Uthayakumar plans to go to jail for Indian cause

Hindraf founder P Uthayakumar said he is prepared to go to jail for the Indian cause, as he has lost hope of seeking justice through the legal system.

He said he will not continue to defend himself against sedition charges against him at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Monday, although the court has already found a prima facie case against him.

“Let the court punish me, it is okay. For me, I look at this as another occasion to highlight the genuine grievances of the Indian poor.

“Of course somebody has to pay the price and unfortunately, I have to be that somebody again.
"In every struggle, there is a price to pay,” he said when contacted today.
Uthayakumar has been facing the charge since 2007 for allegedly writing a letter, deemed seditious, addressed to then British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

He complained that almost all his applications to the court had been turned down, whereas almost all of the prosecutor's were allowed.
Facing losing battle with system

Among other issues, he said he court had insisted that he only submit his original official letters on his campaign for his defence although he has only copies because the former had already been mailed to various individuals and organisations.

The last straw came, he said, when the court issued an arrest warrant for him in April for not appearing in court although his bailer has produced a medical certificate from a government medical specialist to the court.

"I had already started my defence and given half a day of evidence.
"I originally told the court that I have 70 witnesses, ranging from the Kampung Medan (‘ethnic cleansing') victims to those who were not given ICs and birth certificates and those who were denied Socso benefits.

"I have made the arrangements, but now I have lost confidence that justice will be served. So let them make a decision," he said.

His case is scheduled for hearing on Monday and Tuesday at  the KL Sessions Court, while submissions and sentencing have been fixed for June 5.

If found guilty of the charges under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act, he is liable to a fine of up to RM5,000, or a jail term of up to three years, or both.

Ironically, June 5 is also when his brother and Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy is expected to be sworn in as senator.

Uthayakumar said he hopes that he would be acquitted, but is prepared to be jailed and would refuse to pay any fine imposed.

"Why should I pay the fine when I am not guilty? I spoke the truth!" he said when asked why he would refuse to pay the fine.