Uthayakumar may opt for jail, not bail

The Hindraf leader believes that one way to highlight the plight of poor Indians is from behind bars.

KUALA LUMPUR: Hindraf Makkal Sakti leader P Uthayakumar may opt to languish behind bars instead of posting bail if he is charged tomorrow.

According to the former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee, he sees no other alternative to highlight the plight of poor Indians in the country.

Uthayakumar, the pro-tem secretary-general for the Human Rights Party (HRP), said this at the annual briefing for foreign and diplomatic missions to Malaysia at the HRP office here.

“I may decline bail and go to jail but I have not decided. I don’t know what else to do. (The people arrested during last weekend’s Hindraf rally) are (merely) asking for their legitimate rights,” he said.

Uthayakumar, who was among the 109 arrested, is expected to be charged with illegal assembly tomorrow.

The lawyer-turned-activist spent nearly two years under ISA detention after leading a mammoth protest in 2007.

The government later banned Hindraf after accusing its leaders of having terrorist links.

Meanwhile, the more than an hour long briefing this morning was part of Hindraf’s international lobby to update the international community on the plight of Indians here.

Present were seven representatives from the Swiss, German, Indonesian, Italian embassies, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The representatives actively participated in the question and answer session fielding questions regarding the Intelok controversy, Hindraf’s influence and the ongoing “MyDaftar” campaign.

“Last year, they were quiet but this year I was suprised that there were many questions,” Uthayakumar told reporters later.

He added that many of the foreign representatives were unaware of the level of discrimination in this country.

‘Pakatan fears losing Malay votes’

During the briefing, questions were also posed regarding HRP’s 15/38 political empowerment strategy for the Indians.

The initiative suggests to increase the number of Indian voters to 20% in 15 parliamentary seats by encouraging Indian voters to register in these areas.

The areas are Padang Serai, Batu Kawan, Sungai Siput, Ipoh Barat, Bagan Datoh, Cameron Highlands, Hulu Selangor, Kuala Selangor, Klang, Kota Raja, Rasah, Teluk Kemang, Alor Gajah, Tebrau and Lembah Pantai.

Uthayakumar, however, conceded that although campaigning for this effort started since his release from ISA detention in 2009, the response has been lukewarm.

He also complained that Pakatan Rakyat leaders are also not receptive to the plan.

“Even DAP, PAS, PKR feel they will loose out on Malay votes,” he said.