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Friday, 10 October 2008

Hindraf action may affect other open houses, says Syed Hamid

The Star, October 09 2008

JOHOR BARU: The Government has labelled as “very threatening” the recent action by Hindraf members at the open house hosted by the prime minister, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

He said the Government would, however, study public feedback on the matter before responding to calls for the Hindu Rights Action Force to be banned.




He said the group’s actions at the recent Hari Raya open house at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur could easily have become a danger to public order if the situation had erupted or if one of the members had been carrying something dangerous.

“Security cannot be taken for granted and we are worried about the prospect of other open houses being ambushed in this way.

“We are getting feedback before we decide on the next course of action,” Syed Hamid told The Star.

He declined to reveal what measures, if any, would be taken against the group or how long the Government would collect such feedback.

Syed Hamid, however, pointed out that the Government’s decision would not rest solely on the latest incident, but would encompass all that had transpired in the past with Hindraf.

“We can’t just react to one incident or action and there is no such thing as Hindraf as it is an unlawful society. It is not registered,” he said.

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Action to be taken against Hindraf: Deputy Home Minister


KUALA TERENGGANU: Deputy Home Minister Senator Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh said Thursday the Government will take action against the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) under the Societies Act 1966 for causing a disturbance during the Hari Raya function hosted by the Prime Minister and Muslim Cabinet ministers at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur last Wednesday.

He said action would be taken soon on Hindraf, its committee, and members, even though the organisation was not registered.

“Action will be taken. We have many alternatives. Under the Act, whether the organisation is legal or not, it is still an organisation. If it is not legal, action will be taken based on the provisions for an illegal organisation, unless if it is legal then action will be taken under the proper provisions,” he said.

Wan Ahmad Farid said this when asked to comment on calls by several quarters that action be taken against Hindraf for their ‘rudeness’ at the function on the first day of Hari Raya. Wan Ahmad Farid said the Government through the Home Ministry would not hesitate to take action against an illegal organisation as it had to follow the law.

”When it comes to the law, there must be no delay. Whatever action taken has to follow procedure and legal channels. What is clear in this matter is that whoever breaks the law must face action,” he said.

Wan Farid Ahmad, however, declined to state what action will be taken aginst Hindraf.

He said when action is taken, Hindraf cannot blame the Government, or allege that it had not been given opportunity to voice its views. - Bernama

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