Waytha: Lift ban on Hindraf, and then we'll talk

Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) chairperson P Waythamoorthy says if Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak wants to meet with the movement, the government must first lift its ban on it.

Waythamoorthy said he was surprised by the government’s intention to meet with Hindraf, as he had sent an request to meet Najib and also Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim in August on his return from exile.
                                              
“Last week I met Anwar, whom I recognise as the PM-in-waiting and recently, we had a meeting with PAS spiritual adviser (and Kelantan Menteri Mesar) Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and deputy president Mohamad Sabu,” he said.

“We are not too enthusiastic with the PM’s invitation as we fear it will be used by BN to gain mileage as the election is near.
“However, if Najib is sincere in meeting Hindraf, he should first lift the ban on the movement and then we will talk,” he told Malaysiakini.

Waythamoorthy, who is the younger brother of P Uthayakumar, said Hindraf had applied to be registered since 2007 but this has not been allowed by the government.

Subsequently, it had also filed judicial review applications and also re-filed another application to register Hindraf in 2010, but this was again rejected.
Hindraf successfully launched a rally on Nov 25, 2007, to push for the rights of the Indian community.

Waythamoorthy was responding to the statement by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz yesterday   that Najib was willing to meet with Hindraf to discuss the issues of the Indian community.

“We feel that even if it’s the most extreme group like Hindraf, we will meet them as it is an inclusive approach,” Nazri said.
Hindraf meeting on Saturday

Waythamoorthy said he would like the see the offer as beyond politics to ensure the improved well-being of the Indian community and ensure human rights are respected.

“This is for the benefit of the Indian community,” he said.

He views the invitation as possibly the government now recognising the movement as a force fighting for the rights of the Indian community and has major grassroots support.

On Saturday, the Hindraf chairperson said they would be calling a meeting with all representatives nationwide to identify the problems faced by the community.

“We have already received a lot of feedback from the community but on Saturday, we will get to know the further problems faced as highlighted by the wishes of the grassroots, and wants the government and politicians to address them,” he said.

He said Hindraf is also beyond generalities, as we are seeking specific, pointed and serious approaches to resolve problems faced by the community, and fighting for the human rights of the community.

“We seek permanent, comprehensive and practical solutions that will bring tangible benefits with an immediate impact on the problems of the Indian poor. The PM must be ready to make significant commitments to addressing the problems along these lines for these talks to be meaningful.

“We had also submitted our demands for the government to consider five years ago,” he said.

Uthayakumar had earlier told Malaysiakini that the government should fulfill the five demands first before asking for a meeting.

In the final analysis, Waythamoorthy said  we as the lead organisation for the Indian marginalised community in the country seek to find real solutions for the problems of the people that they speak up for.

“If there is sincerity (from the PM), we will certainly explore it,” he said.

Recently, another Hindraf leader, S Jayathas, had also officially joined PKR.