Hindraf’s noble cause

All eyes are now on the BN to endorse the Hindraf blueprint paving the way for Hindraf to finally lead the Indians out of their misery.
COMMENT

Its more than 20 days now that Hindraf supremo P Waythamoorthy has gone on hunger viratham (hunger strike) and many have been following his divine thoughts throughout the period.

Yes, it is noble of him to go on a hunger strike for the marginalised Indians in this country, and many hopes that something good will eventually come out of it.

Lately, he has called upon Indians to perform a ‘strategic abstention’ from voting in the 13th general election. According to him, the Indian vote is valuable and should never be given away for free.

Neither coalition is willing to endorse the Hindraf blueprint, so why should the Indians be silly enough to endorse either one of them?

Whoever wins is not going to make a difference, as Indians will continue to lose; so it is very sensible of Waythamoorthy to express the truth.

Many Malaysians have questioned Hindraf’s stand on the issue, and a few things come to mind.

Hindraf is asking for RM4.5 billion a year for five years to be channelled towards the alleviation of the Indian plight.

In addition, they have asked for 10 parliament and 8 state seats, so that Hindraf leaders can serve the Indians better.

Although the question of money can be discussed, seat allocations to Hindraf are a sensitive issue and something that is next to impossible for both coalitions to agree on.

Most of the seat allocations are finalised and divided equally among the leaders of the coalition. It would be difficult for them to sacrifice so many seats even for such a good cause.

Hindraf promises of a better tomorrow

Waythamoorthy is no doubt a political maverick of sorts. His attempt to sue the British government for 4 trillion pounds and promising every Indian born in Malaysia a sum of one million pounds has endeared many Indians to his courage and valour.

Although, it has been quiet lately on the issue and the promise of making every Indian a millionaire in this country, many Indians have not given up hope.

Indians still support Hindraf for standing up to the government for sidelining them and marginalising them for half a century, after being abandoned by the British to this God forsaken peninsular.

DAP leader Lim Kit Siang’s prediction of the fall of seven states to Pakatan Rakyat in the next election would remain a dream if Indians refused to go to the polls.

It is sad that although Pakatan may emerge a clear winner, it would fail if the kingmakers (Indians) refuse to participate in the polls.

However, a ‘strategic abstention’ may pose another grave danger to our Malaysian democracy. Statistics have indicated that many pro-opposition Indians would not take heed of Hindraf’s noble call to abstain, and nearly 50 percent of Indians would still go to the polls to support Pakatan.

That leaves the other 50 percent abstaining from the voting process, which will affect Barisan Nasional’s chances to garner a simple minority. In fact, it would blow BN’s only hope in many strategic seats, and BN may fall like skittles.

That would be a very serious blunder, as a democratic Malaysia still needs a strong opposition in the form of BN.

Besides, it will be a double blow for the MIC as they will be totally decimated. What would become of the MIC if the other half heeds Hindraf’s call to abstain from voting?

It is time we heed our beloved prime minister’s call for Nambikei. Najib Tun Razak has done wonders for the Indians unlike other prime ministers in the past, according to the MIC, and it would not do well now to rock the boat again.

Hindraf must exercise restrain in such times of tribulation. BN needs a lifeline and so does MIC. It would be sad to see them disappear into the annals of history, just because of some hiccups from the great Hindraf.

And if BN goes down, who is going to fend for the poor Indians? Ananda?!! Waythamoorthy and Hindraf should give some credit to BN for giving him back his passport and allowing unrestricted entry back to Malaysia and for recognizing Hindraf as a legitimate NGO.

Even MIC has entertained the thought of working with Hindraf, so Hindraf should cool down and weigh their extensive options.

Pakatan is a deadwood

It is clear that Pakatan is still reeling from the euphoria of potentially attaining Putrajaya with the capture of not less than seven states, and they are not in a proper state of mind to kneel down to Hindraf’s demands.

Why in the first place did Hindraf side with Pakatan and cause BN to be denied a two thirds victory?

If Hindraf has sided with the government back in 2007 and a landslide victory for BN in 2008, Hindraf leaders would be sitting pretty tight by now enjoying the perks of government while there would be no more Indian plight.

Waythamoorthy would have spent four years of his precious life alleviating the Indian plight instead of going into exile. But all is not lost.

BN has promised to study the matter and give it greater thought and a 5-point blueprint isn’t that hard for BN to endorse.

Most important, BN must be given a lifeline to regain its two-thirds mandate, as the future of this country is at stake. Indians too would benefit as they always had since Malaysia became independent.

If BN loses, not only would the Indians lose out, but the millions of foreigners like the Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Thais and Myanmarese would lose their livelihood as Pakatan has insisted to deport them in a feeble attempt to save Malaysian jobs.

Malaysians of Malay and Chinese descent should support Hindraf’s blueprint for the sake of the marginalised Indians who are worse of than their counterparts. By endorsing Hindraf, it would lead the way for Malays, Chinese, Indians, East Malaysians and foreign immigrants to live in peace and prosperity and share the cake.

Don’t trust Pakatan

Pakatan should not be allowed to govern as their nationalistic policies for a Malaysian Malaysia would cause the races to lose their identities and their culture. It would also be a sin to identify each other by race and religion. We may even lose our mother tongue one day.

Under Pakatan there would be no more supreme race and no more NEP. Everyone would have to work doubly hard to earn a living. Everything else would be cheaper from cars, toll and petrol; so how are Malaysian entrepreneurs going to profit from so much competition?

That is why there is good basis as to why BN has warned against changing our government. Hindraf can play a big role to ensure that Malaysia remains in good hands and at the same time ensure that the Indians would no longer be marginalised.

All eyes are now on the BN to endorse the Hindraf blueprint paving the way for Hindraf to finally lead the Indians out of their misery.

Malaysians should join hands and endorse Hindraf for its wonderful cause instead of pouring unwarranted criticism.

Tour consultant, sports pilot and naturalist Iskandar Dzulkarnain has been writing a few years now. He particularly enjoys writing satires. He is a FMT columnist.

MIC ready with its candidates list

However there could still be last minute changes, says party deputy president Dr S Subramaniam.

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC has finalised the names of candidates for nine Parliament and 19 state assembly seats ahead of the coming 13th general election said its Deputy President Dr S Subramaniam.

The MIC, a component party of Barisan Nasional (BN) said the allocation of seats was finalised after a series of discussions although initially there was a little uncertainty on the choice of candidates, he said.

Subramaniam said although the MIC had finalised the candidates, there could one or two changes in the choice of seats with BN component parties before the final announcement.

“We will make a final decision after discussing the possibility discreetly, unlike the opposition who openly clash over issue of seats in the public,” he told reporters after attending a memorial gathering for his late press secretary B Sivam, who was killed in an accident, last month.

Sivam, 35, and a driver from the Ministry of Human Resources were killed when their Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) was involved in an accident at KM232 of the North South Expressway, near Rembau, on Feb 28.

In the 2008 general election, the MIC won three parliament seats, namely Tapah, Cameron Highlands and Segamat and later recaptured the Hulu Selangor seat during a by-election.

The 2008 general election, also known as the ‘tsunami’ saw the MIC win the Asahan state seat in Malacca; Gambir, Kahang, Permas, Tenggaroh (Johor); Sabai (Pahang) and Jeram Padang (Negeri Sembilan).

Speaking of the prayer for Sivam, Subramaniam said it was held to enable people to pay their last respects for the late Sivam who was also proficient in Tamil literature, having written poems, short stories and essays.

“He (Sivam) was a loyal and dedicated staff. Those were among qualities that brought me close to him. We were very close and his demise remains a big loss to me until today,” said an emotional Subramaniam.

Bernama

Waythamoorthy ends his 21-day hunger strike

He has been warded for observation with his next step would most likely be to obtain a second meeting with the prime minister.

PETALING JAYA: Hindraf chairman P Waythamoorthy tonight ended his 21-day hunger strike amid a chorus of approval from some 700 of his supporters.

Waythamoorthy started his hunger strike on March 10 at the Arulmigu Agora Veerabathrar Sanggili Karuppar Temple, in Kampung Benggali, 17 ½ mile, Rawang, to compel either or both Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional to endorse and implement the Hindraf blueprint for the betterment of marginalised Indian community.

“The hunger strike ended in beautiful manner, in the midst of Hindraf supporters. We now look forward for the second meeting with Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak,” said Hindraf advisor N Ganesan.

However the day had begun in a bad shape for Waythamoorthy who had started his 21st day of hunger strike in a very weaken condition.

He had then collapsed in the afternoon at about 3pm and was rushed to a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur.

After seeking several hours of treatment, Waythamoorthy had then insisted on going back to the temple to listen to what his supporters wanted him to do.

“We are transporting him back to the temple so that he will end his hunger strike there,” his wife K Nageswary told FMT.

Back at the temple, a large crowd of about 700 supporters had gathered upon hearing that Waythamoorthy has been hospitalised. When they saw him returning to the temple, they eagerly told him to break his fast.

“The crowd urged him to end his hunger strike. After asking them a couple of times, and after receiving a thunderous response urging him to end his fast, Waythamoorthy finally decided to listen to his supporters,” said Ganesan.

Second meeting with Najib

Waythamoorthy has been taken back to the hospital for further observation and for him to regain his strength.

Earlier the doctors informed his family that he was suffering from low sugar levels and high blood pressure.

“We expect him to be discharged tomorrow. We will then decide on how to pursue the promised second meeting with the prime minister,” said Ganesan.

Last Monday a three-member Hindraf delegation which included Waythamoorthy and Ganesan had met Prime Minister Najib at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya. Najib had then assured them that he would be holding a second meeting with them to discusss the Hindraf blueprint for the Indian community.

Ganesan said today that the second meeting would most likely take place in the next couple of days.

Hindraf had previously expressed disappointment with Pakatan for failing to agree with them on the blueprint.

Yesterday DAP supremo Karpal Singh had called on the Pakatan Rakyat leadership, led by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, to resume talks with the Hindraf leadership and find an amicable solution to end the Hindraf blueprint stalemate.

He had also urged Waythamoorthy to end his hunger strike and not to his life in danger.

“Waythamoorthy should not risk his life. He has made his point. He should end his fast before it endangers his health,” a visibly moved Karpal had said.

Hindraf’s blueprint, among others, highlights issues related to displaced Indian plantation workers, the need for tertiary-level education for Indian students, job opportunities in the government sector, financial loans to Indian entrepreneurs, and the establishment of a Minorities Affairs Ministry.

Karpal urges Waytha to end fast

Waythamoorthy's condition as a result of his hunger strike continues to cause concerns with him totally confined to his bed today.
UPDATED

GEORGE TOWN: DAP supremo Karpal Singh has urged Hindraf Makkal Sakti supremo P Waythamoorthy to end his hunger strike which will complete its 21 days on Sunday.

Karpal said Waythamoothy should not put his life in danger that would jeopardise his and Hindraf’s ethnic Indian cause.

Karpal also called on the Pakatan Rakyat leadership, led by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, to resume talks with the Hindraf leadership and find an amicable solution to end the Hindraf blueprint stalemate.

“Waythamoorthy should not risk his life. He has made his point.

“He should end his fast before it endangers his health,” a visibly moved Karpal told a press conference in Air Itam here today.

In the wake of Waythamoorthy’s hunger strike that began on March 10, the Bukit Gelugor two-term parliamentarian called on all parties to look into the predicament of Indians in the country in the light of Hindraf’s blueprint.

Karpal noted that Hindraf had presented the blueprint, designed to find a permanent solution to marginalised ethnic Indian issues, to both the Barisan Nasional federal government and Pakatan.

Hinting that gratitude must be shown, Karpal said that there was no doubt that Pakatan owed its victory in the 2008 general election to Hindraf’s political activities.

“I call upon in particular Pakatan leader Anwar to carefully consider the position and have a relook at the blueprint in a view to come into some consensus,” said the DAP national chairman.

Waythamoorthy started his hunger strike or unnaa virutham to compel either or both Pakatan and BN to endorse and implement its blueprint for the betterment of marginalisd Indian community.

During a candlelight vigil in Prai last night, some Hindraf supporters expressed fear of their leader’s deteriorating health after 20 days of fasting.

They want Waythamoorthy to end his fast soon because “we do not want to lose an honest, sincere and dedicated leader for the Indian community.”

After consuming only water for nearly 20 days, they said Waythamoorthy was now weak and disorientated, and suffering from erratic blood pressure.

Extremely weak, confined to bed

Meanwhile Waythamoorthy’s condition as a result of his hunger strike continued to cause concerns today with him totally confined to his bed.

“His speech is very muffled and he speaks only in very low tones. He is extremely weak and is noticeably getting weaker everyday,” said Hindraf national advisor N Ganesan.

Ganesan said it was imperative that both Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional took clear notice of Waythamoorthy’s situation and repond to the demands that they must endorse Hindraf’s 5-year blueprint without any further delay.

“We hope they do not fail him and the people he represents,” he said.

The Hindraf leadership is expected to make a decision on Sunday on whether or not to compel Waythamoorthy to end his fast.

MIC threatens action against Zul Noordin

The party wants the Inspector-General of Police and Attorney-General to investigate and charge the MP over his vicious remarks.

PETALING Jaya: Perkasa vice-president Zukifili Noordin must apologise to Malaysian Hindus for belittling their religion or face action from MIC, the party warned today.

MIC secretary general S Murugesan said in a statement that the independent Kulim-Bandar Baharu MP’s remarks were unbecoming of a MP and an insult not only to Hindus, but to all who profess freedom of religion.

“We view such transgressions seriously and would like to remind all leaders to respect each other’s religion and way of life in a multi racial, multi religious country.

“We do not want such reckless statements to wreck the harmony that has been built by our forefathers,” he added.

His statement comes in the wake of national outrage over a video of Zulkifli questioning the Hindu concept of God and mocking the Ganges River, which is considered sacred by Hindus.

“I have been to Sungai Ganga before. How can you say it’s pure? There are chicken carcasses and small sticks floating,” Zulkifli said.

He also recalled his conversation with a trader selling Hindu figurines and statues in the Masjid India area in Kuala Lumpur whose business was affected by a flood.

He described how the trader laughed when he questioned why the deities were not there to protect his business.

Zulkifli added that he then suggested to the trader that his god was unable to protect his business perhaps, because his god too was hit by the flood.

Commenting on this, Murugesan said: “Zulkifli questions the concept of the Hindu God and the purity of Hindus in what appears to be a recording at a religious lecture.”

“He had used his conversation with a street peddler as the basis of questioning the Hindu faith. It shows his shallowness and total disrespect of another’s faith.

“On what authority is Zulkifli speaking on the Hindu religion? Not only are his remarks wrong vis a vis the Hindu religion, but also betrays his prejudice,” he added.

Charge Zulkifli

MIC also joined the growing call for the authorities to take action against Zulkifli.

“Malaysia is a role model country on integrating multiculturalism and even First World Countries like Japan has high regard on this about Malaysia,” said Murugesan.

“We urge the Inspector General of Police and Attorney General to investigate and charge Zulkifli under Section 298A of the Penal Code. Enough is enough,” he said.

Section 298A is related to causing “disharmony, disunity, or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will, or prejudice, etc., the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion. Anyone found guilty under the section may be imprisoned from two to five years.

DAP MP for Teluk Intan M Manogaran also criticised Zulkifli over his remark, saying that the latter should have known better than making such sensitive remarks.

“I am dumb founded that he actually said such a thing. We should be working together by understanding our respective beliefs and cultures…not make comments that would further divide us,” he told FMT.

Yesterday, about 30 NGOs and several PKR members lodged 20 police reports against Zulkifli at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters.