HINDRAF & HRP Deepavali Wishes: UMNO Narakasura must be “Politically Killed” in 2012-2013 General Election

We look Forward the day 2012-2013 Deepavali when Narakasura UMNO is politically killed. The victory will triumph over the evil UMNO regime.
Register as a voter at HRP 15/38 project to create Indian majority seats.
Please mobilize all your contacts to register as voters and forward to all.
S.JAYATHAS
HINDRAF & Human Rights Party (HRP)
Information Chief

Will Pakatan commit to a roadmap for true democracy?

P. Waytha Moorthy, HINDRAF Chairman

Many have forgotten that Pakatan Rakyat and the agenda to capture Putrajaya at 12th general election became a reality after the tsunami of HINDRAF on…

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P. Waytha Moorthy, HINDRAF Chairman

Many have forgotten that Pakatan Rakyat and the agenda to capture Putrajaya at 12th general election became a reality after the tsunami of HINDRAF on November 25, 2007. Till then, even the top leadership of Pakatan never for once imagined the prospect of reaching so close to Putrajaya. The cry of Makkal Sakthi reverberated in every household irrespective of race or creed. Yes, there was a shift of the mindset of the grassroots Indians, which was the main cause of the now forgotten impact caused by the Indian voters.

The great tsunami brought about the much spoken about “change” by the PR leadership.

Pakatan can’t go on with the rhetoric of change without defining its true meaning. Since gaining tremendously in the last GE they have been talking about the change that is needed for Malaysia. Promises of accountability, openness and eradication of corruption have been made to convince Malaysians of their agenda of “change.”

But let us be honest – these promises are good on paper but the true change starts with what is being done for the poor and discriminated. Every aspiring politician speaks those words which are no more than vague promises made without commitment or convictions (what we call kosong politics).

For a Human Rights Movement like Hindraf/HRP, which represents the poor, and underclass, those promises are meaningless. Honestly, it does not matter to the poor man suffering on the ground level if politicians are corrupt or if the country will be provided with good governance should there be change of Government. The poor man needs to be fed first. He needs an income. He needs a house. The almost half million internally displaced Indian labourers’ from the estates need to be provided with compensation for their displaced lives, training opportunities to cope with their displacement, proper relocation and affordable housing.

Since 1975 they have become the new urban poor and underclass who are suffering on a daily basis. A large number of them are stateless and a good 150,000 such stateless children are not attending schools because the UMNO Government dictates so. By virtue of being stateless, many are unable to avail of the basic benefits of healthcare, social welfare, employment, driving licenses, acquire property, etc. What does it matter to these men and women if a new PR government is not corrupt or can provide good governance. These promises of change do not matter to them.

PR should understand their version of change is only cosmetic when viewed from the point of view of the common man, leave alone the underclass. True democracy requires much more inclusive change not continuing benefits to only those who are already benefiting from the UMNO crafted system. Instead, they need to come out with a bold new commitment for true change and draw a road map for true democracy.

It is time the main component parties of PR, the PKR shed their UMNO, MCA and MIC mentality (I say this because PKR is filled with BN rejects) and start thinking seriously about getting rid of a REGIME. The UMNO regime has been monopolising, bullying, plundering and shortchanging the country and its people for a good 53 years and everyone realises this.

So talk of capturing Putrajaya should be backed up with a concrete commitment for CHANGE instead of mere rhetoric’s.

So what Democratic changes are we looking for?

Let me list down the following basic democratic changes, which in our opinion mean TRUE CHANGE;

1) Clear and unambiguous commitment to the principles of Equality for all as stipulated in Article 8 of the Federal Constitution.

2) Strict adherence to the original spirit and intention of the drafting of Article 153 of the Malaysian Constitution, i.e. the Special Position of the Malays and Natives in limited areas and not the false notion of the Malay Special Privileges and the “sapu bersih/habis” concept that have paralysed non-Malays and stymied the country for 53 years.

3) Commitment to amend the Federal Constitution to incorporate a truly impartial and independent Constitutional Court and its composition of Judges takes into account seniority, experience and appointment are to be open and transparent and consists of members of all races equally.

4) Protection of Freedom of Religion as enshrined under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. All conflicts of religious status of persons etc should be adjudicated in the civil courts.

The original intention of amendments to Article 121 (1) of the Federal Court should be strictly adhered to, i.e. that the role of Muslim syariah courts, are to strictly adjudicate upon matrimonial and property matters involving Muslims only as per the debates and adoption of the new article 121 1 (A) in the Parliament Hansard in 1988.

All places of worships belonging to non-Muslims are to be equally recognised as PLACES OF WORSHIP (many do not realise that non-Muslim places of worships do not have a status) and land titles issued and permanently gazetted. Provisions be made under Federal funding for the establishment of new places of worships for all religious groups in a fair and orderly manner in new townships and the government to provide for its maintenance as granted to Muslim places of worships. Land titles granted to all places of worships, which had existed before Merdeka and the rights of these Religious groups be respected.

All persons are allowed to choose a Religion of his/her choice without state interference.

5) PR commits taking over responsibility of Education fully, i.e. to provide land and funding equally for all schools including vernacular schools and upgrade and maintain all vernacular schools and schools belonging to minority groups, equally without discrimination. The responsibility of Education of all classes of citizens would be shouldered by the Government and the distinction of fully aided and non-fully aided school should be abolished.

6) Commit to revamp and clean the Police Force and civil service of its current corrupted particularly the top ranking officers.

7) Return the status quo of the monarchy prior to the amendments of 1981.

8) Commit to providing welfare and housing assistance of quality to all Malaysian poor equally under the welfare and housing ministry programs without any segregation/discrimination on grounds of race and religion.

9) Commit to the formation of a Royal commission of Inquiry into the Racist Agenda of BTN, which has trained almost 80% of its Civil servants to implement racist policies in Malaysia.

10) A royal commission and a truth and reconciliation commission to inquire into the abuse of power and corruption of UMNO regime over the past 53 years since independence.

11) Give the Borneo states its promised autonomy as per the 1963 Malaysia agreement and hold a commission of inquiry to investigate the issuance of citizenships to more than 1.5 million Muslims from around the region of Philippines and Indonesia which intended to dilute the Christian population in Sabah of their Political power. Return 50% of its wealth in natural resources back to the Borneo states for it to administer.

12) To revamp and draw concrete plans to implement new economic programs to benefit all Malaysians irrespective of race and Religion and announce these proposed plans before the next GE.

13) To pass a new Race Relations Act to make racial segregation/discrimination a crime in line with the International standards.

14) To adopt and ratify all International Human rights treaties and bring Malaysia on par with modern democratic society in the United Nations.

15) To revamp the Human Rights Commission to give it the power to initiate and recommend prosecutions independently of the Attorney-General and these recommendations are to be adhered by the Attorney-General (commit to amend the Federal Constitution to make the necessary changes). The appointment of members of the commission to be made open and transparent and its composition to be of people with integrity and credible Human rights record and contributions.

16) To make an immediate commitment to resolve (not look into) the plight of the marginalized society that is plaguing the country which includes;

* The estimated 350,000 stateless Malaysian born Indians.

* Provide equal economic, social and educational opportunities for all marginalised community and declare openly programs and workable budgets to bring them on par with other communities and place them in the mainstream economic agenda.

17) To fully implement recommendations of the Royal Commission to enhance the operation and management of the Royal Malaysian Police established by the King on 4th February 2004. To form an independent Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate the extra-judicial killings committed by the Royal Malaysian police.

18) To reduce annual defence budgets and mega projects and commit to allocate a minimum of RM5 Billion per annum to uplift Malaysia’s marginalised society and further RM5 billion of National wealth to help spur economic activity amongst the poor and marginalized.

19) To abolish the Internal Security Act and the Sedition Act and all repressive Laws and provisions in the Police Act, Printing Press and Publication Act, etc.

20) Commit to liberalise licenses/permits for publications and allow free airtime equally to all political parties during General Elections campaign period.

The above are the true democratic changes that we in Hindraf/HRP would like to see. Would PR share our dreams for a better Malaysia?

It is an insult to one’s intelligence to float the idea and notion that “they must vote us in because UMNO is evil and we will bring about changes”!

What changes are you talking about Pakatan? We do not wish to be fooled into voting for change only to find ourselves being oppressed by the new forces of Change!

The PKR-DAP-PAS Axis

The PKR-DAP-PAS axis is suspect. They can’t see eye-to-eye in a real sense but somehow seem to have tasted limited power and aspire to take full control of the country on a loosely knitted coalition based on some amorphous notion of democratic change. PAS strongly advocates an Islamic state and ideology and will never accept the International standards of democracy and humanity. DAP on the other hand advocates socialist democratic principles but once tasted limited power in Penang has shown they are no more capitalist than UMNO and are equally capable of betraying the trust placed on them when within a year of coming to power they demolished the Kampong Buah Pala, committed gross violations of human rights of the poor of Kampong Buah Pala.

Worse, now they are bending backwards just to please PAS for the sake of Malay Muslim voters with Guan Eng claiming to take a leaf from a Caliph and DAP MP’s wayang kulit of selendang clad visits to suraus. We have never seen even the mandore parties MCA or GERAKAN doing that but we see that aplenty with the LIM dynasty hell bent on grasping power at all costs. PKR on the other hand is filled with UMNO, MCA and MIC rejects and formed not to champion a political cause but more as a vehicle for Anwar Ibrahim to become the next Prime Minister. Any new comer who aspires for a change and reforms are termed as chameleons and branded as planted to destroy within.

So how can a purely Human Rights Movement like Hindraf and HRP trust the suspect alliance of PKR-DAP-PAS axis? I believe we are not the only ones in doubt. I have personally spoken to many NGO’s and friends in the Human rights circle and they are in agreement that PR is not genuine in bringing about change that they often speak of. Why should genuine grassroots movement like us take their words as gospel truth when they dare not even spell out in the open their change and reform agenda? I challenge the top leadership of PR come in the open to say that I’m wrong and they are committed to the above changes which I believe many peace and democracy thirst Malaysians would love to see.

Would they? No, I don’t think so. They are just not ready for the true CHANGE. We have to take this country out of its slumber and rebuild Malaysia into a progressive and democratic country. To do this there must be genuine political will for Democracy, Good governance and Human Rights.

But what kosong politicians would like to champion and portray is Human Rights from top to bottom. For us in Hindraf/HRP, we are committed to the fundamental principles of Human Rights of individuals and not the Human Rights of the privileged.

So wake up PR and stop demonising all who speak the truth and say what is right and just.

Up until the Kampong Buah Pala saga, HINDRAF was a gem of a Movement because it delivered the 80% Indian votes free of charge to PR. The moment we stood our ground on the KBP issue and the subsequent inaction and inefficiencies of state PR Governments we fell into the list of an extremist and fanatical movement. Have you guys forgotten that this was the very same label UMNO painted on us on a daily basis in their media post 25/11? And yet the grassroots were with us because they recognize we ARE THEIR TRUE VOICE.

I had the opportunity to speak to Dato Seri Anwar as early as January 2009 on the inefficiencies of the respective PR state Governments and had requested for urgent meeting to look into ways on how we could complement each other and help the Pakatan states overcome their so-called teething problems in solving the main issues affecting the Indians. Unfortunately he never got around fulfilling his promises perhaps because of our stand on the KBP issue, for which we do not regret. It surprised me when labels of racist outfit were painted by him when he clearly understood the issues and pertinent questions, which I had raised during the many tele-conversations I had with him in 2009.

The Political structure of Malaysia is so used to Mandore Politics that I feel the Pakatan leadership does not want to disrupt that set up as much as BN as they would be more comfortable with “weak Indian leaders” who are either not educated, non-professionals or the elite Indians who are aware they do not command the grassroots support and hence need to cling on to PR leadership in the ticket of being multi racial leaders.

We in Hindraf/HRP are committed to not only break loose from the shackles of UMNO hegemony but also the Mandore system which has been used by both divide of politicians to rule and control the grassroots Indians. It appears it is in the interest of both UMNO and Pakatan to stop us from breaking this Mandore system as it is easier to deal with the Mandores in their respective parties than dealing with a strong movement which is committed towards the cause of Human rights and stands its grounds of principal rather than accept some bread crumbs contracts and funds thrown at them. For taking a principled stand we are termed racist and extremists.

Today it is Zaid who is slaughtered for saying and wanting to take the right direction. He is being demonised and branded a racist and chameleon sent by UMNO to break the party from within. Last year, it was Sabah’s Dr Jeffrey. It is rumoured that Anwar did not want a Christian Sabah leader and he was targeted as a traitor for his Borneo autonomy demand. Is Pakatan going to demonise each and every Movement and individual who are not in tandem with their vague and uncommitted politics?

We in Hindraf/HRP are in no hurry. We are prepared to wait another 53 years if it means ultimately getting a true democratic country. After all, the blacks in America fought a “war” for more than 200 years to be recognised as equal citizens. The Indians fought another 250 years to gain independence. It took centuries for the French to be rid of the monarchy.

All those people endured torture and contempt. We in Hindraf/HRP have just started crawling but we will never be cowed nor bought with the offer of privileges of the powerful. Yes we are a minority community and may not have the numbers to bring about changes we want. But believe me, in time to come, Malaysia would eventually realise the true form of democracy and we and our great grandchildren would wait and continue the struggle till then. WE ARE IN NO HURRY, WE MAY OR MAY NOT ACHIEVE OUR GOALS IN THIS LIFETIME BUT WE HAVE DEFINITELY SOWED THE SEEDS FOR A TRUE DEMOCRACY IN MALAYSIA.

RIGHTS NOT MERCY

Memo to Menteri Besar Johor, UMNO denies land for Masai Hindu Graveyard

1st November 2010 at 11.00am, Human Rights Party together with concern citizen handover memorandum to Johor Menteri Besar regarding land denied for Masai Graveyard. Memorandum collected by Encik Sharul (Pegawai…

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1st November 2010 at 11.00am, Human Rights Party together with concern citizen handover memorandum to Johor Menteri Besar regarding land denied for Masai Graveyard. Memorandum collected by Encik Sharul (Pegawai pembantu pentadbiran Menteri Besar Johor).

HRP at Johor Menteri Besar office. from left: G.Subramaniam, S.Magesan, En.Sharul, Y.Mohan (Johor HRP Chairman) & Perumal. 

MEMORANDUM

MEMORANDUM KEPADA YAB DATO’ HAJI ABDUL GHANI BIN OTHMAN – MENTERI BESAR JOHOR BERKENAAN TANAH PERKUBURAN DI MASAI DAN DI KAWASAN SEKITAR JOHOR BAHRU YANG SUDAH PENUH DAN TIADA TEMPAT LAGI PADA MASA KINI.

Salam sejahtera,

Kami dari Human Rigths Party Malaysia (Interim), mewakili kaum India beragama Hindu di sekitar kawasan Masai khususnya dan kawasan sekitar Johor Bahru secara amnya ingin menggesa kerajaan Johor di bawah pentadbiran YAB DATO’ HAJI ABDUL GHANI BIN OTHMAN – MENTERI BESAR JOHOR supaya masalah Tanah Perkuburan di Masai dan Johor Bahru diselesaikan dengan segera memandangkan tiada tempat untuk tanah perkuburan.

Untuk pengetahuan pihak kerajaan, tujuan utama kami memberi memo ini ialah untuk mendapatkan sebidang tanah perkuburan baru dan juga mengkaji masalah tanah perkuburan di Masai.

Kami menggesa kerajaan supaya:

1) Mengenal pasti Tanah Perkuburan yang baru di Masai dan bagi kawasan sekitar Johor Bahru.

2) Membuat satu siasatan rasmi di Tanah Perkuburan Masai berkaitan penggunaannya memandangkan didapati masih ada ruang tetapi tidak digunakan. (Dikhuatiri kawasan paya)

3) Memandangkan Tanah Perkuburan lain disebelahnya sudah penuh dan diberi tanah di tempat lain kecuali bagi beragama Hindu.

Situasi sekarang.

Situasi sekarang tiada tempat untuk dikebumikan / dibakar. Tetapi masih ada ruang untuk ditanam dan dibakar. Tempat pembakaran tidak dijaga kerana kebanyakan mayat dibawa ke perkuburan Cina untuk dibakar secara elektrik yang terletak di Sungai Tiram, Tiram dimana ia terletak lebih kurang 30 KM dari Masai. Untuk pengetahuan pihak kerajaan, bukan semua mayat Hindu boleh dibakar kerana menurut agama Hindu ada yang mesti kena bakar dan ada yang mesti kena tanam. Tetapi sekarang semuanya kena dibakar dan itupun di Perkuburan Cina. Masih lagi menumpang mayat. Kesemua masyarakat India Hindu terpaksa berbuat demikian dan mereka ini melingkungi kawasan Pasir Gudang, Kota Masai, Masai, Seri Alam, Plentong, Kong Kong dan Permas Jaya.

Persoalan masyarakat Masai pula ialah, Tanah Perkuburan Masai yang digazetkan pada 22/07/1962 dan diluluskan pada 2/07/1963 (Plan no: 25429 dan Lot no: 2127) seluas 1.75 ekar yang diuruskan oleh Subramaniam Temple Masai, kini tiada tempat lagi. Jika ada pun ia adalah paya dan persoalan mereka ialah adakah kesemua tempat ini digunakan sepenuhnya. Sudah lebih 10 tahun tiada kes perkuburan disini dan tiada tanah baru.

Untuk pengetahuan tuan, masalah sebenar bukannya tak boleh bertoleransi semasa pembakaran mayat di tempat orang Cina (dimana perkara ini tak akan diterima oleh agama lain), Cuma bila ia melibatkan mereka yang miskin, mereka terpaksa bayar lebih untuk bakar mayat kerana hanya mereka yang menumpang kawasan perkuburan sahaja boleh merasai rasa duka yang teramat. Kereta mayat sekarang memberi pakej perkuburan yang melibatkan paling kurang RM 5000. Mereka yang miskin terpaksa untuk mencari ALONG untuk mendapatkan wang segera agar mayat tidak dibiar begitu sahaja dan mereka akan lakukan apa sahaja termasuk meminjam wang. Terdapat lebih 20 keluarga (yang kami ada sekarang dan mungkin lebih jika kami buat kajian) yang menghadapi masalah Along yang berpunca daripada kematian.

Bayangkan selepas pemergian seseorang, tiada tempat untuk mengkubur dan membakar, yang ada cuma menumpang , dengan berat hati terpaksa membakar walaupun ada yang kena tanam, , terpaksa meminjam wang dari Along, bayar sampai 5 tahun dan lebih. Adakah ini bukannya tanggungjawab kerajaan tempatan dan mereka yang mengurus Tanah Perkuburan? Jika semua perkara perlu demonstrasi dan Memo apa gunanya kami sebagai rakyat India Hindu yang bergenerasi 5 dan 6 keturunan di Malaysia. Adakah kami bukan rakyat Malaysia.

Apakah sebidang tanah perkuburan yang kami minta untuk beribu ribu masyarakat India di Johor Bahru dan Masai adalah keterlaluan? Lagi teruk keadaan kami kerana tiada tempat lagi untuk mengebumikan di Kebun Teh, Johor Bahru.

Apa yang kami menggesa pihak kerajaan ialah:

· Laksanakan segera siasatan di Tanah Perkuburan Masai.

· Kami perlukan sebidang tanahperkuburan segera sebagai tanda menghormati agama dan masyarakat kami.

· Kami bersedia untuk sebarang perbincangan dan jika tiada hasil atau keputusan dalam masa dua bulan maka kami tiada cara lain selain menjunjung mayat ke Pejabat Menteri Besar kerana kami percaya beliau boleh selesaikan masalah ini.

Bersama ini kami sertakan dokumen yang berikut:

* Ditandatangani oleh masyarakat India yang terlibat dalam masalah ini dan orang awam yang mula risau.
* Gambar-gambar kubur Masai pada masa kini.
* Pelan Tanah Perkuburan India, Masai

Sekian, Terima kasih.

Yang Benar,

____________________

(Y.MOHAN)

HRP JOHOR STATE CHAIRMAN

Tel h/p: 019-7102895

Sk1.Yang Dipertua Majlis Pembandaran Johor Bahru Tengah, Skudai Johor.

GAMBAR-GAMBAR YANG DIAMBIL DI TANAH PERKUBURAN INDIA MASAI,JOHOR.

Penyokong-penyokong orang awam yang meminta tanah untuk kubur India di masai.

Tempat membakar mayat yang tidak sempurna seperti bumbung tidak ada dan tidak dijaga lansung. Tempat ini langsung tidak dipakai lebih kurang 10 tahun lalu.

Kubur India Masai sudah penuhi dan orang awam di kawasan itu dipercayai kubur China sudah memasuki ke kawasan kubur India.sejak lebih kurang 15 tahun kubur India di masai tidak boleh dikebumikan mayat.

Jambatan inilah laluan masuk utama ke kubur India yang tidak sempurna.Hal ini, menyusahkan orang awam melintas jambatan ini kerana takut runtuh bila-bila masa.

HAF Highlights Persecution of Hindus in Muslim-Majority Nations

Washington, D.C. (October 26, 2010) - The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) articulated the extensive oppression of Hindu minorities in Muslim-majority nations at The Plight of Minorities and Expatriates in Arab…

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Washington, D.C. (October 26, 2010) - The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) articulated the extensive oppression of Hindu minorities in Muslim-majority nations at The Plight of Minorities and Expatriates in Arab and Muslim Countries: What the U.S. Should Do,

a conference sponsored by the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in
Saudi Arabia (CDHR).  Drawing upon extensive data in HAF’s 2009 human
rights report, Hindus in South Asia and the Diaspora: A Survey of Human Rights,
Professor Ramesh Rao, HAF’s Human Rights Coordinator, highlighted the
discrimination faced by minorities, particularly Hindus, in Saudi
Arabia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Afghanistan.


Other presentations focused on the persecution of Copts in Egypt, plight of
Christians in the Middle East, repression of minorities in the Arab
Middle East and Iran, experience of Baha’i communities in the Middle
East, status of Jews in Arab countries, women’s rights under Sharia law,
compatibility of Sharia law with the U.S. judicial system, and
oppression of minorities in Iraq.

Labeling the muted complaints and silence of the media, governments and scholars
in recording this history of oppression of minorities in
Muslim-majority countries as “taboo history,” Prof. Carole Basri of the
University of Pennsylvania Law School urged speakers and participants to
engage lawmakers more vigorously by shedding light on the plight of
minorities in many Muslim-majority nations. Dr. Ali Alyami, Executive
Director of CDHR, said, in his introductory remarks, that
representatives of these persecuted minorities should collaborate and
speak with one voice to give voice to the oppressed in Muslim-majority
nations.

“It was heartening to meet with representatives of the Copts, Ahmaddiyas,
Baha’i, Christians, and Jews at this conference, and join them in
voicing our distress at the fate of minorities, including Hindus, in
Muslim-majority nations across the world,” said Prof. Rao. “It is
important we build on the synergy created in this first meeting and
demand action from our lawmakers and administration officials who have
succumbed to the pressures of the 57 member-nations of the Organization
of Islamic Conference (OIC) by disregarding these atrocities.”

Image Credit: Migom Foto

Uthayakumar on LittleIndia

Stateless ranks swelled by UMNO Administration ineptitude -by Hindraf

Malay-sian Police Special Branch in trail of Hindraf Chair P.Waytha Moorthy at Public Records office (UK National Archives‏)

The below photos were taken by well wishers of HINDRAF who are taking turns to keep Waytha Moorthy safe in London at the National Archives Kew London.

On 28th October…

More ► More ▼ The below photos were taken by well wishers of HINDRAF who are taking turns to keep Waytha Moorthy safe in London at the National Archives Kew London.

On 28th October the 1st Malay Special Branch officer was spotted loitering in the research areas in the archives spying on the research work on behalf of Hindraf carried out by Waytha Moorthy. The next day 29th October he came with a Pakistani/Bangladeshi looking mystery male and pointed out Waytha Moorthy to the mystery man.

Hindraf would hold the Malay-sian Special Branch responsible should anything untoward happened to Waytha Moorthy.

We are particularly concerned with the safety of Waytha Moorthy as over the last 3 months there has been political killings (hired killers) in the UK involving at least 2 overseas Political leaders /activists seeking asylum in UK.

Is our Education system failing?

Dinesweri Puspanadan, Malaysia Chronicle

When one particular question is raised; ' Is our education system good?', majority of Malaysians, sweeping aside their political preferences and individual principles, echo one mutual…

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Dinesweri Puspanadan, Malaysia Chronicle

When one particular question is raised; ' Is our education system good?', majority of Malaysians, sweeping aside their political preferences and individual principles, echo one mutual answer; NO. Whether we like it or not, we need to accept the fact that our education system has been failing.

Before exploring this issue further, let me remind you that we are not going to discuss the issues of passing examinations with flying colors, enrolling into prestigious Higher Institutes,or graduating as a gold medalist but another dimension of education, real life education.

Recalling one of my buddies' tweet recently; 'No one can dictate to you WHAT to think if you know HOW to think'. Has our education system has been teaching the kids how to think? Food for thought.

Look at the undergraduates. How many of them do you think are vocal and reasonable with their thoughts? Supposedly, undergraduates should set a good example. Contradictorily, their acts are not parallel with their thoughts. Some of their responses to Adam Lambert's concert is a good example. One of the justifications they used to oppose the concert is it could encourage homosexuality. Ironically, this group fights for students' freedom. Don't you think that by putting forward one group's demand, we are actually surpassing another group's rights? Who are we to decide for the others even if they are just the minority? Are not these students 'educated' on making reasonable justifications? Mind you, they are the 'future leaders'.

Our Philosophy of Education emphasizes holistic development particularly intellectual growth in learning. Intellectual people are usually able to discuss any issue despite its sensitivity without offending others. They tend to be less defensive and more diplomatic whenever they present their arguments that they normally back with loads of justification. They are open to criticism and these people also many times present constructive feedback. How many Malaysians do you think fit to this category?

Politicians especially are driven by their own political agenda to the extent where they talk things which make less sense. They shut up the public, they penalize those who speak their mind, and at the end of the day they end up making fools of themselves and the people's laughing stocks. We can only nod our heads at their stupidity. On the other side, we have a bunch of people who are browsing for opportunities to bash their 'enemies'. If someone really cares for the people and the nation, they should offer long term solutions for problems instead of wasting their time slamming others. Where exactly are these people's intellectual growth restrained?

Some Malaysians are either too outspoken or too dumb and fearful to stand up for their rights. Their 'tak apa' attitude surpasses their ability to think and reason which at the end erodes their ability to empathize with others. How many of Malaysians are concerned about what happened to Aminul Rasyid, Teng Beng Hock, Kugan?(the list continues). Many actually take a step back whenever it comes to a fight for justice.

The implementation of the education system fails where many of its products are inert and they are trained to mind their own business. Our people are lacking the sense of ownership. How do you think this could be cultivated if administration work lands on teachers' shoulders plus they have to complete the syllabus before the examination. In some worse cases, some teachers even seem blessed with 'making babies' assignment throughout their service! With these type of conditions, how do you think we could provide space for the kids to explore themselves, build relationships with their friends and learn new things through exploration. Feelings are not taught but shaped through experiences with their buddies during their learning. Does our education system provide the space?

The highest point of a good education should be the ability to see every human being as one regardless of their race, color, and creed. Issues of race and religion are always twisted in our country. When it comes to these issues, one should not question why? But why? Isn't questioning part of learning? Hilariously, many are shut off when it comes to the issue of religion. Why aren't we allowed to question the validity of certain practices in religion? Why should one particular religion appear as superior to another? Is your God different than mine?

Disappointingly, even so called 'educated' people are not prepared for table-talk when it comes to religion. They insult other people's beliefs and make fun of rituals and prayers. How are you sure that your religion is the best and superior to other religions? Did God appear in your dream and present an academic paper to prove it?

We fail to understand that religion is a set of disciplines which guide us throughout our life. Remember that even Holy books are written based on interpretations provided by prophets. Interpretation varies according to people's beliefs, background, and culture and that's the reason why cults are formed. In this context, our education system has failed miserably. It fails to form the structure of critical thinking among the learners. They are surpassed from thinking. Putting it in its naked form, education is politicized. Others decide what we should question and what we should not in the name of religion!

10-year-old kids even talk about skin color, calls his buddies from other races names, makes fun of the rituals of other religions and this kid is a future parent who is going to groom his family. What personality would his child have? Something for us to ponder.

Our education system needs a set of effective implementation. It needs to cross the boundary of scoring As and has to teach our kids about being good human beings and not straight-A students with terrible attitude and who tweet and comment nonsense with shallow and skewed logic.

By the way, Tun Mahathir, are there any handicaps provided to ensure fairness in the growth of the spiritual, intellectual, and attitude?

UMNO doesn’t want Indian votes

Civil Society Gathers for Selvachandran

India increases scholarship fund for Malaysian students

By G Vinod - Free Malaysia Today

KUALA LUMPUR: India has increased the scholarship fund for ethnic Indian students in Malaysia from RM3.5 million to RM5 million

This was an…

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By G Vinod - Free Malaysia Today

KUALA LUMPUR: India has increased the scholarship fund for ethnic Indian students in Malaysia from RM3.5 million to RM5 million

This was an increase of RM1.5 million on the annually disbursed funds.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who made the announcement while on a state visit here recently, also said announced 20 new scholarships for Malaysian students to study traditional system of medicine in India.

The scholarship fund was established in 1946 by former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru to help Indian students in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, in its blog, Human Rights Party (HRP) took credit for the Indian government's decision to increase its scholarhips to Malaysian students.

HRP claimed that the move to augment the scholarship fund was a result of the party's hard work in highlighting the plight of the Indian students here to the Indian government.

“We submitted our requests in the form of various letters and memoranda to the Indian High Commission here as well as directly to the Indian premier.

“All those numerous letters have been put up on this website over the last several months as well,” reads the blog.

Clear message

HRP said the increase in allocation was also a message to the Umno-led government.

“This is a clear message to the Umno government that the international community is aware of its racists ways,” it said.

Speaking to FMT, HRP information chief S Jayathas thanked Hindraf Makkal Sakthi chairman P Waythamoorthy for his efforts in highlighting the woes faced by Indian students here on the international arena.

“We have been pursuing the matter vigorously with the Indian government this year, with assistance from Waythamoorthy ,”said Jayathas, who is also Hindraf Makkal Sakthi's national information coordinator.

He criticised the government for blacking out the news (on the Indian scholarships), alleging that it deliberately muzzled the mainstream media.

“The increase in allocation was a big blow to the Umno-led government. I hope this will be a lesson... to treat Indian students fairly,” said Jayathas, who urged the government to allow Indian students who score 7As and above in SPM to enter university.

Protest against violent arrest

Memorandum of protest to the IGP on the arrest and detention of inquest witness K.Selvach Santhiran Bukit Aman, 30 October 2010

Introduction

The continuing descent of the PDRM into lawlessness has been graphically demonstrated by the 25 October beating and abduction of K. Selvach Santhiran by men in plainclothes claiming to…

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Introduction

The continuing descent of the PDRM into lawlessness has been graphically demonstrated by the 25 October beating and abduction of K. Selvach Santhiran by men in plainclothes claiming to be police personnel who did not properly identify themselves. Selvach was one of the key witnesses who testified against the police in the recently concluded R.Gunasegaran death in police custody inquest.

On the very day the verdict was delivered in the inquest, the police moved against Selvach and came to his home to arrest him. When Selvach’s children asked the police why their father was being dragged away, the police answered by beating Selvach in front of his own children. In a twisted perversion of conjugal love, the police tried to make Selvach’s wife S.Saraswathy kiss him before beating him up in front of her.

Selvach, who did his duty as an upright citizen by telling the truth at the R.Gunasegaran death in police custody inquest, is now being held at an unknown location with no access to his family or lawyers despite several efforts to meet him or ascertain his whereabouts.

It is believed that he is being detained without trial under the draconian Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969 or the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 that allow the police to detain a person for 60 days with no recourse to judicial safeguard and thereafter 2 years’ detention on the order of the Home

Whilst we understand that the police have an important and onerous job to prevent and combat crime, the police must understand that the wide powers of arrest and detention cannot be abused and used arbitrarily. As a professional police force, they should be guided by the law and legal processes in the country and not act with impunity and complete disregard for constitutional and judicial safeguards.

This is unfortunately symptomatic of the police’s inability to act professionally as a police force that can work within a modern criminal justice system and not resort to preventive measures that do not require any real police work and diligence. The police should instead strive to be a modern and professional force that conform to international standards and best practices and not regress to wrongful practices that have caused the public to lose so much confidence with the police force.

The aggressive and unlawful response of the police is a reflection of the general arrogance and lack of respect for the Federal Constitution, the rule of law and other legal procedures. This is not an isolated incident but a continuation of a long standing series of acts by the police that showed their contempt for the rights of the people that have resulted in gross abuse of police powers leading to brutality, torture, arbitrary arrest, prolonged detention, shooting, custodial violence and death.

The arrest and detention of Selvach is gravely aggravated by the fact that he was arrested on the same day – after the outrageous and scandalous “open verdict” delivered by Coroner Siti Shakirah Mohtarudin in the R.Gunasegaran death in police custody inquest. Selvach was one of three persons who were in police custody with R.Gunasegaran and they have consistently identified Lance Corporal Mohd Faizal as having physically assaulted the deceased. They did so despite threats to their safety by the police and despite the inducement that their cooperation would secure their immediate release.

It cannot be a mere coincidence that Selvach was arrested so soon and further more he was detained under unspecified accusations under draconian provisions that allow the police to detain a suspect without trial for up to two years. It goes without saying that whistleblowers should be protected by the administration of law rather than punished by law enforcement officers. This is a blatant abuse of police power and a serious criminal act that can be prosecuted under the Penal Code and may further be subjected to contempt of court proceedings. Further, these actions point to police retaliation and clearly intended to intimidate those who speak up against injustices or wrongdoings perpetrated by members of the police force.

Uncivilised and unjust laws like the DDA and EO have no place in a modern and democratic state like Malaysia. These oppressive laws and methods violate the constitutional and human rights of the people and are contemptuous of the judicial authority and the legal process. The Malaysian Bar and civil society have forcefully and repeatedly called for the repeal of all preventive detention laws and for such arbitrary arrests and re-arrests to cease.

The police cannot be permitted to continue to operate in an environment of impunity but as this tragic episode has explicitly illustrated, the police has just sent a strong message that they can act as they please with no regard to the rule of law, police professionalism and the law and procedure governing their conduct.

Our Demands

The Inspector General of Police must:

1. release Selvach immediately and issue a public apology to him and his family;

2. take stern action, including criminal prosecution and disciplinary action against the policemen who assaulted and arrested Selvach;

3. support the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), to function as an independent, external oversight body to investigate complaints about police personnel and to make the police accountable for their conduct;

4. stop the unjust practice of arresting and re-arresting under preventive detention laws;

5. undertake to respect the right of the people for unimpeded and free access to lawyers at all times;

6. require the police especially those in plainclothes to identify themselves and display their authorisation when affecting their powers;

7. support human rights education and training programmes, with a view to changing the attitudes and methods of law enforcement personnel.

Submitted by Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) and Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) on behalf of the family of K. Selvach Santhiran 

Key witness to death inquest held under drug charge

(Malaysiakini) A noisy protest in front of the national police headquarters staged by around 80 people forced the disclosure that a key witness to a police custody death had been…

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(Malaysiakini) A noisy protest in front of the national police headquarters staged by around 80 people forced the disclosure that a key witness to a police custody death had been detained for alleged drug offences.

A police spokesperson said that the narcotics department took the action taken against K Selvachandran under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Special Preventive Measures).

However, it took him close to an hour and a half of noisy protest at Bukit Aman to come up with the answer.

They had gathered this morning to demonstrate against Selva's sudden arrest on Monday night, just a few hours after the coroner's court gave an open verdict on the custodial death of R Gunasegaran.

The participants mobilised by several human rights and civil society NGOs such as Lawyers for Liberty and Suaram they also handed over a memorandum to the police.

However, there was a brief face-off when the police officer who had come out to receive the document earlier had no answers for the protestors, which included Selva's wife Saraswathy (below, right), on where he was being detained.

The protestors also refused to hand over the memorandum to him, until answers were forthcoming.

A little more than an hour later the police officer returned to deliver the news of Selva's whereabouts.

No trial for key witness, yet

Under the special preventive measures of the Dangerous Drugs Act, a suspect can be detained without trial for up to 60 days.

Upon its expiry, the home minister is empowered to endorse a two-year extension which can be renewed indefinitely and cannot be challenged in court.

"The minister Hishammuddin Hussein had said that he did not want to interfere but it will be his signature on the detention orders once the 60 days are up. He is responsible for Selva," said Latheefa Koya, (right in headscarf in photo) a representatives of Lawyers for Liberty (LFL).

The memorandum signed by LFL and Suaram, also demanded Selva's immediate release as well as a public apology from the police.

"The inspector-general of police also must take stern action, including criminal prosecution and disciplinary action against the policemen who assaulted and arrested Selva," said the memorandum.

A hat was also passed around, collecting RM1,140 from the protestors as financial aid to Saraswathy.

Representatives from Pakatan Rakyat included four MPs - Khalid Samad (Shah Alam), Dzulkifly Ahmad (Kuala Selangor), R Sivarasa (Subang) and Charles Santiago (Klang).

In the Monday night incident, Selva - who had testified at the inquest into Gunasegaran's death on July 16, 2009 in a police lock-up in the Sentul police station - was suddenly whisked away by policemen, but not before assaulting him in front of his wife and children.

Phase III Little India Brickfields should be the development of Brickfields Railway Quarters into Indian petty traders open air flee market.

No.6, Jalan Abdullah, Off Jalan Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur. Tel : 03-2282 5241

Fax : 03-2282 5241 Fax: 03-2282 5245

Website: www.humanrightspartymalaysia.com E-mail: info@humanrightspartymalaysia.com


Date : 29th October 2010

YAB.…

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No.6, Jalan Abdullah, Off Jalan Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur. Tel : 03-2282 5241

Fax : 03-2282 5241 Fax: 03-2282 5245

Website: www.humanrightspartymalaysia.com E-mail: info@humanrightspartymalaysia.com


Date : 29th October 2010

YAB. Dato Seri Najib Razak
Prime Minister of Malaysia,
Blok Utama Bangunan Perdana Putra,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, Fax:03-88883444
62502 Putrajaya E-Mail: HYPERLINK "mailto:najib@pmo.gov.my"najib@pmo.gov.my

Y.B. Sen. Dato’Raja Nong Chik bin Raja Zainal Abidin,
Minister of Federal Territories,
Kementerian Wilayah Persekutuan,
Aras 4, Blok B2, Menara PJH, Presint 2, FaxNo.03-88891411
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, Email-:datoraja@kwp.gov.my
62100 Putrajaya

Re: Phase III Little India Brickfields should be the development of Brickfields Railway Quarters into Indian petty traders open air flee market.

We refer to the newsreport in the Starmetro on 29/10/10 on Phase II of the development of Little India in Brickfields by the construction of a multi-storey carpark and the Pines Restaurant and the Lorong Chan Ah Tong hawker centre near Kortu Malai restaurant.

We propose Phase II by the demolishment of the Brickfields of the Railway quarters and the development of a petty traders flee market especially so that the Vivekananda Asraman, Vivekananda school and the Sangeetha Abervathi Sangam to be separated from the main Brickfields Little India town centre.

Hundreds of Indian petty traders denied licences and business opportunities can be placed in this Railway Quarters which is to be made into an open air flee market selling Indian food ware, accessories, clothes etc area and give real meaning to Little India in Brickfields.

This development should not become like how the development of the Batu Caves level crossing had separated the main Batu Caves temple from the river bed which has always been an integral part of the Batu Caves Heritage.

This will make Little India a tourist attraction. This will give real meaning to the Brickfields Little India and dispel that it is a mere row of flower shops.

Little India in Brickfields will then be closer to becoming the real Little India as in Serangoon Road in Singapore, East Ham and Southhall in London, Berlin, Germany and some other western Countries.
Thank you,
Yours faithfully,

P. Uthayakumar