Saturday, April 23, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Cheng continues to draw flak over holiday proposal
The proposal to cancel Deepavali and Wesak Day holidays is still hitting a raw nerve with politicians despite a reported denial by William Cheng.
GEORGE TOWN: Two Barisan Nasional local leaders have demanded a public apology from a Chinese business leader for stirring racial sentiments by suggesting the cancellation of public holidays for Deepavali and Wesak Day celebrations.
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce chairman William Cheng drew flak from Penang MIC youth wing chief J Dhinagaran and Penang Gerakan’s legal and human rights bureau head Baljit Singh over his alleged statement.
Dhinagaran slammed Cheng for insulting the minority groups in the country as if “they are insignificant and irrelevant for nation building.”
“The public holidays reflect the government’s multi racial policy.
“Cheng is obviously undermining it and showing a total disrespect for the contributions made by minorities to the country’s growth thus far.
“He owes minorities an immediate public apology,” insisted Dhinagaran, who’s also the MIC national youth treasurer.
This was concurred by Baljit, who added that Cheng was definitely not representing the general view of majority Malaysian Chinese.
He slammed Cheng for allegedly disgracing his own community as if suggesting that the “Chinese were money faced people.”
“Cheng should have been tactful because it involved religious sentiments of Malaysians.
“He seems to suggest a public holiday should only be given if the event was economically vibrant,” he said.
Why Deepavali and Wesak Day?
He said he could not understand why Cheng was singling out only Deepavali and Wesak Day celebrations when there were many other unnecessary public holidays.
Baljit, who is a Sikh, reminded Cheng even though Hindus and Buddhists were minorities, they too play a pivotal role in shaping the political and socio-economic landscapes in the country.
In another statement, DAP’s national vice-chairman M Kula Sagaran also lashed out at Cheng over his proposal.
“While it is fair and right for businessmen and employers to put productivity as their first priority, they must not think of robbing the Hindus and Buddhists of the two public holidays,” he said.
He added that Cheng should have instead complained of the last-minute declaration of public holidays by the government.
Parroting Umno’s views
In an interview with a vernacular newspaper last week, Cheng has purportedly called on the government to consider cancelling public holidays for Deepavali and Wesak Day because the festivals were not celebrated by majority Malaysians.
He complained that the country had too many holidays and that these were affecting the economy.
His suggestions drew criticism from various quarters, including MIC publicity and communication chief S Vell Paari, former president of Malaysia Hindu Sangam A Vaithilingam and commentators in portal mails, blogs and social network Facebook.
Some blasted Cheng for being racist and intolerant, while others chided him of being a greedy businessman with a motto of “money, money and make more money.”
Several commentators alleged that Cheng could well be parroting racist views of certain elements in ruling party, Umno.
Cheng, as quoted in a Tamil daily yesterday, denied making such a call.
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GEORGE TOWN: Two Barisan Nasional local leaders have demanded a public apology from a Chinese business leader for stirring racial sentiments by suggesting the cancellation of public holidays for Deepavali and Wesak Day celebrations.Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce chairman William Cheng drew flak from Penang MIC youth wing chief J Dhinagaran and Penang Gerakan’s legal and human rights bureau head Baljit Singh over his alleged statement.
Dhinagaran slammed Cheng for insulting the minority groups in the country as if “they are insignificant and irrelevant for nation building.”
“The public holidays reflect the government’s multi racial policy.
“Cheng is obviously undermining it and showing a total disrespect for the contributions made by minorities to the country’s growth thus far.
“He owes minorities an immediate public apology,” insisted Dhinagaran, who’s also the MIC national youth treasurer.
This was concurred by Baljit, who added that Cheng was definitely not representing the general view of majority Malaysian Chinese.
He slammed Cheng for allegedly disgracing his own community as if suggesting that the “Chinese were money faced people.”
“Cheng should have been tactful because it involved religious sentiments of Malaysians.
“He seems to suggest a public holiday should only be given if the event was economically vibrant,” he said.
Why Deepavali and Wesak Day?
He said he could not understand why Cheng was singling out only Deepavali and Wesak Day celebrations when there were many other unnecessary public holidays.
Baljit, who is a Sikh, reminded Cheng even though Hindus and Buddhists were minorities, they too play a pivotal role in shaping the political and socio-economic landscapes in the country.
In another statement, DAP’s national vice-chairman M Kula Sagaran also lashed out at Cheng over his proposal.
“While it is fair and right for businessmen and employers to put productivity as their first priority, they must not think of robbing the Hindus and Buddhists of the two public holidays,” he said.
He added that Cheng should have instead complained of the last-minute declaration of public holidays by the government.
Parroting Umno’s views
In an interview with a vernacular newspaper last week, Cheng has purportedly called on the government to consider cancelling public holidays for Deepavali and Wesak Day because the festivals were not celebrated by majority Malaysians.
He complained that the country had too many holidays and that these were affecting the economy.
His suggestions drew criticism from various quarters, including MIC publicity and communication chief S Vell Paari, former president of Malaysia Hindu Sangam A Vaithilingam and commentators in portal mails, blogs and social network Facebook.
Some blasted Cheng for being racist and intolerant, while others chided him of being a greedy businessman with a motto of “money, money and make more money.”
Several commentators alleged that Cheng could well be parroting racist views of certain elements in ruling party, Umno.
Cheng, as quoted in a Tamil daily yesterday, denied making such a call.
Word “Paria” in Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka dictionary under racist UMNO PM Najib Razak’s orders.
(see The Sun 20/4/2011 at page 2)
Disabled couple in dire straits
Unable to work and too old to apply for housing loans, they're among 41 families of Kampung Muniandy facing eviction.
KUALA LUMPUR: M Veeriah, a 60-year-old disabled man and his partially blind wife Tamilselvi, 59, will be homeless and destitute if the Selangor state government has its way.
Their home of 30 years in Kampung Muniandy PJS1 has been earmarked for demolishment on April 25 to make way for a school project.
In desperation, the couple turned up at the Human Rights Party headquarters in Bangsar to seek help and assistance.
S Jayathas, HRP’s information chief, took up the couple’s cause and this morning handed a memorandum addressed to Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim to halt the destruction of the couple’s home.
The memorandum was handed over to an official at the Parliament, to be delivered to Khalid later.
Jayathas pointed out that as the couple were unable to work and too old to apply for loans, they had nowhere else to go and the demolition would leave them without shelter.
He said that the Selangor government was “morally obliged” to provide alternative housing for free to settlers above the age of 50.
“The state government should at the very least provide them with rent-free homes throughout their lifetime,” said Jayathas.
Notice to move before April 25
He urged the state government to provide a written guarantee to these “underprivileged, victimised Indian settlers” to ensure that they would be sheltered.
The demolition notice requested that the residents move out before April 25.
Kampung Muniandy currently houses 41 Indian families, all of whom have been served eviction notices.
The project developer of Kampung Muniandy had in fact promised to build low cost houses for the initial group of 276 families seven years ago.
Of these, 235 have been shifted to low-cost housing scheme in Lembah Subang but 41 remained despite having signed Sale and Purchase agreements.
All of them paid deposits of up to RM4,000 for these homes costing between RM35,000 and RM42,000.
“The settlers have been waiting for the past seven years for their S&Ps by the developer to be honoured,” said Jayathas.
KUALA LUMPUR: M Veeriah, a 60-year-old disabled man and his partially blind wife Tamilselvi, 59, will be homeless and destitute if the Selangor state government has its way.Their home of 30 years in Kampung Muniandy PJS1 has been earmarked for demolishment on April 25 to make way for a school project.
In desperation, the couple turned up at the Human Rights Party headquarters in Bangsar to seek help and assistance.
S Jayathas, HRP’s information chief, took up the couple’s cause and this morning handed a memorandum addressed to Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim to halt the destruction of the couple’s home.
The memorandum was handed over to an official at the Parliament, to be delivered to Khalid later.
Jayathas pointed out that as the couple were unable to work and too old to apply for loans, they had nowhere else to go and the demolition would leave them without shelter.
He said that the Selangor government was “morally obliged” to provide alternative housing for free to settlers above the age of 50.
“The state government should at the very least provide them with rent-free homes throughout their lifetime,” said Jayathas.
Notice to move before April 25
He urged the state government to provide a written guarantee to these “underprivileged, victimised Indian settlers” to ensure that they would be sheltered.
The demolition notice requested that the residents move out before April 25.Kampung Muniandy currently houses 41 Indian families, all of whom have been served eviction notices.
The project developer of Kampung Muniandy had in fact promised to build low cost houses for the initial group of 276 families seven years ago.
Of these, 235 have been shifted to low-cost housing scheme in Lembah Subang but 41 remained despite having signed Sale and Purchase agreements.
All of them paid deposits of up to RM4,000 for these homes costing between RM35,000 and RM42,000.
“The settlers have been waiting for the past seven years for their S&Ps by the developer to be honoured,” said Jayathas.
Groups blast 'cancel Deepavali, Wesak hols' call
(Malaysiakini) The call by the chairperson of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce for the public holidays of Deeapavali and Wesak to be cancelled and made into normal working days has raised the ire of groups, who have demanded that the remark be retracted and an apology issued.
William Cheng (left) had reportedly lamented as 'too many' the number of public holidays for being bad for business. The government should consider cancelling Deepavali and Wesak Day, Cheng was said to have proposed, as only a “minority” group of people celebrate the occasions.
Expressing “shock” at his statement today, DAP said expressed its “strongest objection” against the proposal.
First of all, said the party's national vice-chairperson, Hindus who celebrate Deepavali and Buddhists who celebrate Wesak are not a mere minority.
“These festivals are celebrated by millions in this country,” said M Kulasegaran, who is also DAP's Ipoh Barat member of parliament.
While it is fair and right for the business community and employers to put productivity as their first priority, they must not think of “robbing” the Hindus and Buddhists of the two public holidays.“In fact, no one should rob any race or group of the current public holidays already gazetted,” said Kulasegaran (right), who said businesses should seek other ways to improve productivity instead of merely making a holiday a workday.
“Besides, public holidays encourage economic growth as more people will travel to tourist spots and throng the shopping centres,” he added.
Cheng should realize that the declaration of some festivals as public holidays carries with it the significance of the government's respect for and recognition of the importance of the festivals, said Kulasegaran.
Cheng's statement that Deepavali and Wesak public holidays should be cancelled is thus is not only puzzling but “is in fact insensitive, irresponsible, totally ridiculous and unacceptable.”
“He must withdraw his comments and tender a public apology to the Hindus and Buddhists.”
Sin Chew runs clarification
Echoing his demands was the Malaysian Hindu Sangam, whose president RS Mohan Shan said It was “absolutely irresponsible” of Cheng to dismiss Deepavali and Wesak Day purportedly because the occasions are not celebrated by as many people as other festivities.
“Tan Sri William Cheng should have realised that his statement would hurt the sentiment and feelings of the Hindus and Buddhists in the country.
“As a prominent person in the business community, he should have known that his statement would also have far-reaching consequences,” said Mohan Shan in a statement.
The Malaysia Hindu Sangam urged Cheng to immediately withdraw his statement and offer his apologies to the Hindus and Buddhists in the country for making “this extremely short-sighted and meaningless suggestion,” said Mohan Shan.
“Tan Sri William Cheng should have realised that his statement would hurt the sentiment and feelings of the Hindus and Buddhists in the country.
“As a prominent person in the business community, he should have known that his statement would also have far-reaching consequences,” said Mohan Shan in a statement.
The Malaysia Hindu Sangam urged Cheng to immediately withdraw his statement and offer his apologies to the Hindus and Buddhists in the country for making “this extremely short-sighted and meaningless suggestion,” said Mohan Shan.
Meanwhile, the newspaper which first carried the news has published a clarification today that Cheng did not make the statement on removing Deepavali and Wesak as national public holidays.
Earlier this week, Sin Chew Daily quoted Cheng, who suggested a reduction of national public holidays from 17 days to 15 days, excluding Deepavali and Wesak
Earlier this week, Sin Chew Daily quoted Cheng, who suggested a reduction of national public holidays from 17 days to 15 days, excluding Deepavali and Wesak
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Interlok: TPM bohongi rakyat, dakwa Pengerusi Niat
Niat tidak akan teragak-agak untuk mengheret Muhyiddin ke mahkamah.
KUALA LUMPUR: Pengerusi Badan Bertindak Interlok Kebangsaan (Niat), Haji Thasleem Mohamed Ibrahim mendakwa Timbalan Perdana Menteri Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin telah membohongi rakyat Malaysia berhubung isu buku kontroversi, Interlok edisi murid.
“Muhyiddin di dalam sesi Parlimen pada 24 Mac menyatakan bahawa Jemaah Menteri bersetuju agar Interlok terus diguna pakai tetapi tiada seorang pun yang menjelaskan pendirian mereka.”
“Seterusnya Muhyiddin berkata keputusan penggunaan Interlok berterusan adalah muktamad namun akhbar Sinar Harian melaporkan
Muhyiddin sebagai berkata bahawa Interlok hanya akan digunakan selepas pindaan dilaksanakan.”
Thasleem turut berkata bahawa Niat tidak akan teragak-agak untuk mengheret Muhyiddin untuk membuktikan penipuan yang dibuat pemimpin kedua tertinggi negara itu.
Justeru itu, Thasleem mencabar Muhyiddin menjalankan pungutan suara untuk memperoleh pandangan rakyat Malaysia kerana pandangan yang diterima beliau dari peringkat akar umbi jelas menunjukkan rakyat menentang penggunaan buku tersebut.
Thasleem turut membidas kenyataan Muhyiddin yang mengatakan bahawa pihak yang membangkitkan isu Interlok merupakan ancaman kepada keselamatan negara.
“Siapa yang jadikan buku ini satu isu? Muhyiddin ialah puncanya. Muhyiddin ialah ancaman kepada negara,” tegas beliau.
Mengapa politikus India, mufti berdiam diri?
Beliau turut menjelaskan bahawa pemimpin politik keturunan India masih belum memberi sebarang reaksi kepada pengumuman tersebut.
Sehubungan itu, Thasleem bertegas mahu mengetahui pendirian Presiden MIC, Dato’ G Palanivel yang mahukan Interlok dihentikan penggunaannya tetapi menikus seribu bahasa.
“Bagi MIC, isu mereka hanya perkataan ‘paria’ tapi bagi kita seluruh buku ini salah,” ujar beliau.
Beliau menambah bahawa sekiranya Palanivel gagal bersuara mereka akan membangkitkan isu yang mengejutkan dalam beberapa minggu.
Thasleem juga memberitahu sidang media bahawa beliau menunggu reaksi mufti negeri Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan dan Negeri Sembilan berhubung isu ini.
“Saya beranggapan mereka tidak memberi reaksi kepada surat-surat yang saya tulis kerana mereka bersetuju dengan pandangan saya bahawa Interlok bertentangan dengan agama Islam.”
Kepada Gabungan Penulis Nasional (Gapena) dan Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) yang menyokong penggunaan Interlok, Thasleem menggesa agar mereka mengkaji perkara ini dari perspektif Islam.
Sementara itu, ahli jawatankuasa Niat, A Rajaretinam berkata bahawa kerajaan pimpinan Barisan Nasional akan menghadapi natijah besar sekiranya memperlekehkan permintaan masyarakat India agar Interlok digugurkan.
Niat bercadang untuk menghadap Sultan Selangor, Yang Dipertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan dan Yang Dipertuan Agong sebagai salah satu jalan untuk menghentikan penggunaan Interlok di sekolah.
Mereka juga bercadang menghantar memorandum kepada Menteri Besar Selangor dan Negeri Sembilan dalam tempoh terdekat.
Isu kontroversi Interlok timbul pada Disember tahun lalu hingga membawa kepada penubuhan panel bebas dalam bulan Januari.
Seterusnya lebih dari 100 saranan telah diterima untuk dibuat pindaan dalam buku tersebut namun Niat tetap membantah atas pelbagai sebab.
KUALA LUMPUR: Pengerusi Badan Bertindak Interlok Kebangsaan (Niat), Haji Thasleem Mohamed Ibrahim mendakwa Timbalan Perdana Menteri Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin telah membohongi rakyat Malaysia berhubung isu buku kontroversi, Interlok edisi murid.“Muhyiddin di dalam sesi Parlimen pada 24 Mac menyatakan bahawa Jemaah Menteri bersetuju agar Interlok terus diguna pakai tetapi tiada seorang pun yang menjelaskan pendirian mereka.”
“Seterusnya Muhyiddin berkata keputusan penggunaan Interlok berterusan adalah muktamad namun akhbar Sinar Harian melaporkan
Muhyiddin sebagai berkata bahawa Interlok hanya akan digunakan selepas pindaan dilaksanakan.”
Thasleem turut berkata bahawa Niat tidak akan teragak-agak untuk mengheret Muhyiddin untuk membuktikan penipuan yang dibuat pemimpin kedua tertinggi negara itu.
Justeru itu, Thasleem mencabar Muhyiddin menjalankan pungutan suara untuk memperoleh pandangan rakyat Malaysia kerana pandangan yang diterima beliau dari peringkat akar umbi jelas menunjukkan rakyat menentang penggunaan buku tersebut.
Thasleem turut membidas kenyataan Muhyiddin yang mengatakan bahawa pihak yang membangkitkan isu Interlok merupakan ancaman kepada keselamatan negara.
“Siapa yang jadikan buku ini satu isu? Muhyiddin ialah puncanya. Muhyiddin ialah ancaman kepada negara,” tegas beliau.
Mengapa politikus India, mufti berdiam diri?
Beliau turut menjelaskan bahawa pemimpin politik keturunan India masih belum memberi sebarang reaksi kepada pengumuman tersebut.
Sehubungan itu, Thasleem bertegas mahu mengetahui pendirian Presiden MIC, Dato’ G Palanivel yang mahukan Interlok dihentikan penggunaannya tetapi menikus seribu bahasa.
“Bagi MIC, isu mereka hanya perkataan ‘paria’ tapi bagi kita seluruh buku ini salah,” ujar beliau.
Beliau menambah bahawa sekiranya Palanivel gagal bersuara mereka akan membangkitkan isu yang mengejutkan dalam beberapa minggu.
Thasleem juga memberitahu sidang media bahawa beliau menunggu reaksi mufti negeri Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan dan Negeri Sembilan berhubung isu ini.
“Saya beranggapan mereka tidak memberi reaksi kepada surat-surat yang saya tulis kerana mereka bersetuju dengan pandangan saya bahawa Interlok bertentangan dengan agama Islam.”
Kepada Gabungan Penulis Nasional (Gapena) dan Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) yang menyokong penggunaan Interlok, Thasleem menggesa agar mereka mengkaji perkara ini dari perspektif Islam.
Sementara itu, ahli jawatankuasa Niat, A Rajaretinam berkata bahawa kerajaan pimpinan Barisan Nasional akan menghadapi natijah besar sekiranya memperlekehkan permintaan masyarakat India agar Interlok digugurkan.
Niat bercadang untuk menghadap Sultan Selangor, Yang Dipertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan dan Yang Dipertuan Agong sebagai salah satu jalan untuk menghentikan penggunaan Interlok di sekolah.
Mereka juga bercadang menghantar memorandum kepada Menteri Besar Selangor dan Negeri Sembilan dalam tempoh terdekat.
Isu kontroversi Interlok timbul pada Disember tahun lalu hingga membawa kepada penubuhan panel bebas dalam bulan Januari.
Seterusnya lebih dari 100 saranan telah diterima untuk dibuat pindaan dalam buku tersebut namun Niat tetap membantah atas pelbagai sebab.
Seeking EU’s help for Borneo natives, Indians
Of Borneo's over 18 million population, 10 million live in poverty despite the island being rich in natural resources.
THE HAGUE: The Dutch parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee (FRC) was yesterday briefed on the widespread religious and economic discrimination against natives in Borneo.
Sabah-based Common Interest Group Malaysia (CigMa) said more than 10 million of Borneo’s over 18 million population lived in poverty despite the region being rich in land, timber, gas and oil.
Speaking to the FRC committee, CigMa secretary-general Kanul Gindol said Borneo is the “most divided island in the world”.
“Borneo is the third largest island in the world but it is the most divided island in the world.
“It is ruled by three countries – Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia. Seven states or provinces are under the Kingdom of Brunei.
“Malaysia has the states of Sabah and Sarawak and the four huge Kalimantan provinces come under Indonesian rule.
“All seven states or provinces are each very very rich in natural resources like timber, gas, oil and fertile lands. But the natives are very poor.
“Something is very wrong and must be corrected…We are here to seek help and call for more international understanding of the peculiarities of our problems in Borneo,” Gindol told parliamentarians Kathleen G Ferrier from the Christian Democratic Party and Raymond de Roon of the Party for Freedom.
Gindol and CigMa president Daniel John Tambun and Hindraf chairman, P Waythamoorthy, have been meeting up with European Union (EC) parliamentarians and government officials at The Hague (Holland) and Brussels (Belgium) this week to drum up support from the international community to accelerate progress and social justice for the natives in Borneo and the marginalised Indians in Malaysia.
‘Eye-opening’
Both Ferrier and De Roon said that they would bring the Borneo matter to the attention of their colleagues in the Dutch parliament.
While De Roon thanked the delegation for their “eye-opening presentation”, Ferrier said: “Today we learnt a lot from you about your people’s plights and we would want to know what your people would want us to do to help…”
Both Jambun and Gindol were focused on highlighting the persistent hindrances to progress and justice to the natives of Borneo, in particular Sabah and Sarawak, while Waythamoorthy briefed the FRC on the plight of minority Indians in Malaysia.
Jambun in his presentation titled “The Disenfranchisement of bona fide Sabahans”, outlined the perennial problems plaguing Sabahans, especially the presence of millions of illegal immigrants from southern Philippines and Indonesians in Sabah.
Jambun said the federal government was not making any effort to address the issue and that it had made many, especially the natives, to believe that it was a ploy to re-engineer the demographic of Sabah which was previously a predominantly Christian state.
“This issue of illegal immigrants in Sabah became well-known for its link to a former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who stands accused of giving Malaysian identification cards to these Muslim immigrants.
“We the natives are being outnumbered by the immigrants who are taking a lot of opportunities from us with the full knowledge of the federal government. We are being disenfranchised as bona fide Sabahans,” Jambun said.
THE HAGUE: The Dutch parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee (FRC) was yesterday briefed on the widespread religious and economic discrimination against natives in Borneo.Sabah-based Common Interest Group Malaysia (CigMa) said more than 10 million of Borneo’s over 18 million population lived in poverty despite the region being rich in land, timber, gas and oil.
Speaking to the FRC committee, CigMa secretary-general Kanul Gindol said Borneo is the “most divided island in the world”.
“Borneo is the third largest island in the world but it is the most divided island in the world.
“It is ruled by three countries – Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia. Seven states or provinces are under the Kingdom of Brunei.
“Malaysia has the states of Sabah and Sarawak and the four huge Kalimantan provinces come under Indonesian rule.
“All seven states or provinces are each very very rich in natural resources like timber, gas, oil and fertile lands. But the natives are very poor.
“Something is very wrong and must be corrected…We are here to seek help and call for more international understanding of the peculiarities of our problems in Borneo,” Gindol told parliamentarians Kathleen G Ferrier from the Christian Democratic Party and Raymond de Roon of the Party for Freedom.
Gindol and CigMa president Daniel John Tambun and Hindraf chairman, P Waythamoorthy, have been meeting up with European Union (EC) parliamentarians and government officials at The Hague (Holland) and Brussels (Belgium) this week to drum up support from the international community to accelerate progress and social justice for the natives in Borneo and the marginalised Indians in Malaysia.
‘Eye-opening’
Both Ferrier and De Roon said that they would bring the Borneo matter to the attention of their colleagues in the Dutch parliament.
While De Roon thanked the delegation for their “eye-opening presentation”, Ferrier said: “Today we learnt a lot from you about your people’s plights and we would want to know what your people would want us to do to help…”
Both Jambun and Gindol were focused on highlighting the persistent hindrances to progress and justice to the natives of Borneo, in particular Sabah and Sarawak, while Waythamoorthy briefed the FRC on the plight of minority Indians in Malaysia.
Jambun in his presentation titled “The Disenfranchisement of bona fide Sabahans”, outlined the perennial problems plaguing Sabahans, especially the presence of millions of illegal immigrants from southern Philippines and Indonesians in Sabah.
Jambun said the federal government was not making any effort to address the issue and that it had made many, especially the natives, to believe that it was a ploy to re-engineer the demographic of Sabah which was previously a predominantly Christian state.
“This issue of illegal immigrants in Sabah became well-known for its link to a former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who stands accused of giving Malaysian identification cards to these Muslim immigrants.
“We the natives are being outnumbered by the immigrants who are taking a lot of opportunities from us with the full knowledge of the federal government. We are being disenfranchised as bona fide Sabahans,” Jambun said.
Respect minority religions, Cheng told
KL and Selangor Chinese Chamber chief's call to do away with Deepavali and Wesak day holidays uncalled for, says Hindu Sangam.
KUALA LUMPUR: William Cheng, the chairman of the KL and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce, was criticised for urging the government to remove Deepavali and Wesak Day as public holidays.
“It’s a Hindu’s right to celebrate Deepavali, just like the Chinese their New Year. What does Cheng know or understand about Deepavali? asked Hindu Sangam president RS Mohan Shan.
Recently, in reports carried by Tamil newspapers Makkal Osai and Malaysia Nanban, Cheng complained about too many public holidays in Malaysia and said they were bad for business.
He then urged the government to remove Deepavali and Wesak Day holidays from the list of public holidays because they were celebrated by minorities.
“It’s not right for him to say that about a religious festival,” said Mohan, who added that out of 17 public holidays, Deepavali was just the one day given to the Hindu community.
His sentiments were echoed by Reverend Thomas Philips, president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST).
Thomas said Cheng’s statement smacked of disrespect for the religion.
“It’s not a question of majority or minority. Everybody should be treated as equal in this multireligious, multiracial society,” he said.
Thomas called on all communities to recognise and respect religions different from their own.
“We’ve been living with these holidays all along. The question of business should not arise as we should view the holidays as a long-term investment which brings diversity and peace.”
He said out that holidays were good for the economy as people shopped more during such events.
Approximately 87% of the 1,970,000 Indians in Malaysia are Hindus. Additionally, 19.2% of Malaysia’s population is Buddhist, although if combined with Chinese religions it can go up to 21.6%.
KUALA LUMPUR: William Cheng, the chairman of the KL and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce, was criticised for urging the government to remove Deepavali and Wesak Day as public holidays.“It’s a Hindu’s right to celebrate Deepavali, just like the Chinese their New Year. What does Cheng know or understand about Deepavali? asked Hindu Sangam president RS Mohan Shan.
Recently, in reports carried by Tamil newspapers Makkal Osai and Malaysia Nanban, Cheng complained about too many public holidays in Malaysia and said they were bad for business.
He then urged the government to remove Deepavali and Wesak Day holidays from the list of public holidays because they were celebrated by minorities.
“It’s not right for him to say that about a religious festival,” said Mohan, who added that out of 17 public holidays, Deepavali was just the one day given to the Hindu community.
His sentiments were echoed by Reverend Thomas Philips, president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST).
Thomas said Cheng’s statement smacked of disrespect for the religion.
“It’s not a question of majority or minority. Everybody should be treated as equal in this multireligious, multiracial society,” he said.
Thomas called on all communities to recognise and respect religions different from their own.
“We’ve been living with these holidays all along. The question of business should not arise as we should view the holidays as a long-term investment which brings diversity and peace.”
He said out that holidays were good for the economy as people shopped more during such events.
Approximately 87% of the 1,970,000 Indians in Malaysia are Hindus. Additionally, 19.2% of Malaysia’s population is Buddhist, although if combined with Chinese religions it can go up to 21.6%.
Pergaduhan kaum: Pengetua lepas tangan, kata bapa pelajar
Pergaduhan antara pelajar India dan Melayu berpunca dari panggilan berunsur menghina.
SHAH ALAM: Seorang bapa kepada pelajar di sebuah sekolah menengah di sini melahirkan rasa kecewa berikutan kegagalan pengetua sekolah berkenaan menangani masalah pelajar-pelajarnya sehingga mencetuskan pergaduhan berunsur perkauman.
Stephen Perumal Velu berkata, kes terbaru berlaku pagi tadi yang melibatkan pergaduhan besar berikutan sekumpulan pelajar memanggil pelajar kaum India dengan kata-kata kasar dan menghina.
“Saya menerima panggilan daripada anak saya sekitar pukul 10.30 pagi lalu bergegas ke sekolah,” kata beliau yang juga bekas Ahli Jawatankuasa Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) sekolah berkenaan ketika ditemui di hadapan sekolah itu sekitar pukul 11.00 pagi tadi.
Beliau berkata, “saya tanya pengetua mengapa masalah pergaduhan kaum kerap berlaku sejak kebelakangan ini tetapi jawapannya tidak memuaskan kerana beliau menyalahkan pelajar kaum India.”
Walau bagaimanapun Stephen mendakwa bahawa anaknya berkata bahawa kumpulan pelajar Melayu menghina kumpulan pelajar India dengan memanggil mereka menggunakan perkataan ‘Keling Paria’.
Pada waktu itu, beberapa polis dan ibu bapa pelajar sudah berkumpul di hadapan pintu masuk sekolah selepas mendapat tahu apa yang berlaku.
“Saya tanya kepada Yang Dipertua PIBG dan dia kata dia dan pengetua sedang selesaikan isu itu.
“Tapi tiba-tiba seramai 26 pelajar diserahkan oleh pengetua kepada polis untuk dibawa ke balai polis untuk disiasat,” katanya sebelum beliau sendiri bergegas ke balai polis kerana anaknya turut ditahan polis.
Tinjauan wartawan FMT di hadapan sekolah itu pada jam 12.30 tengah hari mendapati suasana tenang.
Wartawan cuba menghubungi pejabat sekolah untuk mendapatkan maklumat tetapi diberitahu oleh pihak sekolah bahawa “saya tak tahu, tak ada apa-apa berlaku di sekolah”.
Apabila wartawan FMT menghubungi Stephen melalui telefon pada 1.00 tengah hari, beliau masih berada di balai polis.
Pelajar-pelajar diberi taklimat
“Kesemua 23 pelajar India dan tiga pelajar Melayu sedang diberi taklimat dan saya diberitahu bahawa keterangan mereka akan diambil sebelum dibenarkan balik.
“Saya sangat kecewa kerana anak saya dan pelajar lain yang tidak bersalah dibawa ke balai polis sedangkan pelajar yang benar-benar mencetuskan pergaduhan masih ada di sekolah,” katanya.
Menurutnya, pengawas sekolah telah menyerahkan kepada polis satu senarai nama pelajar yang benar-benar terlibat dalam pergaduhan itu tetapi mereka tidak dipanggil untuk siasatan.
“Apa yang dilakukan puan pengetua dan YDP PIBG sudah keterlaluan dan sengaja menimbulkan pergaduhan antara kaum.
“Saya akan berbincang dengan semua ibu bapa pelajar terbabit dan akan membuat laporan polis selepas polis melepaskan anak saya dan pelajar lain,” katanya.
Tinjauan wartawan FMT pada pukul 1.30 tengahari mendapati beberapa anggota polis ditempatkan di hadapan sekolah. FMT cuba menghubungi pengetua sekolah tersebut untuk mendapatkan komen tetapi tidak berjaya.
Satu pergaduhan turut berlaku sebelum ini melibatkan seorang pelajar Tingkatan Tiga dan lapan pelajar Tingkatan Empat di sekolah berkenaan.
SHAH ALAM: Seorang bapa kepada pelajar di sebuah sekolah menengah di sini melahirkan rasa kecewa berikutan kegagalan pengetua sekolah berkenaan menangani masalah pelajar-pelajarnya sehingga mencetuskan pergaduhan berunsur perkauman.Stephen Perumal Velu berkata, kes terbaru berlaku pagi tadi yang melibatkan pergaduhan besar berikutan sekumpulan pelajar memanggil pelajar kaum India dengan kata-kata kasar dan menghina.
“Saya menerima panggilan daripada anak saya sekitar pukul 10.30 pagi lalu bergegas ke sekolah,” kata beliau yang juga bekas Ahli Jawatankuasa Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) sekolah berkenaan ketika ditemui di hadapan sekolah itu sekitar pukul 11.00 pagi tadi.
Beliau berkata, “saya tanya pengetua mengapa masalah pergaduhan kaum kerap berlaku sejak kebelakangan ini tetapi jawapannya tidak memuaskan kerana beliau menyalahkan pelajar kaum India.”
Walau bagaimanapun Stephen mendakwa bahawa anaknya berkata bahawa kumpulan pelajar Melayu menghina kumpulan pelajar India dengan memanggil mereka menggunakan perkataan ‘Keling Paria’.
Pada waktu itu, beberapa polis dan ibu bapa pelajar sudah berkumpul di hadapan pintu masuk sekolah selepas mendapat tahu apa yang berlaku.
“Saya tanya kepada Yang Dipertua PIBG dan dia kata dia dan pengetua sedang selesaikan isu itu.
“Tapi tiba-tiba seramai 26 pelajar diserahkan oleh pengetua kepada polis untuk dibawa ke balai polis untuk disiasat,” katanya sebelum beliau sendiri bergegas ke balai polis kerana anaknya turut ditahan polis.
Tinjauan wartawan FMT di hadapan sekolah itu pada jam 12.30 tengah hari mendapati suasana tenang.
Wartawan cuba menghubungi pejabat sekolah untuk mendapatkan maklumat tetapi diberitahu oleh pihak sekolah bahawa “saya tak tahu, tak ada apa-apa berlaku di sekolah”.
Apabila wartawan FMT menghubungi Stephen melalui telefon pada 1.00 tengah hari, beliau masih berada di balai polis.
Pelajar-pelajar diberi taklimat
“Kesemua 23 pelajar India dan tiga pelajar Melayu sedang diberi taklimat dan saya diberitahu bahawa keterangan mereka akan diambil sebelum dibenarkan balik.
“Saya sangat kecewa kerana anak saya dan pelajar lain yang tidak bersalah dibawa ke balai polis sedangkan pelajar yang benar-benar mencetuskan pergaduhan masih ada di sekolah,” katanya.
Menurutnya, pengawas sekolah telah menyerahkan kepada polis satu senarai nama pelajar yang benar-benar terlibat dalam pergaduhan itu tetapi mereka tidak dipanggil untuk siasatan.
“Apa yang dilakukan puan pengetua dan YDP PIBG sudah keterlaluan dan sengaja menimbulkan pergaduhan antara kaum.
“Saya akan berbincang dengan semua ibu bapa pelajar terbabit dan akan membuat laporan polis selepas polis melepaskan anak saya dan pelajar lain,” katanya.
Tinjauan wartawan FMT pada pukul 1.30 tengahari mendapati beberapa anggota polis ditempatkan di hadapan sekolah. FMT cuba menghubungi pengetua sekolah tersebut untuk mendapatkan komen tetapi tidak berjaya.
Satu pergaduhan turut berlaku sebelum ini melibatkan seorang pelajar Tingkatan Tiga dan lapan pelajar Tingkatan Empat di sekolah berkenaan.
DYMM Sultan Perak has constitutional duty by Article 153 (Second Limb) to also safeguard interest of Indian poor.
Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah yesterday cautioned that the country could face a perilous future if racial and religious issues continue to take centre stage and played up to incite hate among the people.
The UMNO regime must take heed of this DYMM Sultan of Perak who was also the former Lord President and forthwith stop all their acts of racism and religious supremacy especially targeted against the Indian poor.
By virtue of the Second limb of Article 153 of the Federal Constitution we appeal to DYMM the Sultan of Perak on the occasion of His royal Highness Raja Azlan Shah’s 83rd Birthday to also safe guard the interest of the Indian poor who are inflicted with very serious acts of racism and religious supremacy by the UMNO led Malay-sian government on a day to day basis as is documented and reported in
www.humanrightspartymalaysia.com
(see NST 20/4/2011 at page 7)
Karunai Nithi @ Compassionate Justice
Cruel PKR Selangor and Tuan Anwar Ibrahim demolish disabled man and partially blind wife Indian poor & 41 Indian families’ Kg Muniandy PJS 1 Indian village.
This morning Mahalingam Veeriah, a 60 year old disabled and his partially blind wife called over at the HRP HQ in Bangsar, now that the homes they have been living for the past 30 years are to be demolished on 25/4/11 by the ungrateful, racist and cruel PKR, DAP and PAS led Selangor state government.
Who made these people poor in the first place? Why weren’t they granted low cost houses long ago?
Where is the social justice? What is the difference between Pakatan and BN?
Karunai Nithi @ Compassionate Justice
SELF RESPECT AND DIGNITY
By Johnson Doss,
We all have self respect and we want it to be stronghold of our lives . Self Respects starts from ourselves first before it shines to others to see what kinda of creation are we and through that we earn respect, love, care and someone whom people like to be with. Many people look for it outside waiting for others to recognize it but usually others don't see it in us because of our attitude, character and the way we deal with people at large.
Mohandas Gandhi is one person i usually take as my motivator . With his style of living, fighting for independence of India, humanity and humbleness, he is know as Mahatma..... His statue is erected even in London as a sign of respect to this earthly man. The white's have so much of respect for him even though they have persecuted him many many times. In the movie Ghandhi, even the judge stands up to respect this small build man. He was a man of dignity which the world will testify. His dignity after many many years and generations to come, will remember him as the MAN OF SELF RESPECT AND DIGNITY.
That is what respect all about. Today how many of us have taken the pledge to be like this man, Gandhi. Do we have principals in our life's ? Let's ask ourselves first. I see many (including me) not sure where we stand in the first place. We think we know but the actual fact we don't know .
To give u an example of earn respect ...follow me as i tell u this true story
Chitra Pronami was held in Teluk Intan on 17th and 18th April 2011. Mr Utayakumar and Mr. Jayathas was there to build the awareness to the people who came for the celebration. Our Tent was the biggest compared to Gerakan on our right and DAP / PAKATAN on our left. They are only quarter of our size . During the celebration MP's like YB Kulasegaran, YB Manoharan and YB Sivanesan was in the DAP tent distributing packed food and drinks. this MP's was there for about 2 to 3 hours max. after that they were all missing in action. As for Gerakan camp, I didn't see any MP's there at all. they too giving out drinks. As for HRP camp (tent) we have many posters and Video slides that hails about our struggles and fight against the government and the police force . We had big speakers facing the crowd and each time the voices of "Hapuskan Interlok" and Polis Kejam was heard loud and clear to all worshipers. We have even many visitors coming to our tent and asking questions about our quest for eradicate Indian's sufferings. People in Teluk Intan would justify that HRP and Hindraf was one strong team as our Teluk Intan and Perak group work around the clock to make sure all is in order. Our Teluk Intan guys even served free Rabina too all worshipers . they chipped in from their own pockets to serve more then 2,000 people. To remind all of us , that the Teluk Intan group consist of 5 to 8 strong members only. I saw the Rabina bottle and it was about RM78 ringgit a bottle and they have a case full for this purpose.
These simple guys from Teluk Intan have earned our respect especially from Mr Utaya and Mr Jayathas as they are just a normal working guys. They show us simplicity of love and care for Indian worshipers. They did all these not for self glory or to get praises but they did it for Indian's whom i can see burning in thier hearts and soul .... A simple sacrifice of this guys make them well respected by the community.
This is what i meant of Respect earned and its builds self respect for themselves and us all to gather. i notice the joy of serving Indian's in their eyes. My heart and my salute goes to this young men from Teluk Intan .
If we all want to learn about self respect then we should learn it from this young man's. Through self respect they found Dignity ... as Gandhi did.
We today, are facing the same struggles as Indian's in Malaysia. Are we ready to stand up for our DIGNITY and RESPECT to be treated fairly and whats deemed our rights to be given back to us ....
Lets put our hands togather to support Human Right Party ( HRP ) leaders as we prepare ourselves for an uphill battle against racism against Indian's. Lets start helping and contributing to our Indian struggles.
Nothing can be done without money as we all know that very well ... as some of our brothers who fought for us in the interlok issue still haven't come out with bail money. They did all this rallies and car convey for us Indians and our children, so aren't we too be responsible to help to raise the bail money for our brave HRP supporters . Lets not waste time, just donate a RM1, RM2 , RM 5. RM 10 or whatever amount we can afford to support our Indian brothers and supporters.
I don't think that as how poor we can be , that a sum of RM 1 ringgit ,RM2 ,
RM 5. RM 10 will make us poorer .
Be like the Chinese , when they are faced with a problem or issue , they will not hesitate to donate for a good cause whe involves a brother of them ..why can't we imitate them in doing the same.
SO TO BE COME RESPECT AND DIGNIFIED , TO SOMETHING FOR YOUR OWN INDIAN COMMUNITY..... MAY GOD BLESS US ALL
ALL DONATIONS BE FORWARDED TO :-
PATHMARAJAH & CO - MAYBANK ACCT NO . 514075010438
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