Probe Kg Medan riot, Suhakam told

Hindraf submits another memorandum calling on the human rights commission to hold an open inquiry into the 2001 racial clash.

KUALA LUMPUR: Hindraf has submitted a memorandum to Suhakam, urging the human rights commission to hold a public inquiry into the 2001 racial clash in Kampung Medan.

Hindraf leader P Uthayakumar said 11 years has passed but the authorities continue to ignore the matter.

“Moreover, the Federal Court dismissed the Kampung Medan suit on March 5, 2012. Five Indians were murdered and more than 100 suffered grevious bodily injuries.

“We want justice for the Kampung Medan victims. So Suhakam must call for a public inquiry,” he added after submitting the memorandum.

Uthayakumar said that since 2001, he has submitted five memorandums and nine letters to Suhakam to hold a public inquiry but the commission continued to churn out “lame excuses”.

He added that on June 6, 2002, Hindraf lawyers filed a civil suit, including a Mandamus Order to compel Suhakam to hold an inquiry but the High Court struck out the suit without Suhakam having to even file defence.

The decision was upheld by both the Court of Appeal and Federal Court.

Apology fund


The Federal Court also dismissed a suit filed by seven Kampung Medan victims who, among others, sought monetary compensation.

“We want justice for the victims and their families who have been suffering all these years,” said Uthayakumar. “Thus, it is time for Suhakam to call for a public inquiry to be able to establish the truth behind the riot.”

The Hindraf leader also urged the federal government to provide compensation of RM500 million, with families who lost a loved one due to the incident be given at least RM1 million.

The RM500 million, he said, should come under the “Kg Medan apology fund” and the money could be used for education, welfare and business opportunities for those affected and other poor Indians.