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Apakah tindakan paling wajar dikenakan terhadap pemimpin dan pengikut pertubuhan yang diisytiharkan haram oleh kerajaan seperti Hindraf atau Al-Arqam yang masih aktif dan menggugat keamanan negara? Keputusan bancian
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
News Flash 11.45am : 3 UMNO’s Police patrol car infront of Hindraf Selangor State Coordinator K.Selvam house at Rawang.
12.15pm: Arrest warrant served on Hindraf Cordinator K.Selvam to be taken to IPD Selayang.
Hindraf march: Why double standards?
(Malaysiakini) The mass arrest of Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) activists who were trying to hold a rally on Sunday has raised questions over police treatment of peaceful demonstrations.
Coalition of Malaysian Indian Associations secretary G Gunaraj said the arrest of 108 Hindraf activists smacked of double standards because pro-government activists were allowed to demonstrate unobstructed.
“I recall the day when Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin (right) led some 8,000 people to protest Israel's attack on the mv Mavi Marimara in front of the United States Embassy last year.
“Instead of being detained for questioning, Khairy was given police escort. However, in Hindraf's case, they applied for a permit, but this was rejected on the eve of their peaceful march,” he said.
Gunaraj said the activists were all behaving in a peaceful manner and the amount of force used against them was disproportionate.
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) human rights committee chairperson Liaw Kok Fah expressed shock that the police arrested Hindraf legal adviser P Uthayakumar at his home.
“How could the police do that? At Uthayakumar's home? I mean, the police should at least wait until he attended the march… pick him up there, with the rest of the crowd,” said Liaw.
MIC leader: Police colour blind
Liaw said that such arbitrary arrests showed that the authorities did not respect individual rights and echoed Gunaraj's views about the double standards of the police force.
“Back in 2009, protesters with a cow's head hurt the feelings of the Hindu community. They were spitting and kicking it but no one was handcuffed or shoved into police trucks.
“Was that what (the authorities) call a peaceful demonstration, as compared to what Hindraf was trying to achieve yesterday?” he asked.
However, two MIC leaders contacted both believe that the police acted appropriately.
“Police had given their warning earlier for them not to carry on with the rally as Hindraf is illegal. Hindraf does not respect the police or the rules and regulations in Malaysia.
“The police force is blind, it does not see colour, race or religion,” said MIC information chief V Mogan.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minsiter's Department T Murugiah said the police had acted appropriately and did not manhandle any protester.
Murugiah said the protest had tarnished Malaysia's image.
'Interlok should be withheld for now'
On Sunday, Hindraf had initially planned a rally from KLCC to the Dang Wangi police station to lodge a police report against the Form Five Malay literature textbook Interlok.
The group, along with other critics, has been arguing that Interlok portrays the Indian and Chinese communities in negative light and should thus be withdrawn.
Gunaraj said the authorities should rightfully withdraw the book completely, instead of continuing to discuss the matter.
“I do not see any point in the novel still being used in schools in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Negri Sembilan.
"What is their (BN government's) motive? What is their agenda? What are the benefits for these three states to continue using that novel?
"The government had better do something fast about this matter as it has been months. Even their own MIC partners are not agreeing with themselves on this issue,” Gunaraj pointed out.
Mogan said the MIC has taken steps to “remedy the matter” and that the party's proposal would be forwarded to the prime minister and education minister.
Coalition of Malaysian Indian Associations secretary G Gunaraj said the arrest of 108 Hindraf activists smacked of double standards because pro-government activists were allowed to demonstrate unobstructed.
“I recall the day when Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin (right) led some 8,000 people to protest Israel's attack on the mv Mavi Marimara in front of the United States Embassy last year.“Instead of being detained for questioning, Khairy was given police escort. However, in Hindraf's case, they applied for a permit, but this was rejected on the eve of their peaceful march,” he said.
Gunaraj said the activists were all behaving in a peaceful manner and the amount of force used against them was disproportionate.
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) human rights committee chairperson Liaw Kok Fah expressed shock that the police arrested Hindraf legal adviser P Uthayakumar at his home.
“How could the police do that? At Uthayakumar's home? I mean, the police should at least wait until he attended the march… pick him up there, with the rest of the crowd,” said Liaw.
MIC leader: Police colour blind
Liaw said that such arbitrary arrests showed that the authorities did not respect individual rights and echoed Gunaraj's views about the double standards of the police force.
“Back in 2009, protesters with a cow's head hurt the feelings of the Hindu community. They were spitting and kicking it but no one was handcuffed or shoved into police trucks.
“Was that what (the authorities) call a peaceful demonstration, as compared to what Hindraf was trying to achieve yesterday?” he asked.
However, two MIC leaders contacted both believe that the police acted appropriately.
“Police had given their warning earlier for them not to carry on with the rally as Hindraf is illegal. Hindraf does not respect the police or the rules and regulations in Malaysia.
“The police force is blind, it does not see colour, race or religion,” said MIC information chief V Mogan.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minsiter's Department T Murugiah said the police had acted appropriately and did not manhandle any protester.Murugiah said the protest had tarnished Malaysia's image.
'Interlok should be withheld for now'
On Sunday, Hindraf had initially planned a rally from KLCC to the Dang Wangi police station to lodge a police report against the Form Five Malay literature textbook Interlok.
The group, along with other critics, has been arguing that Interlok portrays the Indian and Chinese communities in negative light and should thus be withdrawn.
Gunaraj said the authorities should rightfully withdraw the book completely, instead of continuing to discuss the matter.
“I do not see any point in the novel still being used in schools in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Negri Sembilan.
"What is their (BN government's) motive? What is their agenda? What are the benefits for these three states to continue using that novel?
"The government had better do something fast about this matter as it has been months. Even their own MIC partners are not agreeing with themselves on this issue,” Gunaraj pointed out.
Mogan said the MIC has taken steps to “remedy the matter” and that the party's proposal would be forwarded to the prime minister and education minister.
Uthayakumar: Police abusing powers under CPC
HRP's P Uthayakumar says it is unprecedented of the police to use Section 105 of the CPC against protesters.
KUALA LUMPUR: Human Rights Party’s (HRP) pro tem secretary P Uthayakumar claims that the police are abusing Section 105 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) that provides for arrest to prevent seizable offences.“This section has never been used before. It is unprecedented and a danger sign to Pakatan Rakyat and NGOs,” he said at a press conference at the HRP headquarters here today.
He also said that 14 people who held a candle light vigil in solidarity for those who were detained at the Jinjang police station were arrested and not allowed the right to representation.
“The police did not allow me to represent them. They were also not allowed to make phone calls,” he said.
One of the 14 is a 17-year-old youth V Pirasad who is reported to be missing, said Uthayakumar.He also claimed that police did not allow outsiders into the station.
All 14 were forced to sit on the floor.
Uthayakumar was arrested and later released yesterday along with HRP pro tem president W Sambulingam and pro tem vice-president K Selvam. The latter two had related how they were beaten up while in detention.
Uthayakumar also said that Hindraf Makkal Sakthi would not be necessary if the Umno-led government resolved all the problems faced by the Indian poor.
“Resolve the Indian problems, and we’ll close shop,” he said when commenting on press reports that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is willing to meet Hindraf Makkal Sakti leaders to resolve problems of the Indian community.
HRP's P Uthayakumar says it is unprecedented of the police to use Section 105 of the CPC against protesters.
KUALA LUMPUR: Human Rights Party’s (HRP) pro tem secretary P Uthayakumar claims that the police are abusing Section 105 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) that provides for arrest to prevent seizable offences.
“This section has never been used before. It is unprecedented and a danger sign to Pakatan Rakyat and NGOs,” he said at a press conference at the HRP headquarters here today.
He also said that 14 people who held a candle light vigil in solidarity for those who were detained at the Jinjang police station were arrested and not allowed the right to representation.
“The police did not allow me to represent them. They were also not allowed to make phone calls,” he said.
One of the 14 is a 17-year-old youth V Pirasad who is reported to be missing, said Uthayakumar.
He also claimed that police did not allow outsiders into the station.
All 14 were forced to sit on the floor.
Uthayakumar was arrested and later released yesterday along with HRP pro tem president W Sambulingam and pro tem vice-president K Selvam. The latter two had related how they were beaten up while in detention.
Uthayakumar also said that Hindraf Makkal Sakthi would not be necessary if the Umno-led government resolved all the problems faced by the Indian poor.
“Resolve the Indian problems, and we’ll close shop,” he said when commenting on press reports that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is willing to meet Hindraf Makkal Sakti leaders to resolve problems of the Indian community.
KUALA LUMPUR: Human Rights Party’s (HRP) pro tem secretary P Uthayakumar claims that the police are abusing Section 105 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) that provides for arrest to prevent seizable offences.
“This section has never been used before. It is unprecedented and a danger sign to Pakatan Rakyat and NGOs,” he said at a press conference at the HRP headquarters here today.
He also said that 14 people who held a candle light vigil in solidarity for those who were detained at the Jinjang police station were arrested and not allowed the right to representation.
“The police did not allow me to represent them. They were also not allowed to make phone calls,” he said.
One of the 14 is a 17-year-old youth V Pirasad who is reported to be missing, said Uthayakumar.
He also claimed that police did not allow outsiders into the station.
All 14 were forced to sit on the floor.
Uthayakumar was arrested and later released yesterday along with HRP pro tem president W Sambulingam and pro tem vice-president K Selvam. The latter two had related how they were beaten up while in detention.
Uthayakumar also said that Hindraf Makkal Sakthi would not be necessary if the Umno-led government resolved all the problems faced by the Indian poor.
“Resolve the Indian problems, and we’ll close shop,” he said when commenting on press reports that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is willing to meet Hindraf Makkal Sakti leaders to resolve problems of the Indian community.
Video hina Islam disiasat
BUTTERWORTH 28 Feb. – Polis sedang menyiasat isi kandungan sebuah klip video lagu yang dimuat turun dalam laman YouTube selepas didakwa menggunakan lirik memaki dan menghina orang Melayu dan Islam.
Ketua Polis negeri, Datuk Ayub Yaakob berkata, pihaknya ada menerima beberapa maklumat awal mengenai penerbitan lagu berkenaan berdasarkan satu laporan polis mengenai kewujudan klip video tersebut semalam.
“Berdasarkan laporan itu, kita mendapat beberapa maklumat awal termasuk sumber laman web lagu dimuat naik tetapi kita belum buat sebarang justifikasi.
“Pada masa ini, kita akan meneliti terlebih dahulu sumbernya (klip video itu) dan lihat sama ada ia mempunyai unsur-unsur yang bercanggah dengan undang-undang,” katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.
Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) Pulau Pinang semalam membuat laporan polis berhubung klip video bertajuk Interlok Song for UMNO and Malay Government kerana didakwa menghina dan mempersendakan agama Islam yang dimuat naik dalam laman YouTube.
Selain menggunakan kata-kata kesat dan lucah, klip video selama lima minit 18 saat itu turut memaparkan lagu khusus untuk novel Interlok dan UMNO selain memaparkan imej Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dan Menteri Dalam Negeri, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
Perkasa turut meminta polis menyiasat penglibatan pertubuhan Hindraf yang dipercayai menjadi dalang di sebalik penerbitan dan penyebaran klip video berkenaan.
Setiausaha Perkasa negeri, Saedin Kadir yang ditemui selepas membuat laporan itu semalam memberitahu, penerbitan klip video lagu berkenaan jelas bersifat rasis kerana menghina serta memaki orang Melayu dan Islam semata-mata tidak berpuas hati dengan novel Interlok.
Ayub bagaimanapun menasihatkan semua pihak supaya bertenang dan membiarkan polis menjalankan siasatan terperinci berhubung klip video berkenaan yang dikaitkan dengan desakan pengharaman novel Interlok.
“Isu novel Interlok ini tidak patut ditimbulkan lagi kerana sudah ada jawatankuasa khas ditubuhkan bagi menyelesaikannya, jadi kita harap semua pihak tidak sengaja mengeruhkan keadaan,” ujarnya.
Ketua Polis negeri, Datuk Ayub Yaakob berkata, pihaknya ada menerima beberapa maklumat awal mengenai penerbitan lagu berkenaan berdasarkan satu laporan polis mengenai kewujudan klip video tersebut semalam.
“Berdasarkan laporan itu, kita mendapat beberapa maklumat awal termasuk sumber laman web lagu dimuat naik tetapi kita belum buat sebarang justifikasi.
“Pada masa ini, kita akan meneliti terlebih dahulu sumbernya (klip video itu) dan lihat sama ada ia mempunyai unsur-unsur yang bercanggah dengan undang-undang,” katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.
Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) Pulau Pinang semalam membuat laporan polis berhubung klip video bertajuk Interlok Song for UMNO and Malay Government kerana didakwa menghina dan mempersendakan agama Islam yang dimuat naik dalam laman YouTube.
Selain menggunakan kata-kata kesat dan lucah, klip video selama lima minit 18 saat itu turut memaparkan lagu khusus untuk novel Interlok dan UMNO selain memaparkan imej Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dan Menteri Dalam Negeri, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
Perkasa turut meminta polis menyiasat penglibatan pertubuhan Hindraf yang dipercayai menjadi dalang di sebalik penerbitan dan penyebaran klip video berkenaan.
Setiausaha Perkasa negeri, Saedin Kadir yang ditemui selepas membuat laporan itu semalam memberitahu, penerbitan klip video lagu berkenaan jelas bersifat rasis kerana menghina serta memaki orang Melayu dan Islam semata-mata tidak berpuas hati dengan novel Interlok.
Ayub bagaimanapun menasihatkan semua pihak supaya bertenang dan membiarkan polis menjalankan siasatan terperinci berhubung klip video berkenaan yang dikaitkan dengan desakan pengharaman novel Interlok.
“Isu novel Interlok ini tidak patut ditimbulkan lagi kerana sudah ada jawatankuasa khas ditubuhkan bagi menyelesaikannya, jadi kita harap semua pihak tidak sengaja mengeruhkan keadaan,” ujarnya.
Hindraf hails rally a great success
Hindraf says it has evidence to show the police have been brutal to the Indian community during the Feb 27 protest.
KOTA KINABALU: Hindraf Makkal Sakthi hailed its planning for the Feb 27 anti-racism rally at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) as a great success.The ad hoc apolitical human rights movement dismissed the police claim that they had thwarted the rally “as a mixture of outright lies, half-truths and propaganda”.
“We have documented enough evidence to show how brutal the police and Umno can be,” said Hindraf man P Waytha Moorthy early today from London from where he stage-managed the Feb 27 event via the Internet.
He was commenting on Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s statement to the press last night that Hindraf was out to paint the country in a bad light abroad and that it was an unlawful organisation.
Najib has been reported as also saying separately that the Indian community did not need Hindraf.
Waytha Moorthy said that Najib was trying to link the country with the fate of his party, Umno, “which was responsible for racism, racial prejudice and racial polarisation”.
He also dismissed Najib’s claims that Hindraf Makkal Sakthi was an unlawful organisation.
Explaining the status of his movement, Waytha Moorthy claimed that Hindraf was declared unlawful in late 2008 even before the Registrar of Societies responded to its application for registration as a human rights society.
Movement’s legitimacy
The “banned” Hindraf, according to him, has now been replaced by Hindraf Makkal Sakthi which is pending registration. The so-called ban on Hindraf, he added, doesn’t apply to Hindraf Makkal Sakthi.
“Late last year, we held our first national convention at the Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur,” said Waytha Moorthy.
“Why didn’t the police stop our national convention then on the grounds of it being an unlawful organisation?”
He reminded the press and police that Umno had been declared unlawful by the Kuala Lumpur High Court and that the Umno Baru which replaced it had long since ceased to be active.
Waytha Moorthy denied that he was getting into semantics. Instead, he urged that the media focus on Umno and not question his movement’s legitimacy.
“We don’t deny that we are after Umno. We are determined to expose the evil that this party has become in the country,” said Waytha Moorthy, citing the controversial novel Interlok as an example. “Umno is a menace to Malaysia and the future of us all.”
As an example, the Hindraf chief pointed at the racial profiling of Indians by the police and their behaviour towards the community as a manifestation of the deep-seated racist mindset of the Umno government.
“As our various live feeds and video hook-ups of Feb 27 show, the police did not conduct themselves with respect towards the Indian community and the handicapped,” said Waytha Moorthy. “They went after any Indian, mostly innocent ones, found within the vicinity of KLCC.”
He asked whether it was the policy of the government to deny Indians even the right to wait at a bus stop to take a ride to wherever they were headed.
International community
Asked what Hindraf intended to do with the evidence it had gathered on the Feb 27 rally, Waytha Moorthy said that his NGO intended to present it to the international community.
“We will work closely with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and human rights defenders,” said Waytha Moorthy. “They recognise us although the Malaysian government keeps saying that we are an unlawful organisation.”
Post-Feb 27, Hindraf’s first order of business would be to seek a meeting with Najib to present him with the report on the proceedings of a conference it held in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 23.
The meeting, which focused on the marginalised, disenfranchised communities and minorities in Malaysia, also drew participation from the Orang Asli and representatives from Sabah and Sarawak.
“Najib wants us to send him another memorandum on our problems. So, we will send him the Jan 23 report,” said Waytha Moorthy. “He’s still sitting on our memorandum from last year on our 18-point demand and the list of over 100 problems besetting the community.”
Hindraf plans to hold a series of rallies nationwide calling for “an end to Umno’s racism”. Waytha Moorthy declined to disclose when and where the next anti-Umno racism rally will be held.
“Interlok is a manifestation of the racism of Umno,” said Waytha Moorthy. “We will not be deterred. We will risk detention and arrests. We are prepared to fill all the police lock-ups in the country.”
Hindraf blames cops for failed march
The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) had blamed the police force for the failure of yesterday's 'People's March in Solidarity Against Umno's Racism'.
"The marc
h was unsuccessful because we were arrested (on the spot) by the police force, and we were outnumbered," Hindraf coordinator W Sambulingam (left in photo) said in response to Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein's comment last night.
h was unsuccessful because we were arrested (on the spot) by the police force, and we were outnumbered," Hindraf coordinator W Sambulingam (left in photo) said in response to Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein's comment last night.Human Rights Party (HRP) chief P Uthayakumar (right in photo) said it was impossible to proceed with the peaceful march, considering that the police had rejected their application for a police permit.
On Feb 11, Hindraf had submitted an application to Inspector-General Police Ismail Omar for a permit to hold the peaceful march, but it was rejected by Dang Wangi police on Feb 24.
It does not make sense to say the peaceful march was a failure, Uthayakumar told a press conference, since police had also stopped and given a stern warning to those intending to support the march.
"None of this (the arrests) would have happened if they approved our application. All we asked for was a permit to march peacefully, to show what we are upset and to present our demands... ," Sambulingam said, adding that there was no bad intention behind the gathering.
Supporters released
All Hindraf supporters who were arrested attempt were freed in stages yesterday, except for 14 supporters who showed up for a candlelight vigil outside the Jinjang police station last night.
"They were released about 3pm today, including 17-year-old Virasanth Visvanathan, who had been held at the Sungei Besi station," Uthayakumar said.
Yesterday, some 200 Hindraf supporters made their way to the Jinjang police station, demanding the release of their leaders.
At 8am yesterday, Uthayakumar was intercepted and arrested by four plainclothes police officers as he left his apartment in Pantai Hillpark, Kuala Lumpur.
Asked to comment on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's statement that "Hindraf wanted the police to use force on them", Uthayakumar denied the accusation, insisting that the Hindraf march was to have been held peacefully.
Uthayakumar also said the movement is willing to meet the prime minister whenever it suits him.
"We will kuburkan (disband) Hindraf, provided the prime minister obliges our 18-point demand. We are giving Umno a tip for on how to kuburkan Hindraf... just answer our demands on what has been done, what is being done and what will be done for the Indian community," he added.
On Feb 11, Hindraf had submitted an application to Inspector-General Police Ismail Omar for a permit to hold the peaceful march, but it was rejected by Dang Wangi police on Feb 24.
It does not make sense to say the peaceful march was a failure, Uthayakumar told a press conference, since police had also stopped and given a stern warning to those intending to support the march.
"None of this (the arrests) would have happened if they approved our application. All we asked for was a permit to march peacefully, to show what we are upset and to present our demands... ," Sambulingam said, adding that there was no bad intention behind the gathering.
Supporters released
All Hindraf supporters who were arrested attempt were freed in stages yesterday, except for 14 supporters who showed up for a candlelight vigil outside the Jinjang police station last night.
"They were released about 3pm today, including 17-year-old Virasanth Visvanathan, who had been held at the Sungei Besi station," Uthayakumar said.
Yesterday, some 200 Hindraf supporters made their way to the Jinjang police station, demanding the release of their leaders.
At 8am yesterday, Uthayakumar was intercepted and arrested by four plainclothes police officers as he left his apartment in Pantai Hillpark, Kuala Lumpur.
Asked to comment on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's statement that "Hindraf wanted the police to use force on them", Uthayakumar denied the accusation, insisting that the Hindraf march was to have been held peacefully.Uthayakumar also said the movement is willing to meet the prime minister whenever it suits him.
"We will kuburkan (disband) Hindraf, provided the prime minister obliges our 18-point demand. We are giving Umno a tip for on how to kuburkan Hindraf... just answer our demands on what has been done, what is being done and what will be done for the Indian community," he added.
18-point demand
On July 28, 2007, Hindraf had submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, making an 18-point demand for the Indian community.
Among the demands are that:
- The Umno-controlled government should set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the 'Kg Medan mini genocide', condemn the violence, apologise to the Indian community for this, undertake not to repeat the same in future and pay compensation of RM1 million for every citizen killed, permanently maimed, maimed or injured in this tragedy.
- All forms of racial and religious discrimination, oppression and suppression of the Indians/Hindus in both the public and private sectors should be stopped with immediate effect; a Race Relations Commission Act, an Equal Opportunities Commission Act and a Freedom of Religions Commission Act be enacted; powerful commissions be created to give effect to anti-racism, anti-Islamic extremism and anti-direct discrimination practices by the Umno-controlled government, in both the public and private sectors.
- A minimum of 20 opposition members of parliament be elected exclusively by the Indian community to represent their interests at the highest political level and also as a parliamentary democracy check-and-balance; this should be safeguarded and entrenched into the federal constitution, and increased proportionately with the increase in parliamentary seats.
As for now, the movement will not hold any form of demonstration.
Asked if Hindraf had a time frame for an answer from Najib, Uthayakumar replied: "We will wait and see, as we have been waiting for the past three years for a change.
Asked if Hindraf had a time frame for an answer from Najib, Uthayakumar replied: "We will wait and see, as we have been waiting for the past three years for a change.
"But, Umno must stop all their wayang kulit and take this seriously, as we do not like to demonstrate for no reason. No one likes to do so."
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Malaysia police detain dozens of Indian protesters
Members of Malaysia's Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF)
shout slogans during a rally against racism in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011.
shout slogans during a rally against racism in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011.
(The Associated Press) Malaysian police arrested dozens of ethnic Indians on Sunday in a clampdown on a protest against a high school literature book that was slammed for denigrating the minority community.
Police set up roadblocks in the country's biggest city, Kuala Lumpur, amid tight security around the landmark Petronas Twin Towers, where the protest was to be held.
The main protest leader, lawyer P.Uthayakumar, was among those rounded up early Sunday as he was leaving home, said his colleague S.Jayathas, who also was detained. He said more than 100 Indians were believed to have been picked up.
Some 50 protesters who managed to escape the police dragnet gathered at a temple in the city, holding banners and shouting "Ban Interlok" and "Don't insult the Indian community" before dispersing.
"We want a stop to racism against minority citizens, especially the Indian poor, and a ban on Interlok, which is sowing the seeds of racism in schoolchildren. We are not asking for special rights but equal opportunity," Jayathas told The Associated Press from police detention.
Police could not be immediately reached for comment. They earlier refused to issue a permit for the rally on grounds that it could jeopardize security and public order.
Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has accused protesters of trying to stir anti-government rallies similar to those in the Middle East, ahead of general elections widely expected to be held this year.
The Malay-language novel "Interlok" was assigned as a literature textbook for 17-year-old students this year. First published in 1971, it tells the stories of three families - Malay, Chinese and Indian, reflecting Malaysia's main ethnic groups - in British colonial times.
Some Indians complained about a portion of the book involving a poor man from India's "Pariah caste" who migrates to the country to find work and is surprised at the absence of a caste system. They say it unfairly depicts Indians, who make up about 8 percent of Malaysia's 28 million people, as coming from inferior communities and contributes to ethnic tension and discrimination.
Under the Indian caste system, Hindus are divided into four main castes according to their line of work. Although the system is banned in India, it is still practiced in villages. Malaysian Indians continue with most traditions of their ancestors, but the caste system is largely obsolete here.
Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/02/27/2685196/malaysia-police-detain-dozens.html#ixzz1FAZPpw00
Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/02/27/2685196/malaysia-police-detain-dozens.html#ixzz1FAZPpw00
Evening updates
(Monday 28.02.11) 12.20am Our supporters are now heading to Bkt Jalil police station to show their solidarity with the 12 arrested members
_______________________________________________________________________________
Police is playing a game with us. The 14 arrested earlier in Jinjang have been taken to Jalan Dang Wangi Police station. Our people are now heading to Dang Wangi to lend support to our other brothers ans sisters there.
Try as they main with their mighty show of strength which is highly questionable on the lawfulness or reasonable use of force by the police semi column fail to check the equally determined small group of peaceful protesters who refuse to be silence on their believes and have successfully shown at the international level of a hypocritical PM who had the bear face cheek to criticize the LIBYAN colonel using unjustified force again his citizen yet resorted to the same show of violent and racist behaviour.
10.10am The 4 in Putrajaya have been released and are making their way to join the rest in Jinjang. Now left 14 more in Jinjang. Our people's spirits are very high. we have proven to UMNO that they are truly a racist regime.
9.00pm Uthayakumar is now at the Jinjang Police station fighting for the release of 12 Hindraf well wishers who were arrested when they were about to hold the candle light vigil.
8.30pm 4 more Hindraf leaders, Jayathas Hindraf Chief, Ramesh Ipoh chief Selvam selangor chief and Captain Bala have been taken to Putrajaya Police station. Thier status is unknown and our Selangor team have made thier way to Putrajaya. In the interim our Supporters have regrouped in Jinjang temple.
Please send sms's to all Indians to come to come to Jinjang Police station now and we will hold our peaceful protest on interlok and demand for the release of Hindraf leaders.
5.40pm Uthayakumar is in IPD Sentul. He was arrested because of the illegal gathering and trying to organise HINDRAF Rally. With him at the IPD is Perak HRP chief Ramesh and Kedah Chief Ramu. He has asked inspector Shaharudin, the arresting officer to lodge a report on my unlawful arrest, abuse of police power and racism of the UMNO government against the Indian poor of Malaysia article 8,10 and 12 of the federal constitution. The struggle continues .
Manoharan Malayalam just came to Jinjang. I have advised him to particularly look into the welfare of Sambu and Selvan who are badly injured. He would insist that police take them to the hospital.
The Police is threatening to divide the arrested into 2. This is so that the groups that are gathered is also divided. But our guys have been advised to stay put at same place jinjang. Please call all your friends to come to jinjang to hold the candle vigil all nite long.
4.37 pm
The crowd awaiting release of Sambulingam, Jayathas, Selvam and the rest. The crowd motivating itself to secure the release the trio. They will have candle vigil till everyone is released in Jinjang Balai.
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