HINDRAF PAYS LAST RESPECTS TO YANG DIPERTUAN BESAR OF NEGERI SEMBILAN

On behalf of HINDRAF, the Negeri Sembilan Makkal Sakthi members paid their last respect to the Ruler of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Jaafar Tuanku Abdul Rahman who passed away peacefully on the 27th December 2007

Led by P.Waytha Nayagi the sister of ISA detainee P.Uthayakumar members of Makkal Sakthi paid their last respects including Siva, Komalam, and Mathavan who are key members of Makkal Sakthi Negeri Sembilan team.

Last week Manickavasagam the Kapar MP and Jayathas led a delegation to the Negeri Sembilan Royal Palace to deliver a Loyalty Petition to His Highneess the Ruler Of Negeri Sembilan to pledge its allegiance to the Ruler.

HINDRAF expresses its deepest condolences to the Consort of the Ruler and his family members.

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P.UTHAYAKUMAR’s NEW YEAR MESSAGE

First year Anniversary of the HINDRAF People Power Makkal Sakthi fell on the 25/11/08 in a small but meaningful way. After a series of nationwide roadshows in September- November 2007 we have succeeded in awakening the Indians out of their fear of violence by UMNO as in the 13th May 1969 or the Kg. Medan violence. Our estimate was that about 100,000 over Indians had braved the whole Government machinery and threats of arrest and even rumours of a shooting order to attend the HINDRAF rally on the 25th of November 2007. The Chief Police Officer of Selangor had on the TV1 news at 7.00 am on 26.11.08 acknowledged that 300,000 had turned up on the 25th November 2007 HINDRAF rally. To all of you who had attended this rally, be proud that you were actually part of that historic rally which may never happen again in that magnititude during our lifetime.


The 13th day of December 2008 marked my and the other Hindraf lawyers first dark anniversary of detention without trial under the draconian ISA at the Kemta Prison, Taiping for a period of two years and continuing indefinitely thereafter. There are ISA prisoners here serving their 7th year of their 8 years of detention after the initial two-year detention order. But I have no regrets. I fought for a just cause so that UMNO would stop all acts of bully especially against the poor and underprivileged Indians in Malaysia, so that UMNO would accede to HINDRAF’s 18 Point demands submitted to PM Abdullah Badawi on 12th August 2007 in effect asking UMNO not to segregate and exclude the Indians from the mainstream National Development of Malaysia.



For example in the RM230 Billion Mid term review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan and the 2009 National Budget, there was Zero allocation for the Indians.



At Kemta Prison I read and write for about 12 to 13 hours every day. The food is pale and stale. Every one hour the Prison Guards “WATCH OVER ME” and record their diaries accordingly. Otherwise prison life is a routine where nightfall follows daylight and daylight waiting for nightfall. Prison life is a predictable routine. My mother, fiancée, sisters, children and family visit every week without fail is the highlight. I get to sleep on a one-inch thin mattress on the cement floor and this has caused in me suffering lumbar spondalysis and arthritis. I can no longer even jog slowly after this one year. I cannot squat without pain in my knees and backbone.



I have after my incarceration been diagnosed to be a heart patient and a high blood pressure patient. My heart condition has been described as hyper kinetic and I am given to understand by my “outside” doctor friends that I may have suffered a silent heart attack. I also suffer from two kinds of skin diseases as a result of allergy and idiopathic gutted hypomela. My pre existing diabetes has got worse especially when I was denied my diabetic medication. The Police Special Branch and the Kemta prison authorities have interfered with the Taiping General Hospital doctors and specialists so much so that their professionalism had been compromised. In my 16 years as legal practitioner I have seen especially my clients’ death in Police custody and Police abuse medical reports and post mortem reports been compromised by the medical Specialists and Government Hospital Doctors. Now as a detainee myself I am suffering from the same fate as my clients. From August 2008 onwards I have refused all medical treatment by the Government Hospitals, as I no longer have confidence in them treating me independently of the Police Special Branch interference. But I know in my heart that these very same Government doctors would give me the best treatment should I visit them “minus my handcuffs”, better and more reliable medical care than even the “profit motivated” private hospitals.



When I complained to the Kuala Lumpur High Court that the said doctors and prison authorities had “compromised” my medical records and that my hypo kinetic heart condition and the lumbar spondalysis was kept away from my knowledge until I found out very much later from some other sympathetic Hospital staff and subsequently agreed to by the said doctors. I also complained to the High Court that the hospital authorities and the prison and Police Special Branch and Home Ministry authorities had refused to exhibit my medical reports. I had created a doubt but the benefit of the doubt was not given to me and neither was I given the opportunity to appear before the Learned Judge to be heard and the Judge had turned down my application and dismissed my application to be set free to be able to receive independent medical treatment. On hearing this my “predicament” the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) without being prompted rushed to hold an “inquiry” which was held behind closed doors at Kemta prison, met all the Hospital, prison, Special Branch, Doctors and everybody else except myself the victim and cleared the Malaysian Government authorities and spoke on my behalf that I was happy with the treatment and medication given to me without even getting evidence from me. The said “inquiry” was concluded within 3 hours and the Human Rights Commissioners held a Press conference the next day to reveal their “findings”. But this is what you have for Malaysia- A Human Rights Commission which is the servant and slave of the ruling UMNO Government.



But I have no regrets and am prepared for the worst in this ISA detention slapped on me. When I started the struggle 16 years ago I always had at the back of my mind that I could one day be detained under the ISA but hoped that it wouldn’t happen.



In every People Power struggle, sacrifices have to be made. This ISA detention is my part of contribution to this sacred struggle.



I am happy to hear and read that the People Power Makkal Sakthi peaceful struggle is still going on strong. There may be ups and downs and many frustrating and demoralising moments especially when we are up against the might of the whole UMNO controlled Malaysian State machinery. I am happy to note that this my incarceration and that of the other Hindraf lawyers has moved, spurred, encouraged and further fuelled thousands of especially Malaysian Indians to stand up against UMNO’s atrocities.



What keeps me going in prison is knowing that you people out there are continuing with the struggle in your own ways. Hundreds of HINDRAF supporters have been arrested, jailed and beaten up by the police when campaigning for our release and the People Power Movement. Many have lost their jobs, promotions, bonuses some demoted. At least one Indian man died of a heart attack on 25th November 2007 when he was believed to be attacked by the Police tear gas.



Our single biggest success as of date is that the Hindu temple demolishment at the rate of one Hindu temple every week being demolished (Tamil Nesan 30/10/08 at pg 3) has stopped at least for the moment. The critical Indian problems has now got National attention though none of which has been seriously addressed by UMNO as they seem to be stuck by their racist and religious extremist and supremacist mindset.



HINDRAF Chairman P.Waytha Moorthy has succeeded in internationalising the critical Indian issues from London to Europe, United States and the Western World.



I take it that every day of my incarceration will keep the spotlight on the critical Indian problems in Malaysia both locally and internationally.



I had decided to “go for broke” because I very strongly believe in the cause I am fighting for and I have no regrets. UMNO will not change. We will have to rid UMNO in the 2012 / 2013 general elections.



LONG LIVE PEOPLE POWER MAKKAL SAKTHI.



MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING A NEW ERA IN OUR STRUGGLE TO BE FREED FROM THE CLUTHES OF OPPRESSION AND SUPPRESSION OF THE UMNO LED GOVERNMENT. MAY ALL OF YOU LIVE IN PEACE AND HARMONY AND ENJOY A PROSPEROUS BRIGHTER NEW YEAR WITH YOUR FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES.



GOD BLESS YOU ALL.



P.Uthayakumar

KEMTA PRISON

Taiping Perak.

01.01.09

HINDRAF – Wishing a Happy New Year 2009 to all Malaysians

HINDRAF – Wishing a Happy New Year 2009 to all Malaysians

Let HINDRAF, take this opportunity to wish you, your family and friends best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2009.

HINDRAF would like to pay tribute to all HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS - those who had faced adversity and being continuously subject to various methods of systematic discrimination and marginalization practiced by the present UMNO led government as these true children of the nation have persevered through their struggle directly and indirectly to create the awareness and truly have awaken the nation.

HINDRAF hold fundamental for democracy, for openness, and co-existence of races irrespective of race or religion and their differences. However, exploitation of race and religion by various sectors seems to be the main agenda of the UMNO led government and its agent provocateurs.

The government through its mechanism continues to suppress the general will of the nation that is calling for fundamental changes. This is taking place, and HINDRAF's demand for change, transformation for a return of human values for the Malaysian Indians can no longer be suppressed nor contained as it has transpired to become the foremost demand of the general public.

In 2008, our comrades were highlighting the oppressed state of the Indians through rallies, petitions and various diplomatic approaches locally and internationally which has been chastised by tyranny of the UMNO lead government. So have other organization and individuals of the Malaysian society who had faced the backlash of the UMNO tyranny. However, HINDRAF's reasoning and spirit are undeterred as we step into 2009.

Confident, resolute and without fear for the truth and reality, HINDRAF will forge ahead with new strategies, along with its allies both locally and internationally to spearhead the cause for the systematically marginalized and discriminated Malaysian Indians.

These activities in 2009 to be coordinated by HINDRAF will involve extensive coverage in the international arena in North America, Europe, and Asia as well as domestically.

HINDRAF is thankful for the support it has received and shall contribute with all its strength to push forward the necessary changes to ensure that the reforms in the society would lead to a fairer social and economic equality for the Malaysian Indians as well as the rest of the nation.

HINDRAF again takes this opportunity to wish all Malaysians a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Waytha Moorthy
HINDRAF – Chairman

Free Comments and Graphics

Poster of Pak Lah as Highest Human Right abuses during his term

PAK LAH THE PRIME MINISTER WITH HIGHEST NUMBER OF HUMAN RIGHTS ARRESTS AND ABUSES IN THE SHORTEST TERM IN OFFICE.

YOU HAVE AN ATTORNEY GENERAL AND INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE WHO LIVE IN FANTASY ISLAND & ARE IN CONTINOUS DELUSION.

WELL DONE - HUMAN RIGHTS HAVE BEEN "SERVED" UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP.

MALAYSIANS WILL REMEMBER YOU FOREVER.

HINDRAF taking part in Solidarity Demonstration in UN, Manhattan condemns on the Terror Act in Mumbai

DEAR HINDU-SIKH SISTERS/BROTHERS APPEAL TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SOLIDARITY DEMONSTRATION
ON SUNDAY DEC. 21st 2008
FROM 01:00 TO 03:00 PM

RE: TERROR IN MUMBAI

Under the banner of TRI-STATE INDIANS, more than 500 persons belonging to 50 organizations, will be holding a Solidarity Demonstration to express their shock, sorrow and anger at the cold blooded murder of 200 innocent people; and unprecedented barbarity and savagery inflicted on thousands of families by Jihadi Terrorists, in Mumbai.

The Solidarity Demonstration will be held in front of the
United Nations, at Dag Ham Plaza,
between First and Second Avenue,
47th Street, Manhattan,
from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

You are cordially requested/invited to please come, joins us with your family and friends to express your condolence to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives at the altar of the nation. We attach herewith a flyer giving complete information about the Solidarity Demonstration. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned at any time.
Best regards,
Very truly yours,
Narain Kataria
41-67 Judge Street (5P) Elmhurst,
NY 11373
(718) 478-5735

______________________________________________________

SOLIDARITY DEMONSTRATION
Sunday, December 21,
2008 1.00 - 3.00 P. M.
Dag Hammarskjold Plaza ( East 47th Street between 1st Ave. and 2nd Ave. )
Manhattan , New York ·

HAVE THE TERRORIST ATTACKS IN MUMBAI SHAKEN YOU TO THE CORE? ·

ARE YOU SICK TO YOUR STOMACH WITH THE PUSSYFOOTING OF COWARDLY LEADERS? ·

DO YOU WANT TO PROCLAIM TO THE WORLD PAKISTAN ’S INVOVLEMENT IN THESE ATTACKS? ·

DOES YOUR HEART GRIEVE FOR THE TORTURED JEWISH PEOPLE OF CHABAD LUBAVITCH ? ·

DO YOU SHED TEARS FOR 200 PEOPLE MASSACRED IN COLD BLOOD AND 400 INJURED? ·

DOES THE LOSS OF SOME OF THE BRAVEST AND FINEST OF THE POLICE & NSG BOTHER YOU? ·

HAVE YOU HAD ENOUGH WITH ONE AFTER ANOTHER TERRORIST ATTACKS? ·

DO YOU WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THE CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY? ·

IS “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH” FOR YOU? DO YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING?

If you answered YES to any one of the above, then Come Rain, Snow or Cold, JOIN TRI-STATE INDIANS on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 at 1:00 P. M. The latest Pakistan sponsored terrorist attacks have traumatized the nation and left deep scars on its psyche. Property worth millions of dollars is destroyed and the economy is affected adversely. Safety of the people and security of the nation is compromised
Who will set the things right?

WE THE CONCERNED PEOPLE TRISTATE INDIANS: Supporting Organizations
Afghan Hindu Association, Inc
Arsha Bodha Center
Art of Living Foundation , USA
Baba Balak Nath Temple, New York
Bangladeshi Hindus of America , New York
Bangladesh Minority Forum , USA
Bunt Association of North America
Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA
Federation of Indian Associations
Friends of India Society,
International Hindi Samiti of USA
Hindu Center, New York
Hindu Collective Initiative of North America (HCINA)
Hindu Human Rights Watch
Hindu International Council Against Defamation (HICAD)
Hindu Right Action Force (HINDRAF)
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh
Indian American Intellectual Forum
Kanchi Kamkoti Foundation USA
Kannada Koota Malyali Hindu Mandalam of North America
Marathi Vishwa Nataraja Mandir (WSFC)
Om Temple of Garden State
Overseas Friends of BJP
Overseas Sindhu Sabha , New York
Panchvati Ashram, New York
Phagwah Parade & Festival Committee
Punjabi Darbar Religious & Cultural Society
Sadhanalaya Dance, Inc.
Samskrita Bharati
Satya Narayan Mandir, Elmhurst
Save Temples in India
Shree Trimurthi Bhavan
Sindhi Circle, New York
The Caribbean Voice
The South Asian Times
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America and many more …

For Information, 847-462-4692 ,

Gaurang Vaishnav 732-754-1727
Jayesh Patel 732-688-2658
Sarang Rastogi 732-213-7281
Ram Kamath 908-822-8700
Special buses from Edison , Jersey City , Parsippany, Satyanarayan Mandir ( Elmhurst ), Hindu Center ( Flushing )

...

...

Reporters without Borders (RSF) urge the release of Hindraf lawyer

.
.

20 December 2008
Hindu Activist/Lawyer Detained in Malaysia


By Pei Hu
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia
http://www.impunitywatch.net/impunity_watch_asia/

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – International media watchdog, ,Reporters without Borders (RSF) and the Hindu community asks for the release of P. Uthayakumar, who has been detained without trial since last December. Malaysian authorities arrested Uthayakumar, a human rights lawyer for a non-profit Hindu rights organization, Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), under Malaysia’s Internal Security Act (ISA).

Hindraf works to publicize the plight of ethnic Indian minorities who have been consistently marginalized in Malaysia. Uthayakumar pointed out that every year 1 Hindu is killed under police custody and called upon the international community to put pressure on the Malaysian government to try perpetrators in International Criminal Court. Last November, Uthayakumar posted on his website a letter he wrote to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown asking the Prime Minister to support a UN Security Council resolution that condemned the “persecution” of Hindu minorities in Malaysia.
After Hindraf organized a massive rally last year, where nearly 30,000 Indians marched the streets, the Internal Minister of Malaysia declared Hindraf an unlawful organization.

The Internal Minister accused Hindraf of exploiting racial issues which disrupted peace and public order and since last December five Hindraf leaders have been arrested under the ISA.
Under article 8 of the ISA, a person can be detained up to two years if he is “acting in any manner prejudicial to the security of Malaysia” and the detention can be extended indefinitely.

RSF said, “Uthayakumar’s detention yet again shows to what degree the ISA is used to violate the principle of free expression … by allowing someone to be arrested without charge, this law enables the government to silence its opponents. We urge the authorities to release Uthayakumar, who just used his right to free speech.”

For more information, please see:

India Post – Indian Diaspora on Malaysia Resents Ban on Hindraf – 23 November 2008
Malaysia Insider – Hindraf Adrift One Year After Mass Protest – 26 November 2008
RSF – Call for release of Hindu minority lawyer arrested a year ago under security law – 12 December 2008





..

Letter from WMP to PM that Venacular schools are not cause of disunity

HINDRAF
C/o 28 Museum Street
London WC1A 1LH


YAB Dato Seri Abdullah Badawai
Prime Minister of Malaysia
Block Utama
Bangunan Perdana Putra
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62502 Putrajaya
Email: reduceredtape@pmo.gov.my
Tel: 03 8888 8000 , Fax: 03 8888 3444

17 DECEMBER 2008

YAB Dato Seri Najib Razak
Deputy Prime Minister
Aras 4, Blok Barat, Bangunan Perdana Putra
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62502 Putrajaya


Dear YAB,

Not Tamil and Chinese Schools but Institutional race, religious and supremacist plans, policies and programmes that is causing racial and religious polarization, disharmony and disunity.


We refer to the above matter and to Datuk Mukhriz’s statement (NST 2/12/08 at page 8) that vernacular schools are causing racial and religious polarization in Malaysia. It is the UMNO controlled Malaysian Government’s institutional race, religion and supremacist based national development plans, policies and programmes that is the root cause and the present day major cause of polarization, disharmony and disunity in Malaysia despite 51 years of independence.

May we draw your kind attention that this current UMNO’s policies using race religion and Malay Supremacy as the basis is not only unfair and unjust but is also obsolete especially when the world and the people of the most powerful country in the world has actually elected the son of an immigrant slave ancestry black and “muslim” as the President of the United States of America.

In Malaysia the non malay muslims are not even allowed to become a District Officers. The Indians in particular are excluded and segregated from almost every aspect of the country’s national development plans, policies and programmes beginning from the Permata, kemas and other kindergardens to fully residential Mara and elite schools to University and UITM intake to government contracts, heavy lorry and bus permits, to Felda, Felcra Risda Agropolitan land schemes for the landless, to licences, permits, business opportunities to civil service GLC corporations corporate and business employment and top jobs etc. and almost every aspect of day to day life has been made into institutional race, religious and further expanding day by day.

When this segregation and exclusion stops, Tamil and Chinese schools will die a natural death. In the 1950’s and 1960’s most of the Indians and Chinese and even the Malays preferred the then English schools any way. Because then there was equality and equal opportunities.

Kindly reevaluate your race religious and Malay Supremacist based policies which is taking up so much of the nation’s energy - focus should be used to progress.

Kindly revert to us accordingly.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully


………………………………………………………….
P Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF

MAKKAL SAKTHI SUBMITS PEOPLE'S PETITION TO DYMM YDP NG SEMBILAN

On 20th Dec 2008, Makkal Sakthi representing majority Malaysian Indian submitted a petition to the Highness YDP Negeri Sembilan at his palace, Istana Hinggap at about 3pm. More than 200 people gathered to show their loyality and seek the Highness to look into Malaysian Indian problems. It was a peaceful gathering.

Report :PETITION OF MAKKAL SAKTI to Yang Dipertua of Ng Sembilan

Handing of Peoples Petition to Swear Allegience to the Rulers by Malaysian Indian.

3.15pm at Istana Hinggap Seremban, Malaysian Indians sent the petition to swear allegience to the Rulers and hope the Rulers can address issues of marginalization & discrimination of UMNO goverment against Malaysian Indians.
We were disappointed the Istana official was not there to received our petition. The official Datuk Abdullah who was not there, have instructed Lans Corperal Zurish (Police ID.No 146288) to received on behalf of Istana.
We were surprise the heavy present of Police and FRU. The way they look as thou we are not welcome there. The police were very rude, they give us 5 minute to disperse or they will arrest us. We left peacefully.

S.JAYATHAS
Makkal Sakthi
National Coordinater
JUSTICE FOR ALL MALAYSIAN

Below are some of the picture taken during the submission :-

http://www.slide.com/r/vGiYzHlizT-g-NJV188DfHxa_rDvLupU?

http://national-express-malaysia.blogspot.com/2008/12/20-dec-peoples-petition-istana-hinggap.html

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>>(())...

Hunger Strike by Makkal Sakthi - updates and pics

Day 4 - Letter from P.Waythamoorthy, UK that appealled to call off the hunger strike.

HINDRAF APPEALS UPON HUNGER STRIKERS TO CALL OFF STRIKE.OPPRESSIVE UMNO REGIME WOULD PAY FOR THEIR SINS.

HINDRAF appreciates the effort of S.Jayathas and 14 others who began a hunger strike to protest the ISA arrests and had vowed to go on hunger strike until the Government abolishes the ISA. Last few days have been tough and testing moments for those participating.
They are now weak and Mr jayathas had to be rushed to hospital today after he collapsed during the Maha yaagam (Fire ritual).
Jayathas is a kidney patient and last had his dialysis done a week ago. I now appeal to all those participating in the strike to call off their hunger strike as the UMNO regime is a ruthless and oppressive regime which does not care about its citizens. It is not worth scarifying lives for UMNO for they are a bunch of cruel and inhumane lot who cares a damn about humanity, democracy and rights.

To the 15 hunger strikers I bow before all of you and appeal you would heed my humble request and call of the strike.

The whole democracy loving Malaysians are behind you. Your sacrifices and spirit have encouraged many others. Well done and keep up the spirits.

P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF


Day 4 - Hunger Strike Update -Jayathas taken to hospital on 4th day!!

Hindraf coordinator S Jayathas who has been on a hunger strike with 14 others to protest the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) was admitted to hospital today, organisers said.

P Waytha Nayagi, another participant in the hunger strike which began on Sunday, said Jayathas was taken by ambulance to hospital.
She said that Jayathas, 41, collapsed while performing a special 24-hours prayer or yagam which started at 8.30am today.
The hunger strike is being staged at a small Hindu temple in Seri Gombak. Participants are consuming only water.



"Jayathas became weak after four days. He also missed two rounds of dialysis treatment. He is a kidney patient," Waytha Nayagi said.
"He missed his treatment on Monday and today... his last dialysis was on Friday and he was very weak," she added.She said that Jayathas avoided his dialysis treatment as he would have to consume food after undergoing the treatment.She also told Malaysiakini that Jayathas had initially refused medical care because he wanted to continue with the strike but the others had convinced him to change his mind. Undergoing dialysisWhen contacted at about 4pm, Jayathas told malaysiakini that he was being treated at the emergency ward in Selayang Hospital."I'm feeling much better now and I will be undergoing dialysis in a while," he said.Explaining his earlier condition, Jayathas said that he first felt giddy while performing the prayers and that his legs began to cramp.

"My blood had become toxic because I had avoided the (dialysis) treatment," he said.Nevertheless, he is determined to continue the strike once he is well enough to return to the temple.The strike began on Sunday at the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple in Seri Gombak to commemorate the first anniversary of the detention of five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders under the ISA.
Waytha Nayagi is the sister of P Uthayakumar, one of Hindraf 5, who are being detained without trial.
The five, one of whom is a state lawmaker, were arrested last December after enraging the government by mounting a mass rally alleging discrimination against Indian Malaysians.
Ending the fast tomorrow
Waytha Nayagi said the group would end their hunger strike tomorrow.
"But we will continue our struggle in other forms until the ISA is abolished and all detainees are freed," she said.





The strike was initially planned to take place in Shah Alam but the organisers failed to secure the location.Waytha Nayagi explained that they had also approached over 30 temples in the vicinity of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor but were denied permission."They were afraid and some of them were threatened by the police...when they (temples) face demolition, makkal sakthi (people power) is always there... that's the irony of this, you see," she added.


The yagam is being held for "divine intervention in securing our goals", said Waytha Nayagi.
Indians make up less than eight percent of the population of 27 million.
The ISA, a relic of the British colonial era when it was used to fight a communist insurgency, allows for renewable two-year periods of detention without trial.
The government says it is a vital tool to fight terrorism, but rights groups say the law has been improperly used to silence government critics, and that detainees are mentally and physically tortured.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said last week that since he took over the portfolio in March, the number of ISA detainees - most of them alleged Islamic militants - had been reduced from 70 to 46.

(with additional details from AFP report)


http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/SE+Asia/Story/STIStory_315474.html





'Mr Jayathas became weak after four days of hunger strike. He also missed two rounds of dialysis treatment. He is a kidney patient,' Ms Waytha said. --PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE


KUALA LUMPUR - AN ETHNIC Indian activist who has been on a hunger strike with 14 others to protest against a draconian Malaysian security law was admitted to hospital on Wednesday, organisers said.
Waytha Nayagi Ponnusamy, another of the participants in the hunger strike which began on Sunday, said that Mr S. Jayathas, coordinator of rights group Hindraf which organised the protest, was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
'Mr Jayathas became weak after four days of hunger strike. He also missed two rounds of dialysis treatment. He is a kidney patient,' she said.
Ms Waytha is the sister of P. Uthayakumar, one of five ethnic Indian leaders of Hindraf who are being held under the controversial Internal Security Act (ISA) which allows for indefinite detention without trial.
The five, one of whom is a state lawmaker, were arrested after enraging the government last November by mounting a mass rally alleging discrimination against Malaysia's minority ethnic Indians.
Ms Waytha said the group would on Thursday end their hunger strike - during which they are consuming only water - which is being staged at a small Hindu temple north of Kuala Lumpur.
'But we will continue our struggle in other forms until the ISA is abolished and all detainees are freed,' she said.
Ethnic Indians make up less than eight percent of the population of 27 million, which is dominated by Muslim Malays.
The ISA, a relic of the British colonial era when it was used to fight a communist insurgency, allows for renewable two-year periods of detention without trial.
Malaysia's government says it is a vital tool to fight terrorism, but rights groups say the law has been improperly used to silence government critics, and that detainees are mentally and physically tortured.
Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said last week that since he took over the portfolio in March, the number of ISA detainees - mostly alleged Islamic militants - had been reduced from 70 to 46.

-- AFP

Similair news links are as below :-
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Indians_Abroad/Ethnic_Indian_hunger_striker_hospitalised/articleshow/3851647.cms

http://national-express-malaysia.blogspot.com/2008/12/hunger-strike-update-jayathas-taken-to.html






...

13 Dec 08 - Message from P.Uthayakumar to Makkal Sakthi Supporters

The following are message from Mr.P.Uthayakumar Dear HINDRAF Supporters

Though HINDRAF has been banned by this Government I urge all of you to continue the true spirit of HINDRAF that has been to pressure the government to address all issues affecting the Malaysian Indian Community. The most crucial demands of the Malaysian community are contained in the 18 demands we had submitted in August 2007 and I stand by those demands and am willing to be in prison for as long as it takes for the Government to fulfil those urgent needs of the community.

I take full responsibility for those demands made and urge the Government to release my fellow Lawyer brothers who merely acted in helping me and my brother Waytha Moorthy in various matters in court.

The 3 Lawyers have suffered in prison for a year and there are no valid reasons for the Government to hold them and they should be immediately released. This one year of prison life has taught me to be strong and I am resolved to struggle for the rights of Malaysian Indians. UMNO Government has cheated the Malaysian Indians for more than 51 years and this has to come to an end.

Let us all unite as one voice to speak for our rights. Keep our differences at bay. No two man can think alike and have the same opinions.

But basic rights are something that we should all demand equally and to do so we have to have a single voice. With this single voice we should continue to push forward and I urge all of you to be prepared for a higher task of not only demanding our rights from this government but to also make yourselves available to serve the community in a positive way.

Year 2009 should be dedicated to serve the community and I urge all of you to come forward to join us in our next agenda to serve the public.

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND WE WILL TOGETHER COMPLETE THE GREAT TASK THAT LIES AHEAD

...<<>>....

Makkal Sakthi goes Hunger Strike to appeal on Repeal ISA

15 on hunger strike over ISA
Dec 14, 08 3:11pm

Fifteen Hindraf supporters launched a hunger strike on Sunday to demand the abolition of a tough security law which the government says is needed to combat terrorism, organisers said.

"The five-day hunger strike is to protest against the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) and to demand all detainees are freed," S. Jayathas, coordinator of the rights group Hindraf which organised the strike, told AFP.

"The hunger strike is also to demand the government end all injustices in Malaysia and stop discriminating against minority Indians."

The ISA, a relic of the British colonial era when it was used to fight a communist insurgency, allows for renewable two-year periods of detention without trial.
The government says it is a vital tool to fight terrorism, but rights groups say the law has been improperly used to silence government critics, and that detainees are mentally and physically tortured.

Rights groups say 70 people, mainly alleged Islamic militants, are being held under the ISA.
Hunger strikers to only take water
The protesters are staging their hunger strike at a small temple north of Kuala Lumpur.
Some of those taking part are relatives of five Hindu Rights Action Front (Hindraf) leaders, who are being held under the ISA.
The five, one of whom is a state lawmaker, were arrested after enraging the government last November by mounting a mass rally alleging discrimination against Malaysia's minority ethnic Indians.
Ethnic Indians make up less than eight percent of the 27-million-strong population of the mainly Muslim Malay country.
Jayathas said the protesters would only consume water during the strike.

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Letter from Jayathas on Hunger Strike

Almighty God!! We humbly bow at your feet.

Today (14th Dec 2008 ) Makkal Sakthi supporters launched a hunger strike until the UMNO regime acts on the plight of all Malaysians to Abolish the draconian ISA law, release all ISA detainees and allow their chairman Mr. P. Waythamoorthy for a save return to his beloved homeland.

Almost 50 Makkal Sakthi supporters gathered at the

Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple at

B1 Kg .Sri Temenggong, Sri Gombak, Selangor

today and commenced the hunger strike after paying homage to the Almighty Goddess Mother Sri Maha Kaliaman.

P.Uthayakumar's sister P.Waythanayagi also join in the hunger strike to Abolish the draconian law ISA. National Coordinator, S.Jayathas said that a copy of the "Makkal Sakthi 18 Points Demand" was surrendered at the feet of Goddess Maha Kaali , seeking Her blessings to make the UMNO led BN government to repeal the ISA and address the 51 yrs of colonialization, discrimination and suppression against the minority Malaysians Indians.

The supporters demanded immediate and unconditional release of the HINDRAF leaders together with the others detained under the ISA.

They urged that KEMTA be shut down and questioned that "When America's president elect Barrack Obama can shut down Guatanamo Bay Centre, why can't the same done to KEMTA by the Malaysian Government.

S. Jayathas further stated that the selective prosecution and double standards in recognizing the right to freedom of assembly, with those opposing government policies targeted for arrest and harsh crackdowns. Recently we celebrated World Human Rights Day and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights article 1 says That all human being are born FREE and EQUAL in dignity and rights, but today in Malaysia this dosent take place instead racial discrimination continues. We the Malaysians want to see the change in our beloved country. Please Support our struggle to Abolish ISA.

Valga Makkal SAKTHI

Valga Uthaya SAKTHI

S.JAYATHAS

Makkal Sakthi National Coordinater

012 6362287

P.Uthaya - Free them, I'll take full responsibility

'Free them, I'll take full responsibility'
Rahmah Ghazali Dec 14, 08 3:06pm

ISA detainee and banned movement Hindraf leader P Uthayakumar made a startling revelation last night when he vowed to take full responsibility for the fevents which led to the detention of his ‘fellow lawyer brothers’.

Delivering the message through his 14-year-old nephew V Prasad (right) at the anti-ISA forum in Klang, he said that he would take complete responsibility for the 18-point demands the group had submitted to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in the administration capital Putrajaya in August last year.
"I stand by those demands made and urge the government to release my fellow lawyer brothers who merely acted in helping me and my brother (Hindu Rights Action Force chairperson) P Waythamoorthy in various matters in court.
"The three lawyers have suffered in prison for a year and there are no valid reasons for the government to hold them and they should be immediately released," said lawyer and Hindraf’s legal adviser Uthayakumar in his brief statement to the 250-strong crowd who had gathered at the PAS hall.

Uthayakumar was referring to lawyers M Manoharan, R Kenghadharan and V Ganabatirau who were detained together with him on Dec 13 last year under the tough security law for allegedly carrying out activities which threatened national security.
The other Hindraf leader who has been detained is the movement’s organising secretary, T Vasanthakumar.

Forty-seven-year-old Uthayakumar is elder brother of self-exiled Hindraf chairperson Waythamoorthy, who is currently in London and is likely to face arrest under ISA should he return home.

‘One year in prison taught me to be strong’

As Prasad delivered his uncle’s message to the somber but high-spirited crowd, Uthayakumar also said that one year in prison has taught him to be strong.

"I’ve resolved to struggle for the rights of Malaysian Indians. The Umno government has cheated Malaysian Indians for more than 51 years and this has to come to an end," he said.

Uthayakumar also pointed out that it was crucial for the minority Indians to be united and speak in a single voice.
"With this single voice we should continue to push forward and I urge all of you to be prepared for a higher task of not only demanding our rights from this government but to also make yourselves available to serve the community in a positive way," Uthayakumar added.

As 2008 comes to a close, Uthayakumar urged Malaysians to dedicated themselves to serving the community in the new year.
"I urge all of you to come forward to join us in our next agenda to serve the public," he said.

Mkini- Makkal Sakthi held Anti ISA forum at Markas PAS Jalan Kebun

Mkini -Outlawed Hindraf's spirit lives on
Rahmah Ghazali Dec 14, 08 2:38pm

Despite being declared a banned movement, Hindraf’s spirit among its supporters still lived on, and this was proven at their anti-ISA forum at PAS’ hall in Klang last night.

The Hindu Rights Action Force’s forum, attended by about 250 people, was held in conjunction with the first anniversary of the Internal Security Act (ISA) detention of five Hindraf leaders, which many of the supporters have described as their ‘blackest day’.

According to national coordinator S Jayathas, who was the first speaker at the forum, the event was organised to launch a hunger strike, which is to kick off today at a Hindu temple in Shah Alam.

According to Jayathas (left), the hunger strike of a dozen of supporters will continue "until the government releases their leaders and abolish the ISA".

The three-hour forum saw some prominent Pakatan politicians including PAS Kota Raja MP Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud, DAP Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo, PKR Kapar MP S Manikavasagam and Selangor exco member Dr Xavier Jayakumar.


RPK did not show up

Much to the supporters’ disappointment however, controversial Malaysia Today editor and former ISA detainee Raja Petra Kamarudin, who was expected to address the crowd last night, could not make it as "he was warned three times by the police not to attend" the forum.

This was claimed by Hindraf coordinator W Sambulingam in his speech, saying that "if he (Raja Petra) chooses to come here tonight, he would face another arrest, so he decided not to come".

Sambulingam also lamented that there were six police roadblocks leading to the PAS hall, and this could have affected the turnout of yesterday’s crowd.

The five Hindraf leaders have been held under the tough security law on Dec 13 last year for "carrying out activities that threatened national security" and allegedly having links with Sri Lanka separatist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Those detained are P Uthayakumar M Manoharan, R Kenghadharan and V Ganabatirau and T Vasanthakumar.

Prior to their arrest, Hindraf had organised a massive protest which saw some 30,000 people taking to the streets in Kuala Lumpur.

The movement was made illegal on Oct 15 two weeks after some 200 Hindraf supporters visited the prime minister's 'open house' during the Hari Raya celebration at the Putra World Trade Centre, where they had pressed for the repeal of the ISA.

‘Arrest me, I am not scared’

The anti-ISA forum began with a high-spirited speech from Manikavasagam.

He challenged the Special Branch police officers, whom he claimed were present at the forum, to arrest him for supporting Hindraf.

"Hindraf is still alive! I’m not scared because I have been working with (detained Hindraf leader) Uthayakumar for seven years. Arrest me anytime you want, I am not scared," thundered the Kapar MP, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Meanwhile, Siti Mariah (right) said "every cloud has a silver lining" as many Malaysian Indians have come to realise that Islamic opposition party PAS had been continuously fighting to abolish ISA.

"If Hindraf leaders were not arrested under the ISA, many Indians would not know what ISA is. Now they know that it’s a draconian law that we should all fight against it.

"However, it’s a shame that most of Malays who are more highly-educated still think we need the ISA to protect the security," said the PAS leader.

The focus then turned to outspoken Puchong MP Gobind, who said there were still ‘ghosts’ in the ruling Barisan Nasional who wanted ISA amended, but were still unwilling to do the necessary to achieve that.

He was referring to PPP’s recent threat to leave the BN coalition if ISA is not amended although Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said there were no plans to do so.

"PM has already told them ISA is not going to be amended, then leave now. Why bother? And where is the leader? He’s not even here, is he scared to make a decision?" said Gobind of M Kayveas, who is currently overseas.

Small commotion erupted during speech

While Gobind was delivering his speech to the crowd, a small commotion erupted at the sideline of the forum where three people who claimed to be Hindraf supporters protested over a banner depicting the movement’s leaders.

It was learnt that the supporters were not satisfied with the organisers as the banner showed only four detained Hindraf leaders together with a photo of the outlawed organisation’s self-exile chairperson P Waythamoorthy.

"Where’s the other photo of the Hindraf 5? It should be five rather than four," they said furiously, referring to the group’s organising secretary and ISA detainee, Vasanthakumar, whose photo was not on the banner.

The argument with the organisers lasted for about five minutes, which some claimed the three outraged supporters "were planted to sabotage the event".

It was later revealed to Malaysiakini by one of the organisers that Vasanthakumar’s wife has requested not to have her husband’s photo on the banner or "she would sue us".

Over the past four months, there has been a fallout between Waythamoorthy - who is currently in London - and Vasanthakumar’s family.

It is believed that, among others, Vasanthakumar prefers a less in-your-face campaign for the release of the Hindraf 5.

The forum ended with a one-minute silence to commemorate the first anniversary of the arrest with lit candles and the released of five pigeons - each representing the five detainees.

Briefing in UK House of Lords on M'sian Indians Plight

HOUSE OF LORDS BRIEFING ON THE PLIGHT OF MALAYSIAN ETHNIC INDIAN COMMUNITY - 8TH DECEMBER 2008 A NEW BEGINNING ON THE CAMPAIGN TO HIGHLIGHT THE ATROCITIES OF UMNO GOVERNMENT AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL.

British Conservative party's Shadow Minister for Education and a member of the House of Lords Baroness Verma of Leicester today (Dec 8, 2008) hosted a briefing on the plight of minority Indian rights of Malaysia.

The briefing was held at the House of Lords on behalf of the Friends of Minority Communities in Malaysia.
The purpose of the briefing was for members of the House of Lords and House of Commons to obtain a true picture on the plights of the ethnic minority Indian community in Malaysia.

Baroness Verma had extended invitation to key personalities from Malaysian as well as from the USA.

The speakers were the Director of Public Policy of the Hindu American Foundation Ishani Chowdhury, the Director of Centre for Public Policy Studies (Malaysia) Tricia Yeoh, Human Rights Advocate (Malaysia) P Waythamoorthy and the editor of Malaysiakini.com K Kabilan.

"This is an important event that emphasizes the need to sustain focus on a nation that continues to discriminate against the minority Hindu population by judicial onslaughts, educational impediments and temple destruction," Ms Chowdhury told the briefing.

"The Malaysian government needs to work with its peaceful and productive minority community and address these legitimate grievances. Only then can it ensure true upliftment of its people and progress as a multi-ethnic nation," she added.
Ms Yeoh said that Indians in Malaysia were excluded from the mainstream, were mismanaged, and was a misunderstood community.

She said that there were an estimated 40,000 unregistered Indian children nationwide and as a result they were excluded from examinations, university, scholarships, access to healthcare, business and employment.
"The Indian participation in the civil sector has also dwindled in recent years. Their representation in civil service stood at 7.2% in 2006 and now it is on 2.8%," she said.

Ms Yeoh also touched on the various Malaysian government measures and efforts to solve the Indian problems.
Kabilan spoke about the plight of the plantation workers in Malaysia, stating that their condition had largely remained unchanged since independence in 1957.
"Issues such as wages, housing rights, education and healthcare are still there," he said.

"In 1941 and then in 1946, there were reports published which stated that these plantation workers wanted a better wage structure, an improvement of living quarters, a proper healthcare and a proper education.
"Malaysiakini did a story on bonded laborers' two years ago and we found out that these workers were still in want of the same things which were originally sought in 1941," he added.

He also said that the measures implemented by the government had been insufficient in addressing the problems faced by these plantation workers.
Waythamoorthy, who is also the chairperson of the Hindraf, spoke on the marginalisation of the Indian community for the past 50 years.
"And for speaking up these issues, five Hindraf leaders have been detained under the draconian Internal Security Act which provided for detention without trial," he said.

He urged the Baroness to look into the sorry situation of the Indian community in Malaysia and to influence British politicians to raise their concerns to the Malaysian government.

"We will continue in highlighting the grievances of this community in the international arena as the local government is not keen to meet us and address the issues," he said in the briefing.

Representatives of Civil societies within the UK also attended the briefing which included Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, European Centre for Human Rights Studies, The Law Society of England and Wales. Community leaders of the local Hindu/Indian community pledged their support and agreed to take up the matter further with the European Parliament members.