KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 – Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader P. Uthayakumar today reiterated his stand not to return to the Kamunting Detention Camp despite being served a notice instructing him to return in two days time.
Speaking to his supporters after performing prayers in Batu Caves here, Uthayakumar said he is not bound to the conditions set by the Home Ministry upon his release from detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA) and therefore need not reply to the notice.
“I am a free man. Article 5 of the Federal Constitution says that no person may be deprived of life or personal liberty save in accordance with law.
“I did not pen down my signature to the conditions set upon my release. When they told me of the conditions, I shut my ears so I could not hear,” he told the crowd in Tamil.
The release of all the Hindraf leaders including Uthayakumar, were conditional. Among the conditions is the prohibition to speak at public gatherings.
Uthayakumar however said on his release that he did not agree to the conditions and would rather stay under detention than being released with conditions. He was subsequently released without signing the conditions.
Unlike Uthayakumar, the other Hindraf leaders had all agreed to the conditions placed on their release.
Last Friday, Uthayakumar was served with a notice asking him to return to Kamunting to appear before the detention camp’s advisory board.
It is learnt that the notice indicated the government’s intention of revoking his early release. This could be due to his refusal to obey the conditions set for his release.
Meanwhile, Uthayakumar said the movement’s leaders will be meeting next week to discuss its future plans. He however did not reveal the details of the meeting.
The Malaysian Insider has learned that Pakatan Rakyat parties like PKR have approached Uthayakumar and invited him to join them but the latter said he needs time to think about it.
Apart from this, Uthayakumar also blasted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia concept as hypocritical.
“He wants a one Malaysia but practices a two system,” he said accusing the double standard practised by a Malay-dominated government when it comes to safeguarding the welfare of the Indian minority.
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