of the end of DAP rule in Penang and support for DAP nationwide. Hindraf has on its own accord mobilised thousands of supporters to campaign for PR in the last GE without even being invited to do so because we believed the time to rid the evil BN regime has come. But the actions and inactions of DAP in Penang and their subsequent lies, denial and silence on many legitimate questions posed on the issue have caused many Malaysians to lose hope on change and make assumptions DAP is no better than the evil UMNO and BN.
The fact that senior leaders within Pakatan Rakyat- Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Hadi Awang,Tok Guru Nik Aziz, Syed Husin, Karpal Singh and others who have remained silent and tight lipped causes Hindraf to wonder if they are actually held at ransom by Lim Guan Eng for reasons only known to them.
The Rakyat voted for a change- change that they believed would enhance a more democratic Government that is open, transparent and friendly that would take into considerations human factors, fairness, right of the poor, defenceless and marginalised.
It is very troubling that a senior citizen of the village had attempted to torch herself in order to protect her home. The conclusion that could be made is that the state Government under DAP has turned into an evil regime. We urge senior leaders in PR to break their silence and come in the open on their stand on the KBP issue. Should they fail to do so, a wrong signal would be sent to the public that would erode the confidence of rakyat on PR which would pay a hefty price in the next GE.
If nearby Chinese fishing village – Bang Liau and Chinese jetties Clan in George Town can be recognised as a heritage village what sin has the people of KBP committed to face extinction?
P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
Islam & Malay Muslims are not the problem: UMNO, MCA, MIC, GERAKAN and their stooges are
Wong Mun Chee
Only UMNO and its lackies have the means, motive and opportunity in making it appear like Islam and the Malay Muslims are the problem for ‘others’.
Sure, I was out spoken about Kg. Buah Pala issue, with such complimentary remarks, that I am even branded as a Gerakan, UMNO stooge. With all the negative elements, my stand still in affirmation that the LGE-led DAP government of Penang sold their soul for monetary gains and that they have achieved in subjugating those poor folks in Kg. Buah Pala with their media power and falsified events to achieve their own needs. So what is the difference between BN and Pakatan Rakyat when the public is in despair? To me, BN and Pakatan are no difference if what is truthful, fair and just is not served. The change of guard that we observed is superficial if we are superficial ourselves and primarily the critics for their own needs.
On the Section 23 Shah Alam issue, fortunately, the anticipated respond on the cow head incident tilted and has in effect strengthen the belief amongst the Malaysians in our Muslim brothers and sisters that the other races can find solace. It is enlightening that our sensible and level-headed Muslim brothers are able to speak out to maintain a balance in this multicultural society in allowing the freedom to practice each one’s way of live.
Do you think, the UMNO-led BN, having been in power for 52 with Mahathir’s iron fist for 22 years, can be erased within a blink of eye? Not a chance, because with well-planned provocation, the anticipated response can even become a weapon in the arsenal of the agent provocateur.
Those affiliated and pre-staged events to inflame religion intolerance or for the matter what one comments is only possible if it serves one’s own needs. As much as they are the agent provocateur, we the general public are no better when we observe and practice everything in a race and religious outline as opposed to a truthful cause in fairness and equality although sometimes in our mind it is skewed as a racist agenda.
In the Kg. Buah Pala issue, the agent provocateur was the DAP and they stooped so low akin to another UMNO in disguise to defend themselves in malicious ways. Why do you need to defend and justify truth if that was you seek? Truth has no substitute. Truth is truth and that is the reality whether you like it or not you have to deal with it.
I had once the opportunity to spend about seven hours in conversation with the late MGG PILLAI before his demise and his greatest hope for the country was our Muslim brothers & sisters.
We all know that those in power, whether it is Muslim or others, will always cohort to create an atmosphere to maintain their own status quo, but we as the public should slowly drift away intelligently from a race- or religion-based biasness in strengthening our unity. Even in the opposition we have division of a somewhat race-based affiance. It is not a perfect system, but the change can only appear if we are in unity on a humanitarian cause irrespective of origin.
By way of deception and manipulation, the elected members have taken the public for a ride over the last 52 years by supportive policies that lend the appearance of legitimacy and credibility to an operation justified for a pre-determined agenda that only serves their own needs.
Today, the public, meaning you and me, take a bit more trouble to find out what is actually happening to our society for the effort that we put in individually to make sure that we can participate and create the change in our own ways.
To create the change in unity, we first need to be independent and unshackled in our own thoughts for what is truthful, just and fair. Knowledge alone will not suffice but the wisdom to see it once you are truly awaken. Once we overcome this, then it does not matter who says what, as long it what is truthful, just and fair for the community that we intend to create and to live together.
UMNO, MCA, MIC, GERAKAN and their stooges will continue with their antics, but it is us, the public, you and me, that will make the difference when we are in unity for what is fair, just and equal. Once you come in terms with yourself in unity with the public for a society’s concern, then you have the wisdom rather than the half-truth knowledge that appeases you for your own individual collaboration.
If you feel like a truly Malaysian, then you understand the message, not how it is benefiting me, as that has been the modus operandi imbibed in us courtesy of UMNO led scumbags and now we have seen in Kg Buah Pala issue.
Your choice is our society’s need if you can be truthful to yourself.
Heart-wrenching sight for oldest resident - Malaysiakini
It was a heart-wrenching moment for octogenarian Draviam Arul Pillay as he witnessed his home and memories violently snuffed out by a demolition team at Kg Buah Pala.
Using sledgehammers and other equipment, developer Nusmetro's demolition team tore down the house of Kampung Buah Pala's most senior resident Draviam Arul Pillay, 84, the father of the village association secretary Joseph Stephen.
Villagers watched in dismay as the rampaging demolition team destroyed Draviam's (left) family house under the watchful presence of a large police squad including a light strike force unit.
His daughter, Thavamani Draviam, 44, was overwhelmed by the sight and could not contain her tears and anguish at witnessing the destruction.
She scolded the workers who went about their task with no regard for the fact, or knowledge, that they were demolishing the home in which she was born.
"We built the village ... it's ours. Now they have robbed us off our home," said Thavamani, who had to be consoled by her family members.
After partially tearing down Draviam's home, the demolition team moved on to residents' association assistant secretary, C Tharmaraj's home.
Using sledgehammers and other equipment, developer Nusmetro's demolition team tore down the house of Kampung Buah Pala's most senior resident Draviam Arul Pillay, 84, the father of the village association secretary Joseph Stephen.
Villagers watched in dismay as the rampaging demolition team destroyed Draviam's (left) family house under the watchful presence of a large police squad including a light strike force unit.His daughter, Thavamani Draviam, 44, was overwhelmed by the sight and could not contain her tears and anguish at witnessing the destruction.
She scolded the workers who went about their task with no regard for the fact, or knowledge, that they were demolishing the home in which she was born.
"We built the village ... it's ours. Now they have robbed us off our home," said Thavamani, who had to be consoled by her family members.
After partially tearing down Draviam's home, the demolition team moved on to residents' association assistant secretary, C Tharmaraj's home.
Tharmaraj's mother R Indrani, 62, caused a stir when she threatened to torch herself as the demolition team was dismantling her house gate.
She came out from her house with a bottle of liquid, believed to be kerosene, and doused herself with it.
Then she produced a match box and threatened to immolate herself if the demolition team did not leave the place immediately.
Upon seeing her going berserk and shouting at them, the workers quickly left the area.
Her son, Thanaselan calmed down the tearful Indrani and took her inside.
A final RM125,000 offer
Resident K Murugan told Malaysiakini that developer Nusmetro Venture (P) Sdn Bhd's director Gary Ho today offered a one-off RM125,000 final compensation to some of the villagers who did not accept the earlier double-storey house offer.
He said Ho also told the residents whose houses were demolished today that they would be relocated for a month to a nearby apartment pending further decisions on the matter.
"It's like we are at the mercy of the developer today because the state government, courts and police are all against us for standing up for our rights," said Murugan.
During the demolition, some villagers vented their anger and frustration against everyone, including Ho, the police, the demolition team and even the village association leaders.
At 3pm, the demolition team were virtually done and had demolished 13 houses of the 17 houses earmarked for destruction.
Residents then started retrieving items of value from the debris of their homes. Several were heard yelling out names of elected representatives for not coming to their aid in their time of need.
"They came here for votes and promised to save our village. They even pledge to stop any demolition attempt over their dead bodies. Now our village is gone, the politicians are not around to stop it," said one of them.
Four house owners negotiated successfully with Ho to allow them to dismantle their homes by themselves.
Earlier, a scuffle nearly took place between cattle farmers and the demolition team when they attempted to flatten cowsheds with a bulldozer.
Timely police intervention prevented a near-ugly situation and the team then dropped the idea when told that cattle rearing ground was not part of the Oasis project site.
The demolition team then left the site with police escort.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Hindraf plans action in support of cow-head clips
Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) plans to organise protests if the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) were to charge Malaysiakini for airing the videos relating to the cow-head demonstration.
London-based Hindraf supremo P Waythamoorthy said the MCMC's probe on Malaysiakini under the Multimedia and Communications Act was an act of intimidation.
“We will organise various forms of campaigns in and outside the country to protest against the government if Malaysiakini or any of the media group's personnel face charges in court for airing the videos.
“Malaysiakini had only carried out its duty to report a news subject of public importance. The online media has merely upheld the professional ethics of journalism.
“By probing Malaysiakini, the government is trying to intimidate the online media group to compromise its principles of justice, truth and fairness,” Waythamoorthy said in a text message.
According to the Hindraf leader who is in self-imposed exile in Britain, the probe had also infringed the rights of every Malaysian to have access to “correct and truthful” information.
“It's a calculated, malicious and ill-conceived prosecution aimed to undermine our right to freedom of information,” he said.
The public demand the probe
Yesterday, Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Culture Joseph Salang Gandum defended the investigations, arguing that the public had demanded such actions.
The MCMC began its investigation after Malaysiakini refused to remove two videos which were deemed to be offensive from its website.
The commission interrogated 14 Malaysiakini staff members including editor-in-chief Steven Gan, chief executive officer Premesh Chandran, editors, journalists and members of the video and technical team.
MCMC investigation officers, who have visited Malaysiakini four times over the past week, have also demanded for the original videotapes while its forensics experts copied parts of servers' hard disk to establish a
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“We will organise various forms of campaigns in and outside the country to protest against the government if Malaysiakini or any of the media group's personnel face charges in court for airing the videos.
“Malaysiakini had only carried out its duty to report a news subject of public importance. The online media has merely upheld the professional ethics of journalism.
“By probing Malaysiakini, the government is trying to intimidate the online media group to compromise its principles of justice, truth and fairness,” Waythamoorthy said in a text message.
According to the Hindraf leader who is in self-imposed exile in Britain, the probe had also infringed the rights of every Malaysian to have access to “correct and truthful” information.
“It's a calculated, malicious and ill-conceived prosecution aimed to undermine our right to freedom of information,” he said.
The public demand the probe
Yesterday, Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Culture Joseph Salang Gandum defended the investigations, arguing that the public had demanded such actions.
The MCMC began its investigation after Malaysiakini refused to remove two videos which were deemed to be offensive from its website.
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MCMC investigation officers, who have visited Malaysiakini four times over the past week, have also demanded for the original videotapes while its forensics experts copied parts of servers' hard disk to establish a
Friday, September 11, 2009
What was Hindraf singing during their vigil?
By Malaysian Heart
I believe that if we take the trouble to understand our fellow humans better, we will find that they feel exactly what we feel, and that what they want for their children is exactly what we want for ours. However, we first need to get over our own prejudices and speak (and act) against the subtle (and often not so subtle) racism that our fellow Malaysians still suffer in our midst.
Those of us who have seen the video of Hindraf's candle light vigil on 5/9/09, and the subsequent arrests by our police, would have heard the vigillers singing a song as they tried to get to Dataran Merdeka. For the benefit of those of us who would like to understand what they were singing, and why, here is some info.
The title of the song is Tholvi nilayena ninaithaal, and it is from the 1986 movie Oomai Vizhigal. In the movie, politically connected thugs (who had earlier killed a journalist), destroy the printing press of a newspaper, in order to silence their investigative reporting. This song is what the editor sings to motivate his team after the attack. Here is a translation in English:
I believe that if we take the trouble to understand our fellow humans better, we will find that they feel exactly what we feel, and that what they want for their children is exactly what we want for ours. However, we first need to get over our own prejudices and speak (and act) against the subtle (and often not so subtle) racism that our fellow Malaysians still suffer in our midst.
Those of us who have seen the video of Hindraf's candle light vigil on 5/9/09, and the subsequent arrests by our police, would have heard the vigillers singing a song as they tried to get to Dataran Merdeka. For the benefit of those of us who would like to understand what they were singing, and why, here is some info.
The title of the song is Tholvi nilayena ninaithaal, and it is from the 1986 movie Oomai Vizhigal. In the movie, politically connected thugs (who had earlier killed a journalist), destroy the printing press of a newspaper, in order to silence their investigative reporting. This song is what the editor sings to motivate his team after the attack. Here is a translation in English:
If we only dwell on on our defeated condition, how can we even hope of living?
If we consider this life a burden, isn't that trampling upon our mothers' dreams?
Having lost our rights, having lost our belongings, shall we give up our humanity too?
Being human, and still alive, how can we forget our dreams?
When dawn is about to break, why should our hearts be heavy?
When our hearts are full of courage, why should our eyes have tears?
Even if they oppose us, even if they spill our blood, can we ever change our path?
Our blood will only drive our fear away, then can our principles ever die?
Here is the song in full, as sung in the movie by P.B. Srinivas and Abavaanan:
Tholvi nilayena ninaithaal from Oomai Vizhigal
Some people find that anything which is unfamiliar to them makes them uncomfortable; hence they become intolerant towards it.
Read more at: What was Hindraf singing during their vigil?
Cow head prosecution, Double Standards by Attorney General
ReUMNO linked cow head racist and religious extremists. : 1) Double Standard Prosecution for Hindraf Lawyers and supporters as opposed to the
2) Seriousness in Attorney General’s prosecution questionable and left to be seen?
We refer to the above matter and to the prosecution yesterday of the twelve UMNO linked infamous cow head racist and religious extremist for amongst others creating racial and religious hatred and threatening violence and bloodshed to the Hindus.
Article 8 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution provides for equality before the law and equal protection for all citizens under the law.
In the case of Hindraf legal adviser P.Uthayakumar and the 231 Hindraf peaceful assemblers’ 25th November 2007 case who were arrested and/or charged for Sedition and unlawful assembly etc :-
1) the Attorney General (A.G) appeared in person at the Subordinate Sessions Court and threw the whole weight and might of the UMNO state against this politically and economically weak and tiny 8% minority. Thereafter very senior Deputy Public Prosecutors are continuing with the prosecution which is running for years causing many to lose their jobs, suffering financial constraints, families broken up etc.
2) The A.G opposed bail for the Batu Caves peaceful assemblers for the alleged baseless charge of attempted murder and the Malaysian Court actually denied them bail until an appeal was filed at the High Court and the subsequent withdrawing of the said attempted murder charged.
3) The Attorney General again personally appeared in the Subordinate courts and opposed bail for P.Uthayakumar for the Sedition charge. And the Sessions Court imposed a bail of RM50,000.00 and his passport was ordered to be impounded. Stepping out of the Court he was immediately rearrested, manhandled, detained overnight and the day after he was also detained under the Internal Security Act for 514 days.
4) But for the twelve UMNO linked cow head racial and religious extremists a different standard was applied, A bail of a mere RM4,000.00 was imposed for the Sedition charge and RM500.00 and RM300.00 bail for the unlawful assembly charge. There was no application opposing bail impounding their passports or attempted murder of the Indians charge (with their threat of bloodshed if the Hindu temple was relocated to Section 23 of Shah Alam).
All this can only happen in the UMNO Prime Minister Najib Razak’s One Malaysia
The actual serious and genuine prosecution of these UMNO linked cow head racial and religious extremists are questionable and yet to be seen.
Malaysians have not forgotten that in the March 2001 UMNO linked Kg. Medan racial attacks on the innocent and peacefully living working class Indians, 5 Indians were killed and 100 over caused grievous bodily injuries (gory photographs enclosed).
But after nine years, this worst case of human rights violations in the history of Malaysia never saw the light of the day. Neither did we see any conviction of these UMNO linked murderers and grievous bodily harm criminals because the victims were “merely Indians”. Thus the questionable administration of justice in Malaysia? Further up to this day no Inquest into the said five murdered were ever held, no Royal Commission of Inquiry was held no white paper presented in Parliament and even Suhakam refused to hold and Inquiry and the High Courts dismissed our case to compel Suhakam to hold an Inquiry.
Kindly ensure that history does not repeat itself in this cow head case.
We once again call for the removal of the Attorney General and the Inspector General of Police and to be replaced by more professional and Independent of UMNO personalities.
Thank you.
Your faithfully,
________________________
P.Uthayakumar
Secretary (pro-tem)
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