MIC relegated to irrelevance

The Edge financial daily carried a two-part interview with SK Devamany, the deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department. He was saying that Indians should not blame MIC for all…

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The Edge financial daily carried a two-part interview with SK Devamany, the deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department. He was saying that Indians should not blame MIC for all their problems but instead change their attitude and take advantage of the various programs launched by Najib Abdul Razak. He finally insists that Indians have no choice but to still depend on MIC to defend and carry on the community’s interests.

Let us look at what MIC and their fellow component parties are doing right now during the Deeepavali seaon.

As Indian Malaysians are celebrating Deepavali, MIC, Gerakan and PPP have started their main annual activity of giving bags of rice and provision hampers all over the country on behalf of Umno. In places where Umno is not welcomed due to unfulfilled promises and neglect, MIC, Gerakan and PPP will go and soft talk the people into accepting Umno.

Then to cement the strained ties with Umno, these Indian Malaysian parties in BN will give hampers and rice bags and in return get their pledge to vote for BN.     

As a case to mention, in a small town called Tenang in the Labis parliamentary constituency, the people are upset because of unfulfilled promises after the Tenang by-election in January 2011. The temple in Tenang was promised RM500,000 by the Menteri Besar’s Office but this has not been fulfilled till date. In another estate temple, a hall was promised but in actual fact a hall only a quarter of the original size was built.

Signatires collected and submitted to Devamany during the Tenang by-election were not even submitted to SAJ, the Johore water concessionaire. House-breaking, extortion and poor responses from police in arresting the culprits are hurting the people.

The current Member of Parliament for Labis, Chua Tee Yong, has not done anything for them. The MP gives MIC/MCA/PPP branches their annual allocations to appease them. MIC branches in Labis are dysfunctional, so the PPP branches have moved in to soft talk and sweet-talk these simple folk into accepting 5kg bags of rice and hampers and support BN. This is the case all over Malaysia. Umno and MCA know how to get Indian Malaysian votes.

Even though Indians have come a long way and are more politically aware, there are still some gullible people who run after hampers. BN component parties even take photos and publish them in Tamil papers that they have given 5kg bags of rice and hampers. Is this something we should be proud of? MIC has made Indian Malaysians addicted to rice bags and hampers. MIC will keep poor Indian Malaysians running after hampers.

Indian Malaysians have to be part of the decision-making process which they are not. MIC has made them politically irrelevant. To be relevant, Indian Malaysians must be informed, but BN controls the flow of information. Fortunately alternative media saved us.

Sad to say even the Indian Malaysian students in local universities are not spared by MIC. These students are misinformed and persuaded into believing that Indian Malaysians are taken care of by Umno/BN by MIC Youth. MIC leaders are mercenaries of Umno. Besides the 1Malaysia slogan-chanting, our PM could not walk his talk. Even the deputy premier doesn’t believe in the PM’s 1Malaysia slogan. 

Rice bags and hampers downgrade our image

These 5kg rice bags and hamper handouts to Indian Malaysians during Deepavali have downgraded our image in the eye of other communities. The years of deprivation have made the poor very short-sighted, insecure and self-centred. This also shows how easily Indian Malaysians can be satisfied and made contented.

Indian Malaysians have an image problem. Thanks to MIC/BN. The Indians in US, Europe and even Africa are well respected. But the long apartheid policy of Umno has robbed us of our self-esteem. Indian Malaysian working class children suffer from no self confidence and poor self-esteem.

Therefore what Devamany said is all hot air without any substance. It’s another attempt to keep Umno happy and make MIC relevant. But on the ground MIC have lost all credibility and respect from Indian Malaysians. It’s BN’s handout programmes that keep them relevant. In fact MIC may see its end in the forthcoming elections.

MIC/BN has become the past. The future has to be more inclusive politics where all are equal and we walk with our heads high. No more being treated as strangers in our own country of birth. Able and talented individuals regardless of our ethnicity and religion are called to serve this country. Only then will this blessed country see its day. People like Devamany can’t do it. Therefore they have to make way politely.    

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Najib continues to sing 'nambikei' to Indians

Najib Razak has assured the Indian community that the government would fully honour its hopes and trust and walk hand in hand to help realise its dreams and aspirations.    …

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Najib Razak has assured the Indian community that the government would fully honour its hopes and trust and walk hand in hand to help realise its dreams and aspirations.    

"We have been consistent in delivering on realistic and responsible promises made to the Indian community as we do not believe in promising the impossible just to gain power and popularity.    

"I sincerely believe that Malaysia's best times are ahead of us and to scale those great heights of progress and prosperity, we must all unite behind the vision of a just, fair and successful country.    

"As our transformation programmes begin to show results, we will ensure that every Malaysian, including Malaysian Indians, will have better incomes and importantly, a better quality of life for current and future generations," said the prime minister in his Deepavali message posted on the www.1Malaysia.com.my blog.    

Najib said all throughout this journey, the Indian community had played a pivotal role that all Malaysians recognised and cherished.     
"On the occasion of Deepavali this year, I take the opportunity to thank the Indian community for their selfless contribution towards building a safe, peaceful and prosperous Malaysia," he added.    

The prime minister said while the Indian community fully participated in nation building since independence, it also faced many challenges, especially as they adjusted to life in towns and cities throughout the country.    

"I am well aware of the problems the Indian community has and is facing, and that is precisely why the government has implemented many specific measures to address problems specifically faced by the Indian community.    

"In the last three and a half years, we have executed various new and innovative approaches towards resolving longstanding legacy problems faced by the Indian community.    

"This has resulted in real and positive impacts on Indian families nationwide. Many major challenges in various sectors involving the Indian community have received the attention of the government," he said.    

Najib said the celebration of Deepavali, which signifies the victory of light over darkness, most fittingly reflects the journey of our multiracial diverse country over the last 55 years.    

"Our journey from Merdeka to where we are now as a major developing nation on course to becoming a high-income developed nation by 2020 has indeed seen us overcome many obstacles to reach our objectives. 

"Our forefathers, and the generations that followed them, have worked together as one in fighting against the darkness and the challenges that faced our shared nation so that all Malaysians may enjoy better lives," he said.    

The prime minister said the government's transformation initiatives and efforts to uplift the Indian community would not have been successful without the trust or "nambikei" between the Government and the people.    

"Through this partnership which centred on mutual understanding and hard work, we have together brought the light of hope to families and individuals, enabling them to live better and happier lives.    

"The continued "nambikei" between the government and the Indian community will empower the government to continuously bring growth and progress to the community.    

"This will be done through various focused initiatives that will ensure our assistance and services reaches every Indian in Malaysia that needs some help to stand on their own two feet," said Najib.    

The prime minister said to achieve all shared ambitions for the Indian community, all quarters must realise that they still have a lot of work to do together.    

"I can't do this alone and only with the support and trust of the Indian community, and all other communities, can we make this journey of transformation a meaningful and successful one," he said.     
- Bernama     

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Honour killing: Family murders daughter, lover

An Egyptian father, his two sons and their mother are all accused of the murder of the daughter of the house and her boyfriend in what is being called an…

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An Egyptian father, his two sons and their mother are all accused of the murder of the daughter of the house and her boyfriend in what is being called an ‘honour’ killing.

The family from Sohaj is accused of killing the girld and boy and dumping the bodies in a canal.

The Tahta Police station received a tip from the family of the man, identified as Sharif Ahmed Sharif, after his sudden disappearance several days ago.

The investigation showed that the victim was involved in a relationship with a young girl from Sohaj.

The girl’s family came to know about the relationship and decided to take act.

The father of the girl is identified as AWB, his two sons as Mahmoud and Abdul Rahman and his wife as HA.

According the investigation that the motivation of the crime was revenge for the honour of the family.

The daughter of the family was identified as Anwar Ahmed.

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Bodies of Four Women Stoned to Death Show Marks of Torture

Bodies of four women stonned to death for adultry in Iran carriy marks of torture on them. It is believed that these scares are evidences of torture before stoning.

Mohabat…

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Bodies of four women stonned to death for adultry in Iran carriy marks of torture on them. It is believed that these scares are evidences of torture before stoning.

Mohabat News -- Freedom Messenger website said in a news story that according to the reports published on various Iran news sites , the bodies of four women who are said to have been "stoned", have been moved to Tehran forensic. In addition to injuries caused by throwing rocks, traces of torture are also visible on the head and faces of the women.
According to the report by Meli-Mazhabi website (a subsidiary to National-Religious opposition group of Iran) the corpses of four women who apparently had lost their lives following the execution of stoning decree, have been transferred by the judiciary security forces to Tehran forensic mortuary.

The report published on Saturday, November 03, 2012 quoting from a "reliable source" says: "Besides the traces remaining from collision of stones on the head and face of the women, traces of torture and severe beatings on their bodies ahead of the stoning is also visible. Based on the contents of their files, these four women had been convicted for illicit relations and drug abuse crimes."
It adds that no one has referred to the forensic for officially delivering the bodies during the past few days. It is not clear that on what date the trial has been held and whether or not their families are aware of their status.
News of stoning of these four women have been published while in the October 4, 2012, Allahyar Malekshahi, Law and Justice Committee chairman of Islamic Consultative Assembly (the Parliament) had spoke of determining alternative punishment for "stoning" in the new bill of "Islamic Penal Code".

Ahmed Shahid's Criticism of Stoning

Earlier, on Wednesday (October 24) the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, Ahmad Shahid in a summary of his latest report to the Third Committee of the General Assembly, so-called the "United Nations' Human Rights Committee" criticized the new Islamic penal code of Iran saying that although changes have been made in the Stoning Code, the said decree still can be implemented considering the possibility of issuing Fatwa.

Stoning is the most violent sentences of Iran's penal code. Last year the UN Human Rights Committee blamed Iran for torturing, public executions and stoning as conventional methods in Islamic Republic of Iran.

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Virgin Mary image draws Catholics to hospital

A stain on a window that some Catholics believe to be an apparition of the Virgin Mary is seen at the Sime Darby Medical Centre in Subang November 11, 2012.…

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A stain on a window that some Catholics believe to be an apparition of the Virgin Mary is seen at the Sime Darby Medical Centre in Subang November 11, 2012. — Picture by Choo Choy May

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — Catholic Malaysians have been flocking to the Sime Darby Medical Centre in Subang Jaya to catch a glimpse of an image that has appeared on one of its windows said to resemble the image of the Virgin Mary, The Sunday Star reported today.

The mysterious image of the figure revered by Catholics who believe Mary to be the mother of Jesus Christ was reported to have been spotted a few days ago on a window pane at the hospital.

The image has been captured on camera and spread on Facebook. Yesterday, a group largely composed of Catholics visited the medical centre and sung hymns and prayed before the image.

“It is so wonderful that our Mother has come to us in a hospital, where many of the sick are crying out for her help,” Janet Tong, 45, told the English-language newspaper.

Sheree Rao, a businessman who was present at the hospital, reportedly said the image could not be seen from the inside of the window.

“I touched the glass, thinking it could be paint or something else. But there was nothing,’’ the 21-year-old was reported as saying.

A 20-year-old student, Nicole Jo Pereira, said she thinks it’s a sign for people to practise good deeds.

The hospital authorities and the editor of the The Herald, Malaysia’s sole Catholic newspaper have declined to give their comments, The Sunday Star reported.

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No social protection for India’s elderly

Economic hardships and the faltering nuclear family system are drastically eroding the support base of aged people.
FEATURE

By KS Hari Krishnan

NEW DELHI: At midnight on Oct 12, 91-year-old…

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Economic hardships and the faltering nuclear family system are drastically eroding the support base of aged people.
FEATURE

By KS Hari Krishnan

NEW DELHI: At midnight on Oct 12, 91-year-old George Puthenveettil, a widower living in Kalanjur village in the Pathanamthita district of the southern Indian state of Kerala, was brutally tortured and ousted from his own house by his only son for “not earning any money”.

The nonagenarian wandered the streets of his village for hours before he reached a shelter in Pathanapuram with the help of neighbours. Police said the son had often beaten and harassed the old man, who was financially dependent on his son.

For many people like George, the sunset years of life turn out to be a traumatic period, in which they find themselves entirely dependent on families or friends due to the absence of a good social security system or government pension plan in India.

Expressing concern over the increasing insecurity of elders in the country, Dr Irudaya Rajan, a prominent demographer and chair professor of the research unit on international migration under the Ministry of Indian Overseas Affairs, told IPS that income security is one of the most urgent needs of India’s aging population.

Years ago, “traditional values and religious beliefs were quite supportive of elderly people”, he said.

Today, economic hardships and the faltering nuclear family system are “drastically eroding the support base of aged people”.

“The majority of the elderly tend to work even after the age of retirement due to inadequate social security and financial resources,” Rajan added.

A report on the aging population in India, released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFP) in New Delhi, said that the country had 90 million elderly people in 2011, with the number expected to grow to 173 million by 2026.

Of the 90 million seniors, 30 million are living alone, and 90 percent work for a living.

Experts estimate that only eight percent of the labour force of about 460 million receives social security from an employer.

‘Informal’ labourers left out in the cold

Over 94 percent of India’s working population is part of the unorganised sector, which refers to all unlicensed, self-employed or unregistered economic activity such as owner-manned general stores, handicrafts and handloom workers, rural traders and farmers, among many others.

Gopal Krishnan, an economist in Chennai, told IPS “There is no social safety coverage for people in the unorganised sector, which accounts for half of the GDP (gross domestic product) of India”.

According to the World Bank, India’s GDP in 2011 was 1,848 billion dollars.
In 2006, the National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector recommended that the Union Government establish a National Social Security Scheme to provide the minimum level of benefits to workers retiring from the informal sector.

Until now, the government has not been able to compile a comprehensive policy to address the issues of elderly people. The ministry of social justice and empowerment drafted a National Policy on Older Persons in 1999, which was never implemented.

Hardships abound

Analysts point out that India’s aging population is constantly grappling with health issues, economic stress, family matters, uncertain living arrangements, gender disparities, urban-rural differences, displacement and slum-like living conditions.

Dr Udaya Shankar Mishra, a senior demographer at the Centre for Development Studies in Thiruvananthapuram, believes the current “profile” of the aging population of India can change.

“The (perception) of the elderly as a burden can, with suitable policies, be turned into an opportunity to realise active and healthy aging,” he told IPS.

“With limited resources, we need to adopt viable policy changes to manage the crisis of the aged. This calls for a detailed auditing of (all) the affairs of the elderly, primarily health, morbidity and mortality in addition to economic and emotional wellbeing.

“Research on geriatric health needs to (shift) towards ensuring a better quality of life among future elderly persons. Considering the demographic inversion and its associated challenges, it (is clear) that investments into healthy aging are necessary,” he added.

Data from the 2011 National Census revealed that the percentage of aged living alone or with spouse is as high as 45 percent in Tamil Nadu, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab and Kerala.

Healthcare experts have found that the elderly are highly prone to heart diseases, respiratory disorders, renal diseases, diabetes, hypertension, neurological problems and prostate issues.

The National Sample Survey Organisation calculates that one out of two elderly people in India suffers from at least one chronic disease, which requires lifelong medication.

The most recent data available, taken for the period 1995-96, revealed that 75 percent of aged individuals are affected by at least one disability relating to sight, hearing, speech, walking, and senility.

Dr Shanti Johnson, professor at the faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the Canada-based University of Regina, estimates that nearly eight percent of the elderly are immobile, while a disproportionately higher percentage of women are immobile compared to men.

“The average hospitalisation rate in the country per 100,000 aged persons is 7,633. There is considerable gender difference in the rate of hospitalisation, as a much greater proportion of men are hospitalised compared to their female counterparts,” she added.

Non-governmental organisations are advocating for more old-age homes, day-care centers, physiotherapy clinics and temporary shelters for the rehabilitation of older persons, with government funds allocated to the running and maintaining of such projects.

- IPS

[Photo credit: KS Harikrishnan/IPS]

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Gejala Melayu murtad sangat mengkhuatirkan

“Kita boleh menegaskan bahawa orang Islam tidak boleh murtad mengikut hukum Islam tanpa dikenakan hukuman mengikut syariat Islam akan tetapi untuk selesa dengan hanya takrifan Perlembagaan mengenai definisi orang Melayu…

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“Kita boleh menegaskan bahawa orang Islam tidak boleh murtad mengikut hukum Islam tanpa dikenakan hukuman mengikut syariat Islam akan tetapi untuk selesa dengan hanya takrifan Perlembagaan mengenai definisi orang Melayu adalah berugama Islam adalah dangkal,” kata Setiausaha Agung Mapim, Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid.

(Harakah) - Sepatutnya kedudukan Islam di kalangan orang Melayu, walaupun mempunyai takrif yang tersendiri di dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan namun ia tidak boleh memberi jaminan bahawa orang Melayu secara hakikatnya boleh kekal keislamannya.

“Kita boleh menegaskan bahawa orang Islam tidak boleh murtad mengikut hukum Islam tanpa dikenakan hukuman mengikut syariat Islam akan tetapi untuk selesa dengan hanya takrifan Perlembagaan mengenai definisi orang Melayu adalah berugama Islam adalah dangkal,” kata Setiausaha Agung Mapim, Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid (gambar) dalam satu kenyataan.

Kenyataan penuh seperti di bawah.

Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (Mapim) kesal dengan tabiat meraih ‘kesempatan politik’ (political mileage) dalam budaya politik di Malaysia. Dalam hampir semua tutur kata, ahli politik mengambil kesempatan untuk menyerang musuh politik walaupun maklumat yang sahih belum lagi diperolehi.

Cukup hanya melalui laporan akhbar, sudah memadai seluruh jentera media diguna untuk melancarkan kempen memburukkan imej seseorang yang menjadi musuh politik. Tidak cukup dengan itu agensi keselamatan juga diperalat untuk memberi tekanan kepada pihak yang dituduh.

Pemimpin politik pula bergegas mahu memberi komen tanpa menunggu maklumat sepenuhnya dan tanpa bersedia mendapat penjelasan dari yang dituduh. Malang sekali pemimpin politik yang mahu mencuri peluang menghentam lawan juga menunjukkan tahap pemikiran rendah dan murah bila memberi komentar sangat dangkal dan sarat dengan prejudis politik yang memualkan.

Inilah yang kami perhatikan di kalangan kumpulan yang terlalu obses dengan politik sehingga seluruh jentera, tenaga dan fikiran tertumpu kepada kepentingan politik dan bukan kepentingan umat dalam ertikata yang sebenar.

Politik di Malaysia nampaknya bukan lagi suatu aspek kehidupan yang bertujuan mengatur urustadbir dan membangun negara akan tetapi sudah menjadi suatu pertarungan, permainan dan percaturan yang sangat hodoh apabila aktor politik menyerang lawan dengan apa sahaja cara hatta menyebar maklumat palsu dan fitnah.

Media pencatur dan pencacar politik kian menonjolkan peranan menyebar fitnah tidak kira sama ada maklumat yang disebar itu betul atau di sebaliknya. Matlamatnya hanya satu. Rosakkan imej lawan atau paling tidak imej seorang musuh politik sekurangnya dapat dicalarkan. Itu sudah dianggap memadai untuk menjatuhnya. Walaupun ia termasuk menyebar fitnah.

Kini sentimen yang cepat dimanipulasi ialah sentimen agama kerana ia dianggap paling sensitif kepada orang-orang Melayu Islam. Pada hal matlamat yang tersirat bukan mahu membela Islam akan tetapi hanya untuk meraih peluang menghentam musuh politik.

Semua sudah sangat maklum betapa kerosakan agama sudah menjadi parah bukan sekarang akan tetapi sudah sedemikian lama. Soal orang Islam rosak aqidah pernah berkali-kali diungkap dalam pelbagai ceramah dan kuliah oleh para ulama. Namun pihak berkuasa tidak mempedulikan perkembangan yang berlaku sehingga kini keadaan menjadi sangat parah.

Sekarang apa yang sepatutnya menjadi tumpuan ialah bagaimana dengan ujudnya berbagai agensi agama yang punya kuasa yang diperundangkan, kedudukan Islam dan perlaksanaan hukumnya dapat dilaksanakan dengan berkesan. Sementara itu juga harus diberi perhatian bagaimana program pendidikan dan dakwah perlu diperkukuhkan.

Sebab itu bila pernyataan diungkap mengenai status Islam di kalangan orang Melayu, seharusnya yang perlu diberi tumpuan ialah bagaimana orang Melayu dapat mengatasi gejala terhakis keIslaman mereka. Di samping itu juga ditumpukan apa yang perlu digerakkan untuk menyelamatkan pegangan Islam di kalangan orang Melayu.

Semua pihak harus mengelak diri dari menjadikan ia sebagai polimik politik dan saling menuduh, jauh sekali dijadi modal politik dengan meletakkan kepentingan politik kelompok lebih utama dari kepentingan Islam itu sendiri.

Sepatutnya kedudukan Islam di kalangan orang Melayu, walaupun mempunyai takrif yang tersendiri di dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan namun ia tidak boleh memberi jaminan bahawa orang Melayu secara hakikatnya boleh kekal keislamannya.

Kita boleh menegaskan bahawa orang Islam tidak boleh murtad mengikut hukum Islam tanpa dikenakan hukuman mengikut syariat Islam akan tetapi untuk selesa dengan hanya takrifan Perlembagaan mengenai definisi orang Melayu adalah berugama Islam adalah dangkal.

Tidak dapat dinafikan betapa gejala orang Melayu sudah longgar pegangannya kepada Islam kini sangat mengkhuatirkan. Secara umum gejala murtad bukan suatu perkara yang dapat dinafikan sama ada diisytiharkan secara rasmi atau tidak.

Oleh itu polemik mengenainya tidak seharusnya hanya tertumpu kepada persoalan undang-undang semata-mata tetapi juga kepada usaha yang berkesan untuk mendidik orang Melayu khasnya dan masyarakat Islam amnya mengenai bagaimana mengujudkan kehidupan Islamiyyah dalam semua aspek.

Kami dapati kini isu kebebasan beragama tersasar jauh dari apa yang sepatutnya dibincangkan. Sementara kita menegaskan bahawa orang Melayu tidak boleh bebas murtad dan boleh pilih agama lain, kini isunya terheret dalam arena pertarungan politik bukan untuk menyelesaikan bagaimana hendak memulihkan orang Melayu yang telah mengisytiharkan diri keluar dari agama Islam.

Kami sangat kesal isu ini berlarutan dibincangkantidak bertujuan untuk menangani isu melaksanakan apa yang sepatutnya untuk memulihkan pegangan Islam di kalangan orang Melayu tetapi menyerang lawan politik di luar batas kebenaran.

Padahal yang jelas menghina hukum hudud pula dilepaskan hanya kerana beliau berada dalam kem politik yang sama. Lebih malang lagi kami mendapati ada pula ahli agama menjadi jurucakap bagi pihak beliau untuk mengesahkan bahawa pernyataan beliau tidak salah akan tetapi disalahertikan.

Kami menuntut agar semua pihak menghentikan perdebatan yang merugikan Islam dan umat Islam sendiri. Pihak agensi agama Islam yang berwewenang hendaklah memperbetulkan persepsi orang bukan Islam terhadap Islam dan bekerja keras untuk mengangkat martabat Islam secara murni bukan hanya dengan mewujudkan program yang bersifat kosmetik.

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Once a Muslim, always a Muslim

Dr. Marzuki Mohamed, ANU alumnus, and advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia recently argued that Malaysia is NOT a secular state.
The timing of Dr. Marzuki’s assertions…

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Dr. Marzuki Mohamed, ANU alumnus, and advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia recently argued that Malaysia is NOT a secular state.
The timing of Dr. Marzuki’s assertions of course fits a larger strategy undertaken by the ruling party: to use religion as a wedge between Muslims and non-Muslims in general, but also between the parties in the opposition coalition, especially the Islamist PAS, and the social democrats, DAP. Islam is also of course used to ensure compliance, and to stifle dissent.
Having next to nothing to rely on: suffering from massive deficits on the leadership and policy front, and with an increasingly debilitating track record in the economic, social and political front, this is indeed a sound strategy as there are sufficient number of Malaysians, and especially Malaysian Muslims to fall for this – that UMNO is the protector and the guarantor of the sanctity of Islam. To  paraphrase and slightly modify Samuel Johnson, “religion is indeed the last refuge of a scoundrel.”
Another ANU alumnus, Dr. Kikue Hamayotsu, give credence to the argument that Islam is used simply as a means to ensure the continuation of this corrupt regime. In her article, she argues that:

It is commonly assumed that greater enforcement of Syariah [Islamic law] is the result of growing Islamism in civil society and/or the state. This article investigates the most burning political issue relating to the state enforcement of Syariah in contemporary Malaysia, that of apostasy. The author argues that it is the electoral imperative of the secular Muslim ruling elites, especially prime ministers, to cultivate broader support to achieve political survival, not only among their traditional power base in the rural Muslim constituencies, as is conventionally argued, but equally importantly among the urban non-Muslim (especially Chinese) constituencies, which has also conditioned the state enforcement of Syariah. The author’s findings from Malaysia and observations on Indonesia further suggest that electoral competitiveness – rather than authoritarianism or theocracy – conditions state enforcement of Syariah, contrary to expectations.

In an earlier posting on New Mandala, Dr. Ahmad Farouk Musa had argued that Islam would flourish best only under a secular state.
It never ceases to amaze me, that there are still sufficient number of Muslims who actually believe that they can, and should be legislated to heaven!

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‘Pemimpin Islam perlu sepakat dalam soal menjaga agama’

(Bernama) - Penasihat Agama kepada Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Dr Abdullah Md Zin berkata pemimpin Islam di negara ini perlu sepakat dalam menjaga kepentingan agama Islam tanpa mengira perbezaan fahaman…

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(Bernama) - Penasihat Agama kepada Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Dr Abdullah Md Zin berkata pemimpin Islam di negara ini perlu sepakat dalam menjaga kepentingan agama Islam tanpa mengira perbezaan fahaman politik.

Katanya tindakan sesetengah pemimpin politik yang mengetepikan kepentingan agama demi kedudukan politik dan menyebabkan kecelaruan berpanjangan dalam masyarakat amat dikesalkan.

“Amat dikesalkan kerana pemimpin PAS seperti Nik Aziz dan Haji Hadi tidak mahu memperbetulkan kenyataan yang dibuat Nurul Izzah dalam soalan kebebasan beragama selain turut menyokong dan mengatakan perkara tersebut tidak penting,” katanya pada satu perjumpaan dengan media, di sini hari ini.

Katanya sebagai Mursyidul Am PAS Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat jelas mengetepikan kepentingan Islam apabila menyokong Nurul Izzah sekalipun menyedari Naib Presiden Parti Keadilan Rakyat itu melakukan kesalahan besar.

“Nik Aziz jika tahu perkara itu salah sepatutnya jangan keluar apa-apa pandangan dan lebih baik menjadi syaitan yang bisu daripada syaitan yang berkata-kata,” katanya.

Beliau turut meminta Nurul Izzah memperbetulkan kenyataannya dan meminta maaf dengan mengakui tidak arif tentang bidang agama.

Pada 3 Nov lepas, portal berita Malaysiakini melaporkan Nurul Izzah yang juga Anggota Parlimen Lembah Pantai berkata rakyat tidak seharusnya dipaksa menganut agama tertentu dan perkara itu juga patut terpakai kepada orang Melayu.

“Apabila anda bertanya saya, tiada paksaan dalam beragama...bagaimana seseorang itu boleh berkata, maaflah, ini (kebebasan beragama) hanya terpakai kepada orang bukan Melayu, ia sepatutnya diguna pakai secara sama rata,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada forum bertajuk “Negara Islam: Versi Mana; Tanggungjawab Siapa?” di Subang Jaya pada 3 Nov.

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Poll: 85 Percent Of Muslim Voters Picked President Obama

From Council On American – Islamic Relations
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/9/2012) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today released…

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From Council On American – Islamic Relations
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/9/2012) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today released the results of an informal exit poll indicating that more than 85 percent of American Muslim voters picked President Obama in Tuesday’s election.

[NOTE: A similar CAIR exit poll in 2008 showed that 89 percent of American Muslim voters picked then-candidate Barack Obama. Two percent of respondents said they voted for Sen. John McCain.]
CAIR’s email survey of more than 650 American Muslim voters indicates that just four percent of respondents cast their ballots for Mitt Romney.
Poll findings:

• 95.5 of the Muslim voters said they went to the polls on November 6.
• 85.7 percent cast their ballots to re-elect President Obama.
• 4.4 percent of respondents said they voted for Mitt Romney.
• Just over two percent (2.2) of respondents said they voted for Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson. The same percentage (2.2) of respondents said they voted for Green Party candidate Jill Stein. [NOTE: More than four percent of respondents declined to say who they voted for.]
• States with the highest number of survey respondents (in descending order) were California, New York, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Florida, Michigan, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Ohio.
• Of those who voted, 8.3 percent said they did so for the first time.
• 41.5 percent said they consider themselves Democrats. A similar number, 40.6 percent, consider themselves politically independent. Only 7.4 percent said they are Republican.

“The fact that more than 95 percent of Muslim respondents went to the polls is a clear indication that they are fully participating in our nation’s political process and are part of the fabric of America,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. “Muslim voters in swing states such as Florida, Virginia and Ohio seemed to have played a critical role in tipping the balance in the president’s re-election victory.”

These results support the findings of a pre-election CAIR survey of 500 Muslim voters that rated jobs and the economy, education, health care policy, Medicare and Social Security, and civil rights as the top issues. That survey indicated that 1 in 4 Muslim voters remained undecided about their presidential pick.
“It appears that undecided Muslim voters broke decisively in President Obama’s favor at the polls,” said CAIR National Legislative Director Corey Saylor.

Saylor also expressed appreciation that a number of anti-Muslim candidates were rejected by voters nationwide.

CAIR: American Muslims Celebrate Defeat of Congressional Critics
CAIR: How the Congressional Anti-Muslim Caucus Fared
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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Let Deepavali 2012 usher in a festival of light over darkness and the triumph of truth, freedom and justice over all forms of corruption, discrimination and exploitation

Let Deepavali 2012 usher in a festival of light over darkness and the triumph of truth, freedom and justice over all forms of corruption, discrimination and exploitation especially in the…

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Let Deepavali 2012 usher in a festival of light over darkness and the triumph of truth, freedom and justice over all forms of corruption, discrimination and exploitation especially in the impending 13th general elections.

Fifty-five years after Merdeka in 1957, many Malaysians have been left out of the mainstream of developments with the fruits of growth and progress hijacked by a small group of privileged people and their cronies, while the large majority of Malaysians regardless of race, religion and territory have been marginalised and discriminated against.

Deepavali 2012 will be most meaningful if it set into motion a train of developments culminating in the 13GE where these historic injustices and inequalities, whether political, economic, educational, social, cultural and religious, are put right.

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Fight goes on despite court decision, say residents

Malay Mail 
by Andrew Sagayam

by Ikram Ismail

THE people will continue their fight against Lynas despite the Kuantan High Court’s decision to lift the stay on the rare…

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Malay Mail 
by Andrew Sagayam

by Ikram Ismail

THE people will continue their fight against Lynas despite the Kuantan High Court’s decision to lift the stay on the rare earth plant’s temporary operating licence (TOL) yesterday.

“The public will fight until the end of this matter. I will stand by the people on this. Looking at the way things are going, this was not unexpected,” said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice president Fuziah Salleh.

Fuziah, who is also the Kuantan MP, said the decision to allow Lynas to proceed with its two-year temporary operations would have negative effect on Barisan Nasional’s election campaign.

“The people are quite adamant about not wanting Lynas to operate. I think BN will lose some seats in Pahang. When they do, BN will think about whether they should have allowed Lynas in the first place,” she said.

Justice Mariana Yahya said yesterday it was still too early for Kuantan residents to argue on the status of the TOL granted by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB).

In her judgement, she said it was only proper to do so during the judicial review.

“It is not a case involving the minister’s decision alone onlyas Lynas will be adversely affected by the court’s decision. A more suitable solution is to have Lynas be a party and let the applicants seek an interlocutory injunction against Lynas,” she said.

She also dismissed the residents’ application for a stay on the TOL pending judicial review with costs.

Counsel for the residents, Datuk Bastian Vendargon, filed an oral application for an appeal against the court’s decision, saying the idea of his clients’ application was to prevent damage to the environment, their livelihood, lives, health and properties.

Zulkifli Omar — the Green Clean World chairman, Badan Bertindak Anti Rare Earth Refinery (Badar) adviser and Himpunan Hijau committee member — said they would review the court decision with the 80 coalition members with a view to issuing a summons to the related government agencies and Lynas.

“We will discuss with our lawyers and members in Himpunan Hijau on the legal action we can take against the related government agencies and Lynas itself,” he said.

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Selangor BN Questions Seizure Of Yayasan Selangor's Land

KUALA LANGAT, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) has questioned the state government's decision in taking over of a 7.32 ha land belonging to Yayasan Selangor in…

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KUALA LANGAT, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) has questioned the state government's decision in taking over of a 7.32 ha land belonging to Yayasan Selangor in Klang.

"I don't understand why the state government took over the land... We admit that Yayasan Selangor has failed to develop the land as stipulated in the agreement, but it shouldn't be seized," he said.

He said the reason given by Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim that the land was repossessed following a company's failure to develop it was unwarranted for the land belonged to the foundation.

"As chairman of the foundation, Abdul Khalid should be more concerned and understanding that the land is still owned by Yayasan Selangor," Noh told reporters after launching the state-level Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day 2012 at Banting Square here Saturday.

He asserted that the foundation was still the rightful owner of the land according to the land grant, and it had been paying the land premium.

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Periodical Review On Fair Returns To Artistes Needed, Says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called for a periodic review of the structure of the entertainment industry that denies a fair return to…

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KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called for a periodic review of the structure of the entertainment industry that denies a fair return to local artistes.

The prime minister said he would ask Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, and the 1Malaysia Artiste Foundation (YA1M) to come up with proposals to enable the government to help the entertainment industry fairly and equitably.

"I understand that there are singers and actors who are getting relatively small royalties while others are receiving a sizeable amount. I think this situation is not balanced and unfair to local artistes, it should be corrected," Najib said when launching YA1M here Sunday night.

Present were his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Rais, YA1M president Datuk Irwan Shah Abdullah or DJ Dave, and YA1M adviser Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim.

Najib said a study should be made on an insurance scheme to protect local artistes when they get sick. "If they fall sick, really sick, not like falling sick in the film, we do not want them to beg for alms, artistes should be protected when they are sick," he said.

Najib proposed that the government provide a RM2 million allocation to YA1M this year and RM3 million next year to enable the foundation to carry out its activities.

He said with the setting up of YA1M and the support of the government, the well-being artistes would be well looked after.

The prime minister said artistes were held in high regard as icons, but only a fraction of the society realised that they were normal human beings experiencing a difficult time, and ups and downs as entertainers.

"This situation will surely be more complicated, maybe more depressing to artistes as they reach a certain age that they can no longer maintain their popularity.

"As they advance towards the twilight years, they will feel the insurmountable pressure to the extend that they are not able to make preparations for their future as senior citizens," he said.

Najib cited the late P. Ramlee as an example of an artiste who was not able to leave behind a fortune despite being a great entertainer.

The prime minister hoped that with the support of artistes towards the setting up of the foundation, the government would be able to lead the country towards a better future.

"If you support the government, I assure you of a nice story to tell the people," he said.

In his speech, Rais said YA1M would act as an umbrella for local artistes comprising actors, singers, entertainers and comedians.

He said the music industry experienced a downturn as consumers turned to digital media to download music instead of buying compact discs while new movies could easily be recorded through pay-television programmes.

"Maybe we can extend the screening period of films in cinemas and on television so that producers can yield better returns, but this has to be decided by the industry," he said.

Meanwhile, Irwan Shah said the idea of forming the foundation was mooted after he visited artistes who were sick and needed assistance.

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Nasha: Nurul is wrong, Muslims have no choice

Former PAS deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa insists that Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar’s statement that there was “no compulsion in religion” was tantamount to giving religious freedom to…

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Former PAS deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa insists that Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar’s statement that there was “no compulsion in religion” was tantamount to giving religious freedom to Malay Muslims as the verse which she quoted can only be applied to non-Muslims.

“When Allah has decided in matter of faith, Syariah and morals, we (Muslims) do not have a right to choose.

“Our right is only to listen and obey as it is clearly stated in the Quran,” he told the Sunday edition Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia in an interview published today.

As such, Nasharudin (left) said Nurul Izzah must justify her argument if she is now denying that it was tantamount to giving religious freedom to Malay Muslims.

Otherwise, he said, the PKR vice-president must retract her statement.

Responding to fellow PAS leaders who had defended Nurul Izzah, Nasharudin said they had no Islamic studies background.

Instead, Nasharudin urged the party’s top leadership to take Nurul Izzah to task as party members were uncomfortable with her remarks.

“They have been waiting for the leadership to make a statement but to date none has been made,” he said.

PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat had declined to comment on the matter, citing that Utusan Malaysia was not a credible publication.

Malaysiakini on Oct 3 reported  Nurul Izzah’s statement in an article ‘Nurul: There should be no compulsion in choosing faith’.

Utusan Malaysia subsequently ran a story on Oct 5 called ‘Malays free to choose religion?’ to criticise the Lembah Pantai MPs statements, a report that the latter has complained "twisted" her statements.

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MIC snubs Najib-Hindraf talk

Denying that Najib has lost confidence in MIC, Palanivel claims that the people are returning to MIC’s fold.

PETALING JAYA: MIC president G Palanivel was today left unimpressed that Prime…

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Denying that Najib has lost confidence in MIC, Palanivel claims that the people are returning to MIC’s fold.

PETALING JAYA: MIC president G Palanivel was today left unimpressed that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has bypassed his party to approach harsh government critic Hindraf on a talk of issues plaguing the Indian community.

He also shunned the idea that such talk was a sign of the premier’s deteriorating confidence on MIC.

“Let it be within the PM and Hindraf. I don’t worry about (PM’s) confidence, MIC’s support has increased a lot among the public.

“I don’t worry what the Hindraf and PM are talking about. I am not going to interfere,” he said when met by reporters after a Deepavali celebration here today.

Palanivel’s comment came amid an announcement made by Minister of Prime Minister Department Nazri Abdul Aziz on Wednesday that Najib has invited Hindraf and other Indian groups for a discussion.

Yesterday, Hindraf cast aspersions on the sincerity of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s invitation, saying that it could be related to the general election. However it was willing to talk to the government for the sake of the Indian community.

Keeping mum on Batu Caves project

Meanwhile, the MIC president dodged questions on the 29-storey condominium project near Batu Caves Hindu temple, two weeks after Pakatan Rakyat leaders showed evidence that MIC councillors were involved in approving the project in 2007.

“No, we have already settled it now. Let me make no further comment on that. Now its Deepavali time, don’t talk about Batu Caves at the moment,” he said.

When asked again about his earlier call for a nationwide protest against Pakatan-led Selangor government, he replied: “We will be settling it. You don’t stir up a lot of things now.”

The Minister in Prime Minister Department also hit out at DAP for “talking rubbish” over its allegation that MIC has politicised the Deepavali celebration by using the Batu Caves temple to host its open house.

“We have been doing (open house) for so many years, and most of the time it was the people and not party members who come.

“DAP got no other works to do, they are jobless,” he said.

Palanivel also said that the Indian sentiment towards BN has greatly improved since 2008 as Najib was resolving many issues plaguing the community.

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A Marathon Hindu Solidarity Protests Rally against atrocities committed on Hindus in all parts of the world

A Marathon Hindu Solidarity Protests Rally against atrocities committed on Hindus in all part of the world took place on the 16th September 2012 at the Indian High Commission London,…

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A Marathon Hindu Solidarity Protests Rally against atrocities committed on Hindus in all part of the world took place on the 16th September 2012 at the Indian High Commission London, Bangladesh High Commission London, Pakistan High Commission London, Malaysia High Commission London and at Marble Arch London for Hindu Prayer Vigil for Sri Lankan Tamil Victims.

I, Mrs Ano Rao, Executive Member of Hindu Council UK, participated along with Hindu Human Rights UK organisation Leaders and other Hindu members in the UK to show our solidarity with all Hindus in the United Kingdom. I as the HCUK representative went with my family members to support this rally. Everyone at the rally was happy that we joined them to show our solidarity for this demonstration.

I was interviewed by one of the HHR leaders of this rally at the Malaysia High Commission at 4.50 p.m. He asked me the reasons why we joined hands for this Marathon Rally? I told him that "what the Malaysian government is doing currently to the Hindus in Malaysia is unlawful". The cases of FORCED CONVERSION OF HINDUS in Malaysia are unlawful. Each and every citizen of their country should be given freedom of religion. However, as we can see from the below cases of forced conversion of Malaysian Indians, there seems to be no freedom of religion in Malaysia. Article 11 of the federal constitution of Malaysia states that every citizen is entitled to profess their own religion.

I have also given few examples of similar cases which happened in Malaysia on forced conversion into Islam. There were many court cases brought by the Hindu Mothers to get full custody of their children who were unlawfully converted into Islam and given Muslim names for their children. These cases were tried at Shariah courts eventhough the mothers of the children were Hindu. All the Hindu mothers requested their cases to be heard at civil courts with their legal representatives. However, the Government denied their rights and directed their cases to Shariah courts. At the end of the trial, the Shariah courts decided that, since the fathers converted into Islam, the children follows the father's Muslim name, and the Hindu mothers lost their court battles for custody of their own children who had been forced into conversion into Islam. Similar issues are happening in many parts of the world.

We therefore urge our British Prime Minister Mr. David Cameron to look into these serious issues and highlight these atrocities of forced conversion into Islam to the International communities. I have also pointed out that although Article 11 of the Federal Constitution allows every Malaysian citizen to practice their own religion; however, this constitutional right is not given fully to the Hindus in Malaysia as stated in the case of Mrs. Indra Gandhi, Mrs. Syamala, Mrs. Bangaramah and many other Hindus. Please see below weblinks for your information (101 East -Malaysian conversion Controversy- 07 Jun 07 - Pt-1 and Pt 2).

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vZTFAPRg_0&feature=relmfu

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nI5yZa9Jfg&feature=relmfu

3.http://www.humanrightspartymalaysia.com/2012/10/30/batu-caves-hindu-temple-condo-umno-proposes-pakatan-selangor-disposes-a-la-kg-buah-pala-in-dap-penang-by-stroke-of-selangor-m-bs-pen-can-cancel-29-storey-condo-which-blocks-worldrsq/

There were about 100 to 200 people who attended the Rally to support this demonstration against Religious Discrimination in many parts of the world. As we seen many Hindu Temples been demolished in Malaysia, Sri Lanka and many other countries. Indians in Malaysia been Marginalised and they been segregated in may aspects of their lives if we look from the past 54 years since the independence of Malaysia on 31st August 1957. Hindraf/ HRP Malaysia websites have established sufficient evidence to prove that Ethnic Cleansing taken place against the Poor Malaysian Indians for the past 54 years till today. The Hindraf Makkal Sakthi organisation’s survey shows currently the Malaysian Indians employed in civil service are 0.1%.

We can hardly see many top rank officers in civil service in Malaysia currently. The Poor Malaysian Indians are denied basic Human Rights and Constitutional Rights for example Art: 8 Equality before the Law, Article: 10 Freedom of Assembly/Speech, article: 11 Freedom of Religion. As regards to Hindraf Makkal Sakti’s survey, nearly more than 10,000 Hindu temples been Demolished by the ruling UMNO government and it is in contravention of article 11 of the federal constitution. Most of these Hindu temples were build before the independence and these temples are more than 100 to 150 years old. It also been noted from Hindraf/HRP's website survey that about 450,000 Malaysian Indians are still stateless. These poor Indians were not given Malaysian citizenship till today. This is incontravention of article 8 of the federal constitution of Malaysia. Further to this the second limb of article 153 of the federal constitution clearly states that the Honourable King in Malaysia have to safeguard the minority Rights,i.e the Indians, Chinese, Asli,Dayaks, Kadazans, Sabahans and Sarawakins.

The Chairman Mr. Waythamoorthy of Hindraf/Mr. Uthayakumar of HRP with other Malaysian Indians have filed an action in July 2012 against the British government at the Royal Court of justice London for their failure to safeguard the Indians Rights embodied in the federal constitution of Malaysia. As we know during the British Rule of Malaya, the British Rules brought Indians from mainly from South India and many parts of India to work as indenture labourers. The Poor Indians were promised that they will be given land of five to ten acres if they work and stay in Malaya for few years (600 days) in Malaya now Malaysia as settlement before the Independence 1957. However, these indenture labourers brought from India was not given their rightful entitlements by the British Rules and the Malaysian Government who were the trustees undertaken from the British before the independence 1957.

It also came to our attention recently, that the Hindraf leaders found that, the Malaysia’s Constitution was doctored.

Hindraf Chairman Mr. Waythamoorthy have gathered all the evidence to prove the Doctored Constitution at the forth coming case at the Royal Court of Justice in London against the British Government for their neglect on Poor Malaysian Indians. These vital documents/evidence been found by Hindraf Chair/ Legal Team in London archives.

During my speech when the HHR leaders interviewed me, they asked me in order to put things right for everyone in Malaysia what need to be done? In my opinion, I told the HHR leaders that Her Majesty The Queen Elizebeth II who is the Head of Commonwealth should revisit the Malaysia’s Constitution and rectify the doctored constitution so that each and every Malaysian citizen will enjoy the equal Constitutional rights in Malaysia.

We ended our rally at Malaysia High Commission at 5.30 pm. There were few police officers at the rally at Malaysia High Commission to observe our safety.

Finally, at about at 6.00 p.m. the team of Hindu Human Rights leaders and all other Hindu organisations members went to Marble Arch For Hindu Prayer Vigil for the Sri Lankans Tamil Victims of the Civil War which ended 18th May 2009. At 7.30 p.m. all of us ended our rally with final prayer. Everything went on fine with the blessings of God. At 7.40 pm the rally ended peacefully.

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