Share |

Tuesday, 2 April 2013

Tough issues in store for second PM-Hindraf meet


The next meeting between Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Hindraf will likely touch on the most contentious issues in the latter's blueprint to uplift the Indian Malaysian community.

NONE"During the first meeting with the prime minister, we could see that there was a large gap on certain issues,”  Hindraf adviser N Ganesan toldMalaysiakini.

"So we will be getting discussions going on the matters that we know will be the major issues."

Other than saying that 24 points have been put forward to the premier, Ganesan declined to reveal which of these are the most contentious.

Due to the complexity of the issues, he said, it is taking time to set up the second meeting with the premier.

"It is being set up .. we are waiting for them (Prime Minister's Department) to tell us. We know it is going to be more than just the prime minister (being) involved," he said.

Ganesan said Hindraf is still unclear of the composition of the group but that the meeting will likely take place this week.

NONEHindraf had on March 25 held its first meeting with the premier and described it as "productive, but far from a resolution".

Ganesan acknowledged that Hindraf's demands are complex, which was why a multi-party group is being formed to look into the issues and, if necessary, be taken up to the prime minister.

He also acknowledged that DAP national chairperson Karpal Singh had called on Hindraf to return to the discussion table with Pakatan Rakyat when urging the movement's chief P Waythamoorthy to end his hunger strike.

However, he said DAP has sent mixed signals after unilaterally announcing its own blueprint for the community in the form of the Gelang Patah Declaration on March 31.

"We have not closed our doors, but after Karpal made the call, the very next day, Lim Kit Siang came up with DAP's own blueprint. So we don't understand what is really going on," he said.

‘Waytha discharged’


Waythamoorthy had been on hunger strike since March 10 to lobby Pakatan and BN to endorse the movement's blueprint.

hindraf p waythamoorthy hunger strikeHe collapsed on March 31 and was admitted into hospital, subsequently ending his hunger strike.

"He was discharged last night and is now recovering at his home in Klang. There has been no permanent damage to his health. He is just weak from fasting," said Ganesan.

Asked what is next for Hindraf, Ganesan said the movement will soon declare its official stance on the 13th general election and continue its nationwide forum on its blueprint.

"We have been keeping our position ambivalent but after all the forums, we will confirm our specific position on the general election,” he said.

"When (this is announced) will depend on when Parliament dissolves but if Parliament dissolves late, then we may announce earlier.”

Najib had yesterday met Chinese education group Dong Zong but it was only able to raise one of its three demands due to time constraints.

NONEChairperson Yap Sin Tian had said the group did not get the good news it wants, but hopes for a resolution in subsequent meetings which the premier has promised.

The group has called for the recognition of the United Examination Certificate for entry into public universities.
Its other two demands are for more Chinese independent schools and a review of the National Education Blueprint.

No comments: