A
Malaysian who tried to smuggle more than A$1million (RM3.2 million)
worth of methamphetamine through the Sydney Airport has been sentenced
to six years in prison.
Thiagu Supramaniam, 32, who…
Saturday, 23 February 2013
Vell Paari rapped for threatening Palanivel
MIC's strategy director comes under attack for issuing an ultimatum to party president through an open letter
PETALING JAYA: MIC central working committee (CWC) member KP Samy today lambasted the…
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PETALING JAYA: MIC central working committee (CWC) member KP Samy today lambasted the…
MIC's strategy director comes under attack for issuing an ultimatum to party president through an open letter
PETALING JAYA: MIC central working committee (CWC) member KP Samy today lambasted the party’s strategy director, S Vell Paari, for his threat against the party and its president through an open letter yesterday.
“Paari should use proper channels of communications in the party. You can write a letter to the president but why make it public? If you are sincere, you should have brought the matter to the CWC and not write according to your whims and fancy, and then call it an open letter.
“Why should a letter written to the president be made public? He just wants to be a hero…but this is making him a zero,” KP Samy told FMT.
Yesterday, Paari revealed that he had sent a letter to party president G Palanivel asking for the government to initiate action against Ridhuan Tee Abdullah and Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali for making comments insulting Indians in the country.
Among others Paari wanted Palanivel to bring the matter up to the cabinet so that action can be taken against the two. If Palanivel fails, then Paari, threatened, that he would ask the community to vote for the opposition at the next general election.
He also challenged Palanivel to sack him for the open letter.
“Sacking is not MIC’s culture. Palanivel has never encouraged expelling or suspending party members. He is not going to sack anyone,” said Samy.
Not the time to go against party
Samy said Palanivel was aware of the attacks against Indians by the two named above and had planned to take the issue up to the cabinet.
“I spoke to Palanivel this morning, MIC will act on this. He is willing to bring up the issue using the right channel. I have faith in him and I know he will not let the people down, let alone the Indian community,” he added.
Samy also claimed that he had spoken to Vell Paari personally questioning him of his actions and expressing his disappointment.
The MIC veteran agreed that action should be taken against both Ridhuan and Ibrahim Ali, but was disappointed with Paari’s actions.
“Vell Paari is a good friend of mine, he is also a CWC member and a strategist for the party. But I think going against the party is not a good move, he should be more careful with what he says,” said Samy
He now he has doubts about and wondered if Paari was campaigning for the Barisan Nasional (BN) or the opposition coalition.
“You are the son of Samy Velu and have been with the MIC for about 30 years, what made you come up with an ultimatum aimed directly at the party president all of a sudden? Is this his excuse to exit the party? You could have approached anyone for that matter, why Palanivel directly?
“This is a very crucial time with the general elections around the corner, now is not the time to go against your own party,” he said.
▲
PETALING JAYA: MIC central working committee (CWC) member KP Samy today lambasted the party’s strategy director, S Vell Paari, for his threat against the party and its president through an open letter yesterday.“Paari should use proper channels of communications in the party. You can write a letter to the president but why make it public? If you are sincere, you should have brought the matter to the CWC and not write according to your whims and fancy, and then call it an open letter.
“Why should a letter written to the president be made public? He just wants to be a hero…but this is making him a zero,” KP Samy told FMT.
Yesterday, Paari revealed that he had sent a letter to party president G Palanivel asking for the government to initiate action against Ridhuan Tee Abdullah and Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali for making comments insulting Indians in the country.
Among others Paari wanted Palanivel to bring the matter up to the cabinet so that action can be taken against the two. If Palanivel fails, then Paari, threatened, that he would ask the community to vote for the opposition at the next general election.
He also challenged Palanivel to sack him for the open letter.
“Sacking is not MIC’s culture. Palanivel has never encouraged expelling or suspending party members. He is not going to sack anyone,” said Samy.
Not the time to go against party
Samy said Palanivel was aware of the attacks against Indians by the two named above and had planned to take the issue up to the cabinet.
“I spoke to Palanivel this morning, MIC will act on this. He is willing to bring up the issue using the right channel. I have faith in him and I know he will not let the people down, let alone the Indian community,” he added.
Samy also claimed that he had spoken to Vell Paari personally questioning him of his actions and expressing his disappointment.
The MIC veteran agreed that action should be taken against both Ridhuan and Ibrahim Ali, but was disappointed with Paari’s actions.
“Vell Paari is a good friend of mine, he is also a CWC member and a strategist for the party. But I think going against the party is not a good move, he should be more careful with what he says,” said Samy
He now he has doubts about and wondered if Paari was campaigning for the Barisan Nasional (BN) or the opposition coalition.
“You are the son of Samy Velu and have been with the MIC for about 30 years, what made you come up with an ultimatum aimed directly at the party president all of a sudden? Is this his excuse to exit the party? You could have approached anyone for that matter, why Palanivel directly?
“This is a very crucial time with the general elections around the corner, now is not the time to go against your own party,” he said.
Labels:
MIC
Ambiga: We will hold Najib to his integrity pledge
Bersih 2.0 will take Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on his word on the
electoral integrity pledge he recently signed with the Malaysian
chapter of governance watchdog Transparency International.
"We…
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"We…
Bersih 2.0 will take Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on his word on the
electoral integrity pledge he recently signed with the Malaysian
chapter of governance watchdog Transparency International.
"We shall hold Najib to each and everyone of those pledges," Bersih co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan told a forum on constitution and governance in Kuala Lumpur today.
"We
won't count what went on before the pledge, though we are sure they did
not adhere to the pledge prior to the signing," she said.
The forum, at activist group Loyarburok's resource centre, was held in conjunction with the launch of the book The constitution of Malaysia: A contextual analysis written by Professor Andrew Harding.
Met by reporters later, Ambiga said while the signing of the pledge was not legally binding, it was common sense that all those elected, or who were vying for election, should act responsibly and with integrity.
"These are the people who are going to be lawmakers," she pointed out.
The four-point pledge that Najib signed states that BN leaders contesting in elections would:
However, Najib said that he would get all BN candidates to adhere to the pledge, though that could well be a tall order, many believe, since even the ministers in his handpicked cabinet present at the signing ceremony did not ink the pledge.
▲
"We shall hold Najib to each and everyone of those pledges," Bersih co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan told a forum on constitution and governance in Kuala Lumpur today.
"We
won't count what went on before the pledge, though we are sure they did
not adhere to the pledge prior to the signing," she said.The forum, at activist group Loyarburok's resource centre, was held in conjunction with the launch of the book The constitution of Malaysia: A contextual analysis written by Professor Andrew Harding.
Met by reporters later, Ambiga said while the signing of the pledge was not legally binding, it was common sense that all those elected, or who were vying for election, should act responsibly and with integrity.
"These are the people who are going to be lawmakers," she pointed out.
The four-point pledge that Najib signed states that BN leaders contesting in elections would:
- Make truth, integrity, ethical conduct and accountability their practice and refrain from accepting or giving bribes and other corrupt practices;
- Uphold and give priority to the interests of the rakyat;
- Practise good governance and transparency; and
- Comply with all the applicable laws and regulations of Malaysia.
However, Najib said that he would get all BN candidates to adhere to the pledge, though that could well be a tall order, many believe, since even the ministers in his handpicked cabinet present at the signing ceremony did not ink the pledge.
Labels:
Najib
Malaysian pilot jailed in Australia for smuggling drugs
A
Malaysian who tried to smuggle more than A$1million (RM3.2 million)
worth of methamphetamine through the Sydney Airport has been sentenced
to six years in prison.
Thiagu Supramaniam, 32, who was about to be promoted to a Boeing 747 captain with Malaysia Airlines, was caught with 4.49kg of methamphetamine meant to be dropped off with another drug courier at the Stamford Hotel in Sydney, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Supramaniam was caught when Customs officers conducted a random inspection of his aircraft after it arrived from Kuala Lumpur on Jan 10 last year and found six packages of the drugs concealed in his luggage.
He pleaded guilty to smuggling in the drugs, which had an 80 percent purity level.
The court was told Supramaniam had succumbed to a gambling addiction, which led to dealings with a loan shark connected to drug cartels, who had threatened his family.
He started betting on soccer matches during the 2008 Euro Cup and had accumulated more than A$15,000 in debt with high interest, the court heard.
According to travel records, the court was told that Supramaniam had travelled to Australia 47 times on one-night stays over a period of six months in 2011.
Judge Ian McClintock in the District Court jailed Supramaniam for six years with a non-parole period of four years, on Friday.
He will be eligible for parole in January 2016.
- Bernama
Thiagu Supramaniam, 32, who was about to be promoted to a Boeing 747 captain with Malaysia Airlines, was caught with 4.49kg of methamphetamine meant to be dropped off with another drug courier at the Stamford Hotel in Sydney, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Supramaniam was caught when Customs officers conducted a random inspection of his aircraft after it arrived from Kuala Lumpur on Jan 10 last year and found six packages of the drugs concealed in his luggage.
He pleaded guilty to smuggling in the drugs, which had an 80 percent purity level.
A gambling addict
Supramaniam confessed to investigators that he had imported similar packages into Australia on four precious occasions. The court was told Supramaniam had succumbed to a gambling addiction, which led to dealings with a loan shark connected to drug cartels, who had threatened his family.
He started betting on soccer matches during the 2008 Euro Cup and had accumulated more than A$15,000 in debt with high interest, the court heard.
According to travel records, the court was told that Supramaniam had travelled to Australia 47 times on one-night stays over a period of six months in 2011.
Judge Ian McClintock in the District Court jailed Supramaniam for six years with a non-parole period of four years, on Friday.
He will be eligible for parole in January 2016.
- Bernama
Labels:
Drugs,
Malaysian Indians
‘Stand up or sack me, Mr President’
In a scathing letter to G Palanivel, MIC leader S Vell Paari tells his president to push for action to be taken against Ridhuan Tee Abdullah and Ibrahim Ali, failing…
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In a scathing letter to G Palanivel, MIC leader S Vell Paari tells his president to push for action to be taken against Ridhuan Tee Abdullah and Ibrahim Ali, failing which, he will ask the Indians to vote for the opposition.
UPDATED
KUALA LUMPUR: Still nursing the near fatal wounds sustained in the last general election, MIC is limping towards the frontline once again. And while its supporters remain optimistic, its detractors however believe that it would not survive the looming battle.
Amidst this uncertain future comes a scathing open letter from an outspoken MIC leader to his president, which could plunge the Barisan Nasional component into a crisis just ahead of the polls.
Aware of the risks and repercussions involved, S Vell Paari told FMT that he felt compelled to ink his thoughts since the issue transcended partisan politics.
“It might be the wrong thing to do as a BN politician but I believe it is the right thing to do as a Malaysian who is fed up with those attempting to rip this nation apart,” he said.
In his letter, the MIC strategy director urged G Palanivel to push for stern action to be taken against academic Ridhuan Tee Abdullah for penning an article which disparaged those who professed the Hindu faith as well as Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali.
Failing which, Vell Paari warned that he would put into motion a proposal to call on Indians not to cast their ballots for the ruling coalition in the coming polls.
“If no action is taken against Ridhuan and Ibrahim, I would push forward my proposal in advising the Indians who to vote for. I would use the MIC platform to go forward with my proposal.
“The only way for you [Palanivel] to stop me is to sack me. The ball is in your court,” read the letter, which was copied to FMT.
Vell Paari said that Palanivel should raise this matter during next week’s Cabinet meeting and press Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein to make a stand.
The MIC leader also clarified that he was asking the president to take the lead based on protocol.
“As a MIC member, where we represent Indians of all faiths and a member of a race called Malaysian, I cannot remain quiet on this sort of issues any longer, which tend to crop up with increasing frequency. The community wants to know what is our response.
“We berate Pakatan Rakyat for breaking temples but keep quiet on these insults. If the reverse had happened [a Hindu insulting Islam], all hell would have broken loose,” he said.
“With regard to the controversy regarding the use of the word Allah, it went to the extent where a certain imbecile called for Bibles to be burnt. Why must is it always be a one-way street when it comes to our [non-Muslim] sensitivity?” he added.
‘We are not children of a lesser God’
Vell Paari said that when he criticised Ridhuan, he had to recharge his mobile phone several times as he was flooded with calls in support of his stand both from within and outside MIC.
“If we continue to remain silent on such issues because we are afraid of antagonising certain powers- that-be, then we might as well close shop and convert the MIC headquarters into a banana leaf restaurant. We cannot hold our heads high, when our tails are between our legs,” he added.
Vell Paari pointed out that Ridhuan, who was an associate professor with the National Defence University, also held other government-related positions.
“He is a committee member of the Islamic Consultative Council in the Prime Minister’s Department, a national council member of the Muslim Welfare Organisation (Perkim) and executive facilitator at the civil service integrity enhancement unit in the Islamic Development Department.
“He sits in these positions including the Prime Minister’s Department and hits out at MIC, a member of the government that he is employed by. This is a clear case of insubordination and defiance of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s 1Malaysia concept,” he said.
“If Ibrahim calls for the torching of Bibles to protect his faith, then what should our reaction be towards someone who had insulted our faith and the Thaipusam festival?
“Who are Ridhuan and Ibrahim to talk about non-Muslims and our religions? In what way are we children of a lesser God? We too have every right to stand up and protect the God we pray to. This country is our home as much as it is theirs. They should be charged with sedition,” he stressed.
Real equality in BN needed
Vell Paari said the time had come for BN component parties to be on equal footing with Umno instead of being subservient to the big brother.
“Let’s have some pride and respect. It’s better to quit with dignity then to live in shame in BN for the sake of having a few appointments in government.
“Are MIC and her members in BN just to hold flags, to wear free BN t-shirts, fill up seats at events and to play postman to deliver cheques issued by the Prime Minister’s Office?” he asked.
Vell Paari noted that for the first time, there was a prime minister who was willing to engage the Indian community and make a difference.
“We should educate this prime minister on the needs of the community and not the other way around – for him to say what he thinks this community needs,” he added.
The MIC leader cited several examples which the party could propose such as to raise the Indian equity target to 10%, looking into upgrading the computer facilities and quality of teachers in Tamil schools as well as to eradicate criminal elements in the Indian community and improving the standard of the police force, which suffered from a perception crisis.
He also invited Najib to visit the MIC headquarters and hold heart-to-heart discussions with the CWC members and division chairmen.
Returning to the Ridhuan issue, Vell Paari told Palanivel that as the party’s strategy director, it was his strategic advise that the president take the bull by its horns.
“You have direct access to the prime minister, so you have to bring this matter to the attention of the prime minister for immediate action.
“While I must commend the prime minister for signing the election integrity pledge, we must also call on him to take a proactive and bold stand on this matter.
“Ridhuan must be removed from all his government-related appointments. We should not ask for him to be terminated from his employment because we should not punish his family for his mistake. But let’s not be contented with a simple apology,” he said.
Vell Paari, who insisted that he would not join the opposition should he decide to throw in the towel, would also sent copies of the letter to the CWC members.
It is learnt that the MIC leader had received gentle reprimands from the BN leadership to tone down but when quizzed on this, he refused to disclose the details. However, he vowed not to cave in to pressure.
“If MIC is considered an equal partner in BN, then action against the likes of Ridhuan would be taken without me having to resort to such measures,” he said.
Asked if he was advocating for MIC to withdraw from the coalition, Vell Paari declined to comment.
With Malay votes divided between PKR, PAS and Umno, Indian votes were crucial to the ruling coalition, especially since Chinese voters had turned their backs on BN.
In the aftermath of the Hindraf protest, Indian voters, who till then were considered to be true blue supporters of BN, had swung their support in favour of the opposition during the 2008 polls.
MIC and MCA continue to find themselves in a political conundrum as several quarters remain adamant on exploiting sensitive issues despite the prime minister’s 1Malaysia call.
Palanivel agrees to act
Meanwhile, Vell Paari informed FMT later that Palanivel had agreed to raise the matter with Najib during the Cabinet meeting.
“I am hoping that the prime minister would initiate action. I would not be satisfied with a mere ‘we are looking into the matter’ response. This has gone too far,” he said.
Vell Paari also clarified that he was not undermining Palanivel nor was he interested in becoming president of MIC or to be given political positions.
“There are no hidden agendas or what not here. I am raising this issue because I am fed up with idiots running around trying to turn Malaysia into a racial and religious war zone.
“I am a father. I want my daughter to grow up in a peaceful country without bigotry,” he added.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
22 February 2013
DATUK SERI G. PALANIVEL
PRESIDENT
MALAYSIAN INDIAN CONGRESS
Dear Datuk Seri,
MY OPEN LETTER
I am Certain that you are aware of my statement regarding Ridhuan Tee Abdullah over his
derogatory comments against Indians and Hindus. This so-called academic is also sitting on
numerous government agencies.
As a MIC member, Where We also represent Indians of other faiths and a member of a race
called Malaysian, I Cannot remain silent on this sort of issues any longer, which tend to crop
up with increasing frequency. The community wants to know what is our response. We
berate Pakatan Rakyat for breaking temples but keep quiet on these insults. If the situation
was reversed, all hell would have broken loose. With regard to the controversy regarding
the use ofthe word Allah, it went to the extent Where a certain imbecile called for the
burning of Bibles. Why is it always a one-Way street when it comes to our sensitivity? That's
why I made such comments. I had to recharge my phone several times due to all the calls in
support from within and outside MIC.
Ridhuan Tee Abdullah's government related positions are:-
1. Associate professor at the National Defence University.
2. A committee member of the Islamic Consultative Council at the Prime Minister's
Department.
3. A national Council member ofthe Muslim Welfare Organisation [PERKID/l).
4. Executive facilitator at the civil service integrity enhancement unit in the Islamic
Development Department.
He sits in these positions, including in the Prime Minister's Department, and hits out at MIC,
a member ofthe government that he is employed by. This is a Clear case of insubordination
and defiance of PM's llVialaysia concept.
Ibrahim Ali calls for the torching of Bibles to protect his faith, what should our reaction he
towards someone who has insulted our faith? Let's not forget, it's now during your term as
president of MIC that the chariot for Thaipusam stops at the MIC HQ on it's way to Batu
Caves. Also this is not the first time he has made such comments. Who is this Ridhuan Tee
Abdullah and Ibrahim Ali to advice and talk about non Muslims and our religion? In what
way are We children of a lesser God? We too have every right to stand up and protect the
God we pray to. This country is our home as much as it is theirs. They both should be
charged with sedition.
So was I in the wrong to have said if Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Hussein does not take action
against these persons, then I will quit MIC and call on Indians to support Pakatan? It's time
for BN to operate under equal partnership and not under the big brother, small brother
scenario. Let's have some pride and respect. It's better to quit with dignity than to live in
shame in BN for the sake of having a few appointments in government, if the powers in BN
are not interested in our sensitivity.
Are MIC and her members in BN just to hold BN flags, to wear free BN T-Shirts, fill up seats,
event managers for functions or postmen to deliver cheques from the PMO. This party was
born to safeguard the interest of all Indians regardless of religion in Malaysia. There is no
point in calling ourselves the custodian or stakeholder ofthe Indian community if we are
not prepared to act in accordance to that claim. What has happened has happened, but our
mission now is to create a new and better Malaysia for all Malaysians.
For the first time we have a Prime Minister who is ready to engage the community. So We
have to educate this Prime Minister on the needs of the community and not the other way
around for him to say what he thinks the community needs. We need to take charge in
educating him on our hunger. For if We fail to educate him to fulfil our needs, then it's our
mistake for not taking the bull by its horns.
Some examples issues that MIC can propose:
l. Thank you Dato' Sri Najib for wanting to increase Indian equality to 3% but 3% is not
enough. To leapfrog our community to be on par with others, We need at least 10% Stake.
2. Thank you for pledging to yearly fund the upgrade, build Tamil schools and making them
fully aided. But Sir, MIC proposes instead of fixing them on a piecemeal basis, Why doesn't
the Government Issue a bond for the total amount it takes to repair and build Tamil schools
in one go. The government's yearly amount allocated can go towards settling the bond. But
sir while we are looking at the hardware i.e infrastructure, time has come to look at the
software, improving the quality of teaching in Tamil schools so that over the period of five
years we can increase the UPSR passes to above 85%, hence giving parents confidence in
enrolling their children in Tamil schools. But we also have our children in government
schools as Well. Their performance also needs monitoring.
3. PM sir, Crime is the cancer that has infected our community. This needs to be removed.
It's due to lack of opportunities and getting excited over seeing large sums of money at a
young age from distributing drugs. Recruitment is done at schools. Even if they get Caught
they have no fear as they know they can settle the case with the police. Don't blame the
police for taking bribes. When you pay them peanuts, how are they going to survive? Hence
we are encouraging corruption. We need to pay the policemen Well and give good benefits
that will make them respect their job. lf they get caught for corruption after that, then they
lose everything. Let us start giving our policeman a respectable non-taxable salary, but they
now have to be trained to serve and protect Malaysians and not abuse and assault
Malaysians. Their training should include human skills to engage the current generation of
Malaysians. The government must also establish the IPCMC.
4. Dato' Sri Najib, it's been a long time since a PM of Malaysia visited the MIC HQ. We invite
you t0 visit the MIC HQ and have a heart-to-beart session with the CWC members and
division chairmen.
Datuk Seri Palanivel there is more that We can propose but I want to come to the matter at
hand, Ridhuan Tee Abdullah and Ibrahim Ali. It's my strategic advice as the strategy adviser
that Datuk as the party president, you have direct access to the prime minister, so you have
to bring this matter to the attention of the prime minister for immediate action.
lfwe continue to remain silent on such issues because we are afraid of antagonising certain
powers that be, then We might as Well close shop and Convert the MIC HQ into a banana leaf
restaurant. We cannot hold our heads high, when our tails are between our legs.
While I must commend the prime minister for signing the Election Integrity Pledge, We
must also call on the prime minister to take a proactive and bold stand in making sure that
action is taken against Ridhuan Tee Abdullah and Ibrahim AIi for their remarks. Ridhuan
Tee Abdullah must be removed from all his government related appointments. We Won't
ask for him to be terminated from his job as we should not punish his family for his mistake.
But we must not be contented with a mere apology.
Datuk, you are in charge of the situation now and as per my statement if no action is taken
against Ridhuan Tee Abdullah and Ibrahim Ali, I Will push forward with my proposal in
advising the Indians who to Vote. I will use the MIC platform to go forward with my
proposal. The only Way for you to stop me from using MIC's platform is to sack me. The ball
is in your court. Might be the wrong thing to do as a BN politician but I believe it is the right
thing to do as a Malaysian who is fed up with those attempting to rip this nation apart.
S. WELL PAARI
STRATEGY DIRECTOR
MEMBER OF CWC
MALAYSIAN INDIAN CONGRESS
cc CWC Members
▲
UPDATED
KUALA LUMPUR: Still nursing the near fatal wounds sustained in the last general election, MIC is limping towards the frontline once again. And while its supporters remain optimistic, its detractors however believe that it would not survive the looming battle.Amidst this uncertain future comes a scathing open letter from an outspoken MIC leader to his president, which could plunge the Barisan Nasional component into a crisis just ahead of the polls.
Aware of the risks and repercussions involved, S Vell Paari told FMT that he felt compelled to ink his thoughts since the issue transcended partisan politics.
“It might be the wrong thing to do as a BN politician but I believe it is the right thing to do as a Malaysian who is fed up with those attempting to rip this nation apart,” he said.
In his letter, the MIC strategy director urged G Palanivel to push for stern action to be taken against academic Ridhuan Tee Abdullah for penning an article which disparaged those who professed the Hindu faith as well as Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali.
Failing which, Vell Paari warned that he would put into motion a proposal to call on Indians not to cast their ballots for the ruling coalition in the coming polls.
“If no action is taken against Ridhuan and Ibrahim, I would push forward my proposal in advising the Indians who to vote for. I would use the MIC platform to go forward with my proposal.
“The only way for you [Palanivel] to stop me is to sack me. The ball is in your court,” read the letter, which was copied to FMT.
Vell Paari said that Palanivel should raise this matter during next week’s Cabinet meeting and press Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein to make a stand.
The MIC leader also clarified that he was asking the president to take the lead based on protocol.
“As a MIC member, where we represent Indians of all faiths and a member of a race called Malaysian, I cannot remain quiet on this sort of issues any longer, which tend to crop up with increasing frequency. The community wants to know what is our response.
“We berate Pakatan Rakyat for breaking temples but keep quiet on these insults. If the reverse had happened [a Hindu insulting Islam], all hell would have broken loose,” he said.
“With regard to the controversy regarding the use of the word Allah, it went to the extent where a certain imbecile called for Bibles to be burnt. Why must is it always be a one-way street when it comes to our [non-Muslim] sensitivity?” he added.
‘We are not children of a lesser God’
Vell Paari said that when he criticised Ridhuan, he had to recharge his mobile phone several times as he was flooded with calls in support of his stand both from within and outside MIC.
“If we continue to remain silent on such issues because we are afraid of antagonising certain powers- that-be, then we might as well close shop and convert the MIC headquarters into a banana leaf restaurant. We cannot hold our heads high, when our tails are between our legs,” he added.
Vell Paari pointed out that Ridhuan, who was an associate professor with the National Defence University, also held other government-related positions.
“He is a committee member of the Islamic Consultative Council in the Prime Minister’s Department, a national council member of the Muslim Welfare Organisation (Perkim) and executive facilitator at the civil service integrity enhancement unit in the Islamic Development Department.
“He sits in these positions including the Prime Minister’s Department and hits out at MIC, a member of the government that he is employed by. This is a clear case of insubordination and defiance of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s 1Malaysia concept,” he said.
“If Ibrahim calls for the torching of Bibles to protect his faith, then what should our reaction be towards someone who had insulted our faith and the Thaipusam festival?
“Who are Ridhuan and Ibrahim to talk about non-Muslims and our religions? In what way are we children of a lesser God? We too have every right to stand up and protect the God we pray to. This country is our home as much as it is theirs. They should be charged with sedition,” he stressed.
Real equality in BN needed
Vell Paari said the time had come for BN component parties to be on equal footing with Umno instead of being subservient to the big brother.
“Let’s have some pride and respect. It’s better to quit with dignity then to live in shame in BN for the sake of having a few appointments in government.
“Are MIC and her members in BN just to hold flags, to wear free BN t-shirts, fill up seats at events and to play postman to deliver cheques issued by the Prime Minister’s Office?” he asked.
Vell Paari noted that for the first time, there was a prime minister who was willing to engage the Indian community and make a difference.
“We should educate this prime minister on the needs of the community and not the other way around – for him to say what he thinks this community needs,” he added.
The MIC leader cited several examples which the party could propose such as to raise the Indian equity target to 10%, looking into upgrading the computer facilities and quality of teachers in Tamil schools as well as to eradicate criminal elements in the Indian community and improving the standard of the police force, which suffered from a perception crisis.
He also invited Najib to visit the MIC headquarters and hold heart-to-heart discussions with the CWC members and division chairmen.
Returning to the Ridhuan issue, Vell Paari told Palanivel that as the party’s strategy director, it was his strategic advise that the president take the bull by its horns.
“You have direct access to the prime minister, so you have to bring this matter to the attention of the prime minister for immediate action.
“While I must commend the prime minister for signing the election integrity pledge, we must also call on him to take a proactive and bold stand on this matter.
“Ridhuan must be removed from all his government-related appointments. We should not ask for him to be terminated from his employment because we should not punish his family for his mistake. But let’s not be contented with a simple apology,” he said.
Vell Paari, who insisted that he would not join the opposition should he decide to throw in the towel, would also sent copies of the letter to the CWC members.
It is learnt that the MIC leader had received gentle reprimands from the BN leadership to tone down but when quizzed on this, he refused to disclose the details. However, he vowed not to cave in to pressure.
“If MIC is considered an equal partner in BN, then action against the likes of Ridhuan would be taken without me having to resort to such measures,” he said.
Asked if he was advocating for MIC to withdraw from the coalition, Vell Paari declined to comment.
With Malay votes divided between PKR, PAS and Umno, Indian votes were crucial to the ruling coalition, especially since Chinese voters had turned their backs on BN.
In the aftermath of the Hindraf protest, Indian voters, who till then were considered to be true blue supporters of BN, had swung their support in favour of the opposition during the 2008 polls.
MIC and MCA continue to find themselves in a political conundrum as several quarters remain adamant on exploiting sensitive issues despite the prime minister’s 1Malaysia call.
Palanivel agrees to act
Meanwhile, Vell Paari informed FMT later that Palanivel had agreed to raise the matter with Najib during the Cabinet meeting.
“I am hoping that the prime minister would initiate action. I would not be satisfied with a mere ‘we are looking into the matter’ response. This has gone too far,” he said.
Vell Paari also clarified that he was not undermining Palanivel nor was he interested in becoming president of MIC or to be given political positions.
“There are no hidden agendas or what not here. I am raising this issue because I am fed up with idiots running around trying to turn Malaysia into a racial and religious war zone.
“I am a father. I want my daughter to grow up in a peaceful country without bigotry,” he added.
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22 February 2013
DATUK SERI G. PALANIVEL
PRESIDENT
MALAYSIAN INDIAN CONGRESS
Dear Datuk Seri,
MY OPEN LETTER
I am Certain that you are aware of my statement regarding Ridhuan Tee Abdullah over his
derogatory comments against Indians and Hindus. This so-called academic is also sitting on
numerous government agencies.
As a MIC member, Where We also represent Indians of other faiths and a member of a race
called Malaysian, I Cannot remain silent on this sort of issues any longer, which tend to crop
up with increasing frequency. The community wants to know what is our response. We
berate Pakatan Rakyat for breaking temples but keep quiet on these insults. If the situation
was reversed, all hell would have broken loose. With regard to the controversy regarding
the use ofthe word Allah, it went to the extent Where a certain imbecile called for the
burning of Bibles. Why is it always a one-Way street when it comes to our sensitivity? That's
why I made such comments. I had to recharge my phone several times due to all the calls in
support from within and outside MIC.
Ridhuan Tee Abdullah's government related positions are:-
1. Associate professor at the National Defence University.
2. A committee member of the Islamic Consultative Council at the Prime Minister's
Department.
3. A national Council member ofthe Muslim Welfare Organisation [PERKID/l).
4. Executive facilitator at the civil service integrity enhancement unit in the Islamic
Development Department.
He sits in these positions, including in the Prime Minister's Department, and hits out at MIC,
a member ofthe government that he is employed by. This is a Clear case of insubordination
and defiance of PM's llVialaysia concept.
Ibrahim Ali calls for the torching of Bibles to protect his faith, what should our reaction he
towards someone who has insulted our faith? Let's not forget, it's now during your term as
president of MIC that the chariot for Thaipusam stops at the MIC HQ on it's way to Batu
Caves. Also this is not the first time he has made such comments. Who is this Ridhuan Tee
Abdullah and Ibrahim Ali to advice and talk about non Muslims and our religion? In what
way are We children of a lesser God? We too have every right to stand up and protect the
God we pray to. This country is our home as much as it is theirs. They both should be
charged with sedition.
So was I in the wrong to have said if Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Hussein does not take action
against these persons, then I will quit MIC and call on Indians to support Pakatan? It's time
for BN to operate under equal partnership and not under the big brother, small brother
scenario. Let's have some pride and respect. It's better to quit with dignity than to live in
shame in BN for the sake of having a few appointments in government, if the powers in BN
are not interested in our sensitivity.
Are MIC and her members in BN just to hold BN flags, to wear free BN T-Shirts, fill up seats,
event managers for functions or postmen to deliver cheques from the PMO. This party was
born to safeguard the interest of all Indians regardless of religion in Malaysia. There is no
point in calling ourselves the custodian or stakeholder ofthe Indian community if we are
not prepared to act in accordance to that claim. What has happened has happened, but our
mission now is to create a new and better Malaysia for all Malaysians.
For the first time we have a Prime Minister who is ready to engage the community. So We
have to educate this Prime Minister on the needs of the community and not the other way
around for him to say what he thinks the community needs. We need to take charge in
educating him on our hunger. For if We fail to educate him to fulfil our needs, then it's our
mistake for not taking the bull by its horns.
Some examples issues that MIC can propose:
l. Thank you Dato' Sri Najib for wanting to increase Indian equality to 3% but 3% is not
enough. To leapfrog our community to be on par with others, We need at least 10% Stake.
2. Thank you for pledging to yearly fund the upgrade, build Tamil schools and making them
fully aided. But Sir, MIC proposes instead of fixing them on a piecemeal basis, Why doesn't
the Government Issue a bond for the total amount it takes to repair and build Tamil schools
in one go. The government's yearly amount allocated can go towards settling the bond. But
sir while we are looking at the hardware i.e infrastructure, time has come to look at the
software, improving the quality of teaching in Tamil schools so that over the period of five
years we can increase the UPSR passes to above 85%, hence giving parents confidence in
enrolling their children in Tamil schools. But we also have our children in government
schools as Well. Their performance also needs monitoring.
3. PM sir, Crime is the cancer that has infected our community. This needs to be removed.
It's due to lack of opportunities and getting excited over seeing large sums of money at a
young age from distributing drugs. Recruitment is done at schools. Even if they get Caught
they have no fear as they know they can settle the case with the police. Don't blame the
police for taking bribes. When you pay them peanuts, how are they going to survive? Hence
we are encouraging corruption. We need to pay the policemen Well and give good benefits
that will make them respect their job. lf they get caught for corruption after that, then they
lose everything. Let us start giving our policeman a respectable non-taxable salary, but they
now have to be trained to serve and protect Malaysians and not abuse and assault
Malaysians. Their training should include human skills to engage the current generation of
Malaysians. The government must also establish the IPCMC.
4. Dato' Sri Najib, it's been a long time since a PM of Malaysia visited the MIC HQ. We invite
you t0 visit the MIC HQ and have a heart-to-beart session with the CWC members and
division chairmen.
Datuk Seri Palanivel there is more that We can propose but I want to come to the matter at
hand, Ridhuan Tee Abdullah and Ibrahim Ali. It's my strategic advice as the strategy adviser
that Datuk as the party president, you have direct access to the prime minister, so you have
to bring this matter to the attention of the prime minister for immediate action.
lfwe continue to remain silent on such issues because we are afraid of antagonising certain
powers that be, then We might as Well close shop and Convert the MIC HQ into a banana leaf
restaurant. We cannot hold our heads high, when our tails are between our legs.
While I must commend the prime minister for signing the Election Integrity Pledge, We
must also call on the prime minister to take a proactive and bold stand in making sure that
action is taken against Ridhuan Tee Abdullah and Ibrahim AIi for their remarks. Ridhuan
Tee Abdullah must be removed from all his government related appointments. We Won't
ask for him to be terminated from his job as we should not punish his family for his mistake.
But we must not be contented with a mere apology.
Datuk, you are in charge of the situation now and as per my statement if no action is taken
against Ridhuan Tee Abdullah and Ibrahim Ali, I Will push forward with my proposal in
advising the Indians who to Vote. I will use the MIC platform to go forward with my
proposal. The only Way for you to stop me from using MIC's platform is to sack me. The ball
is in your court. Might be the wrong thing to do as a BN politician but I believe it is the right
thing to do as a Malaysian who is fed up with those attempting to rip this nation apart.
S. WELL PAARI
STRATEGY DIRECTOR
MEMBER OF CWC
MALAYSIAN INDIAN CONGRESS
cc CWC Members
Labels:
MIC
Deepak sues PM for 'not credible' remark
The suit was…
The suit was filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court registry this afternoon through law firm M/s Daim & Gamany.
Deepak claims the prime minister had uttered the defamatory words at a press conference last month, after chairing a BN meeting.
The trader cited a report in Malaysiakini titled PM dismisses Deepak's allegations as 'not true', in which Deepak said Najib painted a discrediting picture and tarnished his reputation during the press conference.The statement made by Najib reflected Deepak as not having a good reputation, being a liar and a person who could not be trusted, having low morals, and who does not deserve to have any professional relations.
Deepak is seeking for general, aggravated, and exemplary damages.
He claims that Najib had maliciously questioned his credibility.
The crux of the carpet trader's suit is over Najib's statement, and Deepak's role in helping former private investigator P Balasubramaniam to retract his first statutory declaration related to Najib's alleged involvement in the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder, for political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda had been charged with abetting and acquitted.
The suit comes just before Parliament is to be dissolved for the 13th general elected. If Najib does not move to dissolve Parliament by April 28, it will dissolve automatically on that date to pave the way for the election.
Lawyers Sivarasa Rasiah and Afiq M Noor were present when the suit was filed.
'Second SD drafted by Cecil and son'
Deepak in his statement of claim says he was asked to play a role in the retraction of Balasubramaniam's first statutory declaration (SD) dated July 1, 2008.
The statement says that on the evening of July 3, 2008, Deepak received a call from Rosmah Mansor (Najib's wife), asking him to resolve a problem arising from the first SD, which refers to Najib's alleged links with the Mongolian translator Altantuya.
“I was asked to go to their official residence in Sri Satria to discuss with Najib. I informed Najib that Balasubramaniam does not want to meet with me and that the first SD is the truth.”
During the meeting, Najib contacted his lawyer and younger brother Nazim (left)
to discuss ways so that Balasubramaniam would retract the first SD.
Deepak contacted Balasubramaniam and relayed the private investigator's
intention to meet Najib or Rosmah should they want him to withdraw the
first SD. However, Deepak claims, after discussions with Najib and Rosmah, it was suggested that Nazim would meet with Balasubramaniam.
Between 11pm and midnight on July 4, Deepak, Balasubramaniam and Nazim met at The Curve in Damansara.
“During the discussion, Nazim asked Balasubramaniam to make the second SD, denying the allegations made in the first SD in return for money, protection and to leave the country.
“The second SD was prepared by senior lawyer Cecil Abraham and his son Sunil Abraham from Zul Rafique & Partners on Najib's instructions. Balasubramaniam signed the second SD on the morning of July 4 before a commissioner of oaths,” Deepak adds in his statement of claim.
He further claimed that Cecil and Sunil refused to attend the press conference by Balasubramaniam (right) on his second SD. Another lawyer by the name of Arulampalam accompanied Balasubramaniam during the media meet. Deepak claimed he acted as directed by Rosmah and expressed regret for taking part in the conspiracy to help Najib and Rosmah in the preparation of the second SD.
What he related in his statement of claim, he adds, is the truth and he would prove it on his day in court.
Commenting on the filing of his suit later, Deepak said he has promised to give the entire amount of damages he could get if he wins the defamation suit to Altantuya's children and family.
Cecil Abraham has previously refused to comment on the allegations made against him by Deepak.
Labels:
Deepak Jaikishan,
Najib
No plan to meet with PI Bala, says Deepak
Deepak said he does not plan to meet Balasubramaniam at the KL International Airport when he arrives.
"Not at the moment. I have not thought of meeting him.
"Welcome
home, Bala, hopefully now the couple who ordered the murder of
Altantuya Shaariibuu will instead run away to Sulawesi," he said in
jest, in a text message sent to this writer.Deepak played a role in getting Balasubramaniam to come out with a second statutory declaration (SD) to undo his first one, in which Balasubramaniam claimed Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had a role in the murder of the Mongolian translator.
The first SD, which was was issued in 2008, states that Najib had links with Altantuya in 2006, when he was deputy prime minister and defence minister.
Balasubramaniam also claimed that the then inspector-general of police Musa Hassan told Najib that he (Musa) would help 'to take care' of the murder case in which political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda, - who had hired Balasubramaniam - was implicated.
A day after making his first SD, the former private investigator retracted it and made the second SD, which Balasubramaniam later said was made under duress.
Last August, Balasubramaniam returned to Malaysia and since then, there have been some significant developments regarding the SDs following Deepak's fallout with Najib.
Deepak then named a well-known "Tan Sri" lawyer and his son as being involved in the drafting of the second SD.
Labels:
Deepak Jaikishan,
PIBala
PI Bala to come home for good on Sunday
EXCLUSIVE Former private investigator P
Balasubramaniam, who shot to fame following his two contradictory
statutory declarations linked to the murder of Mongolian Altantuya
Shaariibuu, is coming back to Malaysia permanently…
More ►
More ▼
EXCLUSIVE Former private investigator P
Balasubramaniam, who shot to fame following his two contradictory
statutory declarations linked to the murder of Mongolian Altantuya
Shaariibuu, is coming back to Malaysia permanently on Sunday.
In an email correspondence with Malaysiakini, Balasubramaniam said that he would also like to travel nationwide to campaign for Pakatan Rakyat in the coming general election.
"It's official. I will be coming back to my homeland on Sunday, hopefully permanently.
"There is a need to change and I hope Pakatan rules. I hope to tour the nation to assist in the Pakatan campaign in this general election," he said.
This was also confirmed by his lawyer, Americk Singh Sidhu, who said that a large crowd would be present to receive Balasubramaniam when he arrives on Sunday.
Americk added that he would also be at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to greet Balasubramaniam, just in case the Immigration Department gives him a hard time.
'I have not done anything wrong'
Balasubramaniam, who has been living in India, has returned to Malaysia quietly several times.
During his last visit in August, he gave Malaysiakini an interview in which he claimed, among others, was a bid to bribe him to smear opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.
Asked whether he would be afraid of being in public when he is back in Malaysia, Balasubramaniam said no.
"Why should they arrest me? What wrong have I done? I was with Malaysiakini the other time and managed to get back (to India). They did not stop me from leaving.
"My date of arrival has been confirmed and I do not expect any problems," he said.
Balasubramaniam in his first statutory declaration (SD) in 2008 claimed that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had links with Altantuya.
He also stated in it that then inspector-general of police Musa Hassan would help ‘to take care' of the murder case in which political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda - who had hired him - was implicated.
Subsequently, the former private investigator retracted this first statutory declaration and made another one a day later in which he said was made under duress.
Senior lawyer implicated
Since Balasubramaniam's last trip to Malaysia in August, there have been significant developments related to carpet trader Deepak Jaikishan, who has recently fallen out with Najib.
Deepak (left) admitted that he played a role in getting Balasubramaniam to retract his first SD and to come up with a new one so that Najib was exonerated.
Deepak then named a well-known "Tan Sri" lawyer and his son, as being involved in the drafting of the second SD and on this matter, a complaint had been filed with the Bar Council by lawyer and human rights activist Haris Ibrahim.
Americk himself, has urged the lawyer who played the role in drafting the second SD to reveal himself to the Bar.
▲
In an email correspondence with Malaysiakini, Balasubramaniam said that he would also like to travel nationwide to campaign for Pakatan Rakyat in the coming general election.
"It's official. I will be coming back to my homeland on Sunday, hopefully permanently."There is a need to change and I hope Pakatan rules. I hope to tour the nation to assist in the Pakatan campaign in this general election," he said.
This was also confirmed by his lawyer, Americk Singh Sidhu, who said that a large crowd would be present to receive Balasubramaniam when he arrives on Sunday.
Americk added that he would also be at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to greet Balasubramaniam, just in case the Immigration Department gives him a hard time.
'I have not done anything wrong'
Balasubramaniam, who has been living in India, has returned to Malaysia quietly several times.
During his last visit in August, he gave Malaysiakini an interview in which he claimed, among others, was a bid to bribe him to smear opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.
Asked whether he would be afraid of being in public when he is back in Malaysia, Balasubramaniam said no.
"Why should they arrest me? What wrong have I done? I was with Malaysiakini the other time and managed to get back (to India). They did not stop me from leaving.
"My date of arrival has been confirmed and I do not expect any problems," he said.
Balasubramaniam in his first statutory declaration (SD) in 2008 claimed that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had links with Altantuya.
He also stated in it that then inspector-general of police Musa Hassan would help ‘to take care' of the murder case in which political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda - who had hired him - was implicated.
Subsequently, the former private investigator retracted this first statutory declaration and made another one a day later in which he said was made under duress.
Senior lawyer implicated
Since Balasubramaniam's last trip to Malaysia in August, there have been significant developments related to carpet trader Deepak Jaikishan, who has recently fallen out with Najib.
Deepak (left) admitted that he played a role in getting Balasubramaniam to retract his first SD and to come up with a new one so that Najib was exonerated.Deepak then named a well-known "Tan Sri" lawyer and his son, as being involved in the drafting of the second SD and on this matter, a complaint had been filed with the Bar Council by lawyer and human rights activist Haris Ibrahim.
Americk himself, has urged the lawyer who played the role in drafting the second SD to reveal himself to the Bar.
Labels:
PIBala
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