(Malaysiakini) The controversy over the 'Interlok' rose several notches today when the eight-member independent panel to review and amend the novel saw all its ethnic Indian members pull out this afternoon.
Following a meeting held at Parliament building with Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today, all three ethnic Indian panellists declared they were withdrawing from the government-created body.
According to writer Uthaya Shankar SB (right), the decision was taken after it became apparent that the other members of the panel had changed their minds and rejected one-by-one the 100 modifications that had been recommended to render the book appropriate for consumption by Form 5 students.
“We feel we were betrayed,” Uthaya Shankar told Malaysiakini.
He claims that earlier, all eight panellists had reached a consensus over the matter.
Following a meeting held at Parliament building with Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today, all three ethnic Indian panellists declared they were withdrawing from the government-created body.According to writer Uthaya Shankar SB (right), the decision was taken after it became apparent that the other members of the panel had changed their minds and rejected one-by-one the 100 modifications that had been recommended to render the book appropriate for consumption by Form 5 students.
“We feel we were betrayed,” Uthaya Shankar told Malaysiakini.
He claims that earlier, all eight panellists had reached a consensus over the matter.
Besides Uthaya, two others who withdrew from the panel are Global Aminuddin Baki Universiti education centre director Prof NS Rajendran and former education ministry officer G Krishnabahawan.
Earlier today, all eight panel members led by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) ethnic studies institute director Shamsul Amri Baharuddin met Muhyiddin at Parliament to discuss the results of their studies.
Earlier today, all eight panel members led by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) ethnic studies institute director Shamsul Amri Baharuddin met Muhyiddin at Parliament to discuss the results of their studies.
'DPM disagreed'
According to Uthaya, everyone at the meeting had unanimously agreed that the word “pariah”, which denotes a lower caste in Tamil society, be removed from the novel.
However, Muhyiddin was not agreeable about 100 other amendments and requested that it be reduced.
“Muhyiddin then left the meeting. We continued discussing about the novel for three hours. But all the original amendments were rejected,” said Uthaya in a very dissatisfied tone.
Among others, Uthaya and two others had wanted a correction to the word “tali (string)” used in the book to described the ceremonial gold necklace used in weddings. The correct word should be “thali”.
“They (other panelist) said this is not sensitive. How would they know? We are Indians. We know what is sensitive and what is not,” said Uthaya, who is a celebrated Malay writer.
He refused to call his action and that of two others a form of protest and instead said that they did what was “appropriate”.
“We were brought in to represent the Indian community. Without us, I don't know what will happen,” he said when asked if the panel was doomed to failure.
The panel's meeting after Muhyiddin left was cut short after the trio withdrew.
However, Muhyiddin was not agreeable about 100 other amendments and requested that it be reduced.
“Muhyiddin then left the meeting. We continued discussing about the novel for three hours. But all the original amendments were rejected,” said Uthaya in a very dissatisfied tone.
Among others, Uthaya and two others had wanted a correction to the word “tali (string)” used in the book to described the ceremonial gold necklace used in weddings. The correct word should be “thali”.
“They (other panelist) said this is not sensitive. How would they know? We are Indians. We know what is sensitive and what is not,” said Uthaya, who is a celebrated Malay writer.
He refused to call his action and that of two others a form of protest and instead said that they did what was “appropriate”.
“We were brought in to represent the Indian community. Without us, I don't know what will happen,” he said when asked if the panel was doomed to failure.
The panel's meeting after Muhyiddin left was cut short after the trio withdrew.
Comments from Malaysiakini readers:-
E-Pakatan BN (Phoenix Star 88) You are a real Pariah. Even the word were to be removed you are still a pariah. The whole idea and best idea if this blady idiot like you dont want the book to ammended then sell the book in Muhi Tahi Book shop la. We just ask the book not to be used in School. Faham tak baghal., Bahlol Haprak. Tak perlu pinda pinda. Biarkan. Penulis gila Abdullah Hussien memang racist kalau dilihat dari segi penulisan nya walaupun ia nya satu Novel. Orang boleh baca isi hati dia. Dah dekat dengan liang sepatutnya sebelum mati minta maaf dengan orang India, China dan juga melayu. Mengapa dia katakan Melayu Malas, Pergilah tengok Melayu di Kelantan betapa Rajin. Mana ada Cina tipu. Itu firasat dia. Another F**** of race relation. Dia kutuk semua bangsa Malaysia. Kalau lah buku ini ditulis oleh seorang bukan Melayu now the Perkosa alaready ask them to be arrested under ISA. Tapi kerana penulis nya Melayu Perkosa sokong. Ini bukan isu antara orang melayu dgn bukan melayu tetapi maruah
8 minutes ago · Report
4th generation pendatang Its so obvious that MIC got no clout in BN or the MIC reps are all under UMNO payroll and that's why they don't dare say anything in defence of their own community. Otherwise UMNO will ask them to leave BN cause in the last election MIC hardly contributed anyway ....
18 minutes ago · Report
Anonymous_40dd The sensitive words will not be removed from Interlok. Otherwise,the purpose of getting the novel to be read by all our 5th formers,that is to further their 'divide & rule' policy,will fail.Divide & Rule is essential for the present government to hang on to power for another 52 years.
35 minutes ago · Report
Anti-Interlok I salute for the braveness of these 3 panel members. They went through hell when they were appointed as many threatening sms and email were thrown to these ppl. They stood brave for one reason that is to correct the uncorrect in the INterlok. Finally they realised tht the battle is not what is in the book but what is in DPM MY mind and his AMNO agenda. Uthaya SB of Kayvan have shown maturing in many discussion on this book. His was focus on his role. Now with all the Indian panel remove themselves, the united Indian must stand in voice to remove the book from school syllabus. Dont MEMPERKOSA the book and release the book to school, have respect to the writer n let it be status quo as it was abt 40 yrs ago.
an hour ago · Report
Anonymous_5fb Interlok adalah sebahagian daripada agenda 'Ketuanan Melayu' Umno yang bertujuan memberi anggapan kepada orang-orang muda yang Melayu adalah kaum yang lebih agung daripada kaum-kaum lain. Sebab itu, kaum India digambarkan sebagai 'Pariah' dan kaum Cina 'tamak' sehingga boleh jualkan anak gadis mereka semata-mata untuk wang ringgit. Tetapi adakah hakikatnya begitu dan adakah ini cara yang betul supaya dapat menaik-tarafkan kaum Melayu sebagai bangsa yang unggul? Ini sememangnya cara yang salah dari segi moral, ugama dan kemanusiaan bagi kerajaan yang diterajui Umno. Apa yang kita boleh buat ialah kuatkan hasrat kita semua supaya Umno dapat dikalahkan melalui peti undi kelak. Kalau tidak, penganiayaan sebegini akan diteruskan.
an hour ago · Report
Jimmy Ng the DPM ala Education Minister decided that 100 amendments were too many and ask for it to be reduced ????!!!...on what basis ?? on what grounds ?? what is the rationale or logic that says 100 amendments is too many ? Come on MUJAHIDEEN !!, pray tell us all !! ..enlighten us all Malaysians with your "infinite wisdom" !!... Is that the way this country is runned as well ?? at every whim and fancy, as they see fit ???!!! ...No wonder this country is going to the dogs !!!!....NO !! There MUST BE CHANGE !!! THERE HAS TO BE CHANGE !! ENOUGH is ENOUGH !!..WAKE UP YOU BLADDY MALAYSIANS !! ..BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE !!...for ALL OF US !!
1 hours ago · Report
Gerard Samuel Vijayan Why is the government and the UMNO lackeys on the panel so stubborn and obstinate about this book? Can't they find any other Malay literature textbook that is not controversial, is unifying in its content and promotes national unity, tolerance and acceptance in its context. Why stick to a book that consists of streotypes, racial profiling and derogatory terms? Is the Indian unhappiness with this book seen as a provocation to the Malay hegemony that is so prevalent in our system today? If the book is nothing but a literary work then is it acceptable to use a text that refers to Malays as generally lazy and stupid with a penchant for rape, incest and drug addiction all under the guise of literary freedom and social context? The government is being very stupid. Increasingly, it is becoming clear that Malays can use all sorts of racist, derogatory and offensive words and gestures towards the non-Malays and get away with it with the tacit support of the UMNO regime but this is destructive.
1 hours ago · Report
Enough Said Are you sure Indians got played out at Kampung Buah Pala? Where is MIC's carrot of RM3.2 mil? So who are having the houses now? Who sold the land initially to the Koperasi? Come on lah. Stop spinning nonsense. Today majority of the families who accepted the offer brokered by the state government is alive and well. Are you in Penang in the first place? If not, stop blabbing lah Aku Melayu. It is people like you that harbour hatred and play the divide and rule for your UMNO masters. Grow up la.
1 hours ago · Report
Indian Ji Cathrine: We aware of the issue. We are hopeless. You must also realize as there are more fair and trust able Indian leaders in PKR/DAP rather than culprits and back-fired peoples in BN/MIC. We must move slowly to achieve and get what we need in fair manner. You must think, who is the reason for this issue? UMNO and BN. So, we must withdraw them and replace them in new leaders and parties. Once we withdraw them, there will be a new strategies to put on to achieve and get good things for Indians communities. Who knows at that moments, Hindraf could be one of new Indian party under PKR/DAP? We dont know but what we know is that Indians will be continuously marginalized under UMNO/BN government
1 hours ago · Report
Cathrine It is strange most comentators talk about Indians voting for BN. The more serious issue is not addressed. How could voting Pas and PKR and DAP help the indians??? Can someone care to explain. Didn't the DAP play them out in Penang?? Didn't PAS play them out in Kedah?? Anwar himself endorsed this book and all PKR members are silent!!. Let us address the more pertinent question of decency and stop harping about votes. Hang the votes. Care for human decency first.
1 hours ago · Report
Dark Archon Hah! As expected. DPM aka Education Minister don't give a hoot about how the other ethnics feel. To him, he's 1st Malay. Everything else is secondary. So, why should he care? And those of you who hope that he gives a damn, you can just keep dreaming.
2 hours ago · Report
Indian Ji I would like to know what they had been discussed, the reason for UMNO reject 100 requests (there should be reasons), and list of 100 requested demanded by the Indian parties. I am seriously eager to know what are the reasons for Muhiyiddin takes up very hard to make the amendment to the Interlok book? A leader should provide a positive and rational decision. He must be fair in every decision making. In this case, i wonder how reliable is the Education Minister in decision making and problem solving. This is a simple matter, but racism influencing in his and all UMNO leaders which lead this issue poorly manage and generated many racial issues. I believe the person so called Education Minister can solve this simple issue if he use his BRAIN and not KNEE. I also wondering whether the minister is really reliable and fit for the ministry level posting which he held now.
2 hours ago · Report
Raja Chulan For Muhi, all that matters is the Malay extremist (Perkasa) vote. He is Dr. M's proxy and therefore must accept Perkasa's demand. Indian vote? Not very important as that of Perkasa's. MIC? Only to be used when it is convenient to UMNO. Throw a few bones at MIC (leaders like Samy) and the Mandore will do his job for UMNO. Truth? Who cares? Malaysia is doomed.
2 hours ago · Report
Phoenix Star 88 I think the issue of Interlok has gone on for too long. The Indians have far bigger problems than an offensive word in a textbook. Interlok triggered protests and raw emotions from many Indian parties and NGOs but they seems to be a defeaning silence and inaction when it comes to serious social and economic woes plaguing the Indians. When The Star reported that a bunch of Indian boys from SMK Sri Gading, Rawang gang-raped an Indian girl, left a pencil inside her and terrorised the local community, nobody said or did anything. 3/4 of Tamil school students fail at least one subject in UPSR but there is no panel or 'action team' to address this issue.
2 hours ago · Report
Apapunbolehkah? With this fellow around, I see the future very bleak for 1Malaysia ! All talk only and at the end , these people will still consider others as outsiders no matter what . For those who are still asleep, this is what u all will get if you continue to vote BN ! Serves you right! Wake uplah.! We are nothing to them !
2 hours ago · Report
Phoenix Star 88 I urge Indian members of the panel not to be too picky or oversensitive. They main issue had always been the 'pariah' word and they have agreed to do away with it. Making 100 changes to a book is quite impractical. The characters in Interlok should be judged as individual rather than represantations of their race. The 'thali' is technically a string (tali) anyway, so what's the big deal ? Indian students should also avoid pulling stunts like returning the book to their principal. A principal cannot change a textbook even if he/she wanted to. Remember, failing BM means failing the entire SPM.
2 hours ago · Report
Zz2XX You can discuss till the cows come back and nothing will change. umNO racists party cannot change its stripe. It survives by being a racist party by spreading and promoting racism. Racism is the core of the party. When umNO racists party plays the race card it can always be in power.
2 hours ago · Report
Rosmin Shahril All the Indian panelist who withdrew have my highest respect. Thank you Sirs for being principled. These UMNoo guys are certainly playing politics and have their own agendas and are not there to solve the problem but to break the very fabric of our society. Just vote them out the next GE. Wasalam
3 hours ago · Report
Anonymous_4056 MIC should withdraw from BN for good. MIC and for that matter MCA should not be in BN in the first place. Anyway, it doesn't make any differences. MIC and MCA is irrelevant. Indians and Chinese should throw them out once and for all come GE 13th. Let us bury them once and for all. Bet you UMNO will still appoint them ministers just for window dressing that also for minor iministries only.
3 hours ago · Report
AkuMelayu The Indians kept voting BN because they trust the government of the day that have proven track record of delivering all their promises fairly to all races including the Indians. They fear the Pakatan regime after what happen to the Indians from Kampung Buah Pala in Penang. They remembered that very well. The Indians are not stupid when it comes to voting for the future. Understand Makcik Har?
3 hours ago · Report
Makcik Har To cut the long story short, DPM Mooyideen and UMNO cabinet don't give a damn about Indians or how Indians feel. Behind closed doors they probably say ,' Pergi balik India lah !' But what can we do ? The Indians in the estates will continue voting for BN. Sigh............
3 hours ago · Report
Love for Malaysia Dear Utaya Shankar, Prof.N.S.Rajendaran & Sri Krishnabahawan. Thankyou very much for the decision of withdrawal from the panel. Hope our DPM will understand that the interlok issue has to be erased for once and forever to stop the unneccessary upset among the community. The community only wants the book to be out from the syllabus. There are many wonderful sastrawans in Malaysia who can produce more interluctual novels.Why wasting time on this interlok. Shame for our Malaysia Shame .Shame.
3 hours ago · Report
Anonymous_3ec6 The indians are so screwed up they will still vote for BN after being screwed for 53 years.. Palanivelu can tell the DPM to Fuck off when DPM was talking cock and insulting the indians. Palanivelu..you are a religious man..quit MIC and join HRP and you can do more for the indians and will respect you more..
3 hours ago · Report
Anonymous_3ec6 AkuMelayu...the Kama Sutra is accepted worldwide where else the shit novel is only accepted in 3 or 4 states in malaysia. Would accept a novel insulting the malays as lazy bums.. who want easy money without working for it..
4 hours ago · Report
Akmal for all the things I may have disagreed on with isa1@penyu before, I wholeheartedly agree with his statement on this issue. Muhyiddin should consider just removing it from the syllabus for now until the issues are settled. Otherwise, not just the non-Malay Malaysians but the world will think that we Malays are a people who think they cannot be offended even if they can offend everyone else.
4 hours ago · Report
Albert Jairaj where are all the 'pariah' MIC leaders now
4 hours ago · Report
Anonymous_3e06 my dear friends you did the honourable thing. You understood the feelings and the aspiration of the Indians. Stand by the moral principles and truth. It will get you somewhere. I salute you three. Bless you.
4 hours ago · Report
Lover Boy I am sorry to say this. The Indian Community cannot act like the Christian over the Interloc issue because the Indian themselves are not united. You get that Ulu Selangor Kamalanathan who settle issues and in short Interloc remains, the students that were hauled to the police station were to shut up. Now on the issue of Indian culture, who knows better, the Sasterawan , Muyiddin or the 3 Indians experts? The meeting was doom to failure and in short the Government are telling the Indians to podah. Be united and then you can see changes, not otherwise
4 hours ago · Report
JBGUY My respect is for these three Indians who stood their ground. Will the MIC, PPP, Gerakan, IPF and Makkal Sakti Indians have the same courage and walk out of the BN coalition if this issue is not resolved to the satisfaction of the Indian community. For far too long, the Indians have put up with all the oppresive and discriminatory practices of the UMNO led govt, it has come to this point, where the Indians must regain their lost pride and status. Enough is enough, stop groveling and walk with your heads held up.
4 hours ago · Report
Enough Said To you 3..... I SALUTE THEE.
4 hours ago · Report
Bluemountains The Indians, in particular the HRP, should learn from the Christians on the bible issue. The Christians have shown what people power can do and have successfully forced them to raise the white flag. The Indians should do likewise by waking up the Indian community through group briefings and not by protesting at a rally and unnecessarily subjecting yourself to police arrest. The entire spectrum of the Indian society needs to be adequately informed before they cast their vote at the 13 GE.
4 hours ago · Report
Keturunan Malaysia BRAVO isa@1penyu, that's what we want from you and good Malaysians...call a spade a spade. If a 'small' issue like getting rid of Interlok cannot be done in the spirit of 1Malaysia...what else??????
4 hours ago · Report
antiBN.my what is mic for,r there indians.what kind of indians.still want to be with the bn goverment.u all r still dreaming abt 1malaysia.
