Three Kedah PKR executive councillors quit all posts in party

(The Sun Daily) - Three Kedah PKR state executive councillors not fielded to contest the 13th General Election (GEZ13) today announced their immediate resignation from all posts in the party.

Datuk S. Manikumar, Lim Soo Nee and Tan Joon Long alias Tan Chow Kang claimed that they had been betrayed by the party leadership.

"We were betrayed," declared Manikumar, who was the Kedah PKR vice-president III, speaking also for Lim and Tan.

Manikumar was also the Cabang Merbok PKR deputy chairman; Tan was the Kedah PKR vice-chairman, Sungai Petani PKR vice-chairman and head of the Keadilan team for the Kedah and Perlis Chinese; and Lim was the Kedah PKR Complaints Bureau chief.

Manikumar said they unanimously agreed to quit all their posts in the party because they had been betrayed by certain leaders in the party.

Manikumar said this had created uncertainty in Kedah politics because there was a drop in overall support in 10 constituencies contested by the PKR in Kedah.

Manikumar is the incumbent for the Bukit Selambau state seat which he won in a by-election in 2009 with a majority of 2,403 votes.

"I was not given the opportunity to defend the seat," he told a media conference here.

The trio will remain as PKR members but would not participate in party matters, including attending meetings. Manikumar said they were disappointed because they were not given any explanation by the PKR top leadership why they were dropped as candidates.

He said they were among the five top state leaders and were also in the state leadership council. Even the Kedah PKR chairman Datuk Wan Salleh Wan Isa himself was not notified about their being dropped, he said.

Tan said he was too disheartened to cooperate with PKR after having been isolated by the party.

Lim said the decision to resign was taken after a discussion with Wan Salleh, and he was advised to go ahead.

"I resigned not because I was dropped as a candidate but for other reasons. I expected to be dropped as a candidate," he said.

The transfer of power: What should happen?

The Nut Graph
by Jacqueline Ann Surin

SINCE independence, Malaysia has never had a government in power apart from the Barisan Nasional (BN), or its earlier manifestation, the Alliance. In this 13th general election since 1957 (GE13), what would happen if a new government in the form of the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalition is voted into power? How does the transfer of power happen? And what conventions determine the swearing in of a new prime minister, who will presumably be Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, should PR capture Putrajaya in GE13? The Nut Graph asks constitutional lawyer Tommy Thomas.

TNG: After the elections are over, how does the transfer of power happen should a new government be voted in?

We can expect the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and his palace advisers to be following the results of the general election like the rest of Malaysia. Once the results are confirmed that the PR has won the elections, say, sometime in the night on 5 May, the palace will have to invite caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for an audience with the Agong to tender his resignation. This can take place as early as the morning of 6 May. He must tender his resignation to the Agong in the palace because until he does so, there is no vacancy for the Agong to appoint a new prime minister.

At the same time, the palace will also invite Anwar to have an audience with the monarch on the same morning, after Najib has left. The Agong will then invite Anwar to be the new prime minister and to form a new government. Anwar will then be sworn in in a ceremony steeped in Malay tradition, which will be broadcasted live on TV, as in the past.

The convention is that the monarch has to invite the person who, in his judgement, commands the confidence of the majority of the Dewan Rakyat, for an audience on the morning after the polls. Politicians and their supporters cannot simply turn up at the palace without such an invitation.

What are some of the conventions that will ensure a seamless and peaceful transfer of power?

The transfer of power must be carried out by independent state agencies and civil servants. These would include all the top civil servants at the federal level, the secretary to the government, all ministry secretary-generals, the police, the armed forces, and the palace administration.  They are all meant to be neutral. They must respect the will of the people at the polls.

For example, if it is apparent that the PR is winning, you would expect the police to have contingency plans to ferry Anwar to the palace and provide him with protection because he would be the prime minister-in-waiting.

The same process is replicated at the state level with regard to the chief minister or menteri besar’s position. This is because all our state constitutions are written in nearly the same way as the Federal Constitution with regard to the appointment of the head of government by the Agong, sultan or governor.

How is the transfer of power done in other mature democracies such as the UK?

In the UK, in the last week before the polling date, a body of civil servants arrange to pack up the caretaker prime minister’s personal belongings at 10 Downing Street and to find the premier a hotel. They will also find out where the leader of the opposition is staying.

Once the results are confirmed on the night of the polls, if there is a change in government, the outgoing prime minister will leave the official residence and check into a hotel. The next morning, the outgoing prime minister will see the Queen and resign. The incoming prime minister will already be outside 10 Downing Street holding his or her first press conference.

So there are actually two sets of movers on standby. The point in the UK is, the new prime minister must already be in residence and meeting people as the premier from that morning itself.

The entire process is managed by the civil service and paid for by taxpayers. It’s all neutral and above politics. That’s how professional they are. Similar conventions are adopted in India, Australia and Canada, and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be adopted here as well.

When in our history has the transfer of power not been smooth and peaceful?

In Sabah in 1985. After the state elections^[1], Tun Mustapha Harun from the United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) and his allies from Berjaya ran to the governor’s residence to have him sworn in at 4am as the chief minister. He was removed on the same day later because the appointment was illegal. Instead, the head of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, was sworn in as chief minister.

Mustapha filed an injunction against Governor Tun Mohd Adnan Robert and Pairin. In court^[2], the judge said that among others, Mustapha’s swearing-in was null and void because the governor was under pressure and was threatened to appoint Mustapha^[3]. This principle would apply at the federal level to the Agong. The head of state is entitled constitutionally to exercise judgement quietly, calmly, freely, independently and impartially. No pressure or threat must be used to influence the head of state. After all, this is the monarch’s most important function – appointing the new prime minister.

During a transition period before the new prime minister, chief minister or menteri besar is sworn in, who is in charge of or controls government resources, properties, documents, etc?

The civil servants are supposed to be looking after and protecting these items. What happened in Selangor after the 2008 elections when state government documents were destroyed was unlawful. The question is who gave them instructions to do so? If it was the politicians who had lost, then these politicians were no longer in a position to give out instructions to the civil service, as they had just been defeated at the polls.

If it was the civil servants who took it upon themselves without instruction to destroy the documents, they broke the law because the documents belong to the state.

What happens in the event of a hung Parliament, or state assembly?

At the federal level, as caretaker prime minister, Najib can remain temporarily in office. If he doesn’t resign, the Agong cannot appoint a new prime minister.

Over the next several days after the polls, both coalitions will try to strengthen their respective numbers in the Dewan Rakyat through crossovers and coalition building.  Throughout this period, the Agong should not participate, directly or indirectly, in this process. The monarch must let the politicians sort things out themselves so that he cannot be accused of taking sides. The palace must be seen to be above party politics.

At some point after all the political negotiations have concluded, the leader of one of the coalitions may say, “I have the majority support of the House.” And then the Agong would say, “I need evidence to satisfy myself of the numbers.” This evidence can be letters signed by the elected Members of Parliament (MPs) or the Agong can ask for these MPs to be presented to the palace.

The Agong may also conditionally appoint a new prime minister and direct the premier to call for Parliament to sit as soon as possible – within days – so that a confidence motion for the newly appointed prime minister can be voted on in the Dewan Rakyat. If the vote fails, the Agong must appoint somebody else and test the matter of confidence again in the House. This could go on for a while.

And as a last resort if none of these attempts work, a prime minister can recommend to the Agong that Parliament should be dissolved and fresh elections held. The monarch has the discretion to refuse and to instruct the political parties to continue to try to reach a compromise. A second general election would be the last resort.

What’s important to remember is that even with a hung Parliament, life goes on normally. In the UK in 2010, during the five days of negotiation before the Tory-Liberal Democrat coalition government was formed, everything went on calmly and normally. Hung parliaments are also a norm in countries like Japan and Italy where there is no government for weeks, and life goes on.

In fact, there are more examples where governments are formed post-election, rather than pre-election like in Malaysia.  And if there is a hung Parliament after GE13, what is needed is for the supporters of both coalitions to act in a patient manner, to behave maturely and peacefully. There should be no taunting, gloating and demonstrations.

At the same time, all state agencies must remain neutral and independent. The only people who should be negotiating at this stage would be the politicians. Such negotiations should also be secret and confidential. Only the outcome should be made public.

---

^[1] In that election, held on 22 April 1985, PBS won 25 seats, Usno 16 and the incumbent Berjaya six only.

^[2] The judgment is available in Tun Mustapha Harun v Tun Mohd Adnan Robert and Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan [1986] 2 MLJ 420.

^[3] Riots erupted in Kota Kinabalu in March 1986 just as the court was about to make its judgment. Demonstrators, led by Usno and Berjaya, took to the streets to protest Pairin’s appointment. A majority of the demonstrators were impoverished and undocumented Filipino Muslims who were paid to demonstrate. Bombs were detonated and five people died. For more, watch The Silent Riot.

Malaysia's Ruling Party Gets Desperate

Malaysia has in reality been a one party state for over 55 years with the ruling UMNO party winning a string of elections without much opposition. However, with the stellar rise of Anwar Ibrahim, the ruling party is facing its most tightly contested election in its history. In the final days of campaigning in an election which many pollsters now believe the government will lose, it seems to be pulling a number of desperate stunts.

Firstly is the amount of money the prime minister's office is spending on advertising. Industry experts have identified over 50 million USD in advertising buys by the prime minister's office alone. Sources say that the amount of money being spent on advertisements exceeds one million, a virtual buy out of all ad space on Microsoft networks (which include Skype and Bing) for the last 10 days of the campaign. On Facebook the PMO's office, again according to sources, is spending upwards of $200,000.

Last week various websites in Malaysia reported servers being blocked. The popular and independent online news portal Malaysiakini reported that its IP address was being blocked within the country in activities that could only be explained by the deliberate obstruction by local ISPs. The website for AnwarIbrahim.com which reported a ten-fold increase in traffic on Wednesday was subsequently hacked. The Digital Task Force running the website sent out an email indicating the severity of the attack, which was launched immediately after it reported a dramatic increase in online activity and support for Anwar Ibrahim.

During Malaysian elections it is nothing new for opposition sites to be targeted with DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks. It appears this year is no different. With a virtual monopoly on the mainstream media, one wonders why the government feels the need to disrupt other forms of communication.

Dr. Azeem Ibrahim is the Executive Chairman of The Scotland Institute and a Fellow at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding.

BN Has Big Plans For Johor - Najib

JOHOR BAHARU, April 29 (Bernama) -- Barisan Nasional (BN) has big plans for Johor and wants the people in the state to give a strong mandate to it in the general election this Sunday, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister, who is also BN chairman, said the people of Johor must make a wise choice on Sunday because their decision would have a deep impact on the future of the state.

"We (BN) have a vision and big plans for the people of Johor. Its big, we have big plans for Johor, choose wisely on May 5 because it will have an impact on the future of Johor," he told a gathering at Kolej Universiti Selatan here today.

According to Najib, a wrong decision on May 5 would not only derail the momentum of development in Johor but would also create a new political culture in Johor.

Najib said the people of Johor would face a new political culture if the opposition was given the opportunity to set foot in Johor in the election, which would be politics of confrontation and disunity.

80000 roar ‘Ubah!’ in Penang political quake (Videos)

Warrant of arrest issued against Hindraf's Uthaya

 

A warrant of arrest has been issued against Hindraf de facto leader P Uthayakumar this morning for failing to attend a court hearing on the sedition charges against him.

He said this was despite the fact that his bailor had produced a medical certificate at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court at the 9am hearing today, saying that he is “not fit to attend court” from April 2 to May 17.

“Despite that, the deputy public prosecutor protested and said that I am attending ceramahs and campaigning. So she asked for a warrant of arrest and the judge (Ahmad Zamzani Mohd Zain) allowed the warrant of arrest,” he told Malaysiakini when contacted.

However, Uthayakumar, who is contesting in Kota Raja and Seri Andalas, said his work was largely limited to his campaign operations room due to pain from his medical condition.

This consists of prolapsed discs and small tumours on his spinal cord, for which he has obtained medical leave from University Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital (HUKM) consultant neurosurgeon Dr Shanmugaraja Paramasvaran.

“There is a hotel room above our operations room. Every couple of hours, I would have to lie down. Either that or in the car, then the pain is released.

“The pain is in my backbone, then it (the prickling pain) radiates down to my lower legs. My last two or three toes get numb,” he said, adding that he was on painkillers.

'Campaigns in the operations room'

He stressed he campaigns mainly by holding briefings with his supporters in the operations room, who then fan out to canvass votes. He claims to have never held any public speeches outdoors.

The exceptions were when he was invited to meet about 20 supporters at their home and attended a temple function yesterday, he said.

Uthayakumar, who is expecting to be arrested at “any time”, claims the move is a backlash from his attack on his brother P Waythamoorthy, who has openly pledged support for BN.

He said 54 court cases against Hindraf supporters for participating in a rally against the controversial book ‘Interlok’ have been withdrawn in stages over the past two weeks, but in contrast, he said that the authorities are “coming down hard” on him.

Uthayakumar has been facing the charge since 2007 for allegedly writing a seditious letter addressed to then British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

He has been issued an arrest warrant for failing to attend court before in August 2012, because at the time he was at the High Court trying to get the date for a stay application for his case.

REBUTTING ALLEGATIONS OF UTHAYA KUMAR

This press statement by Hindraf is made to rebut the unfounded, malicious attacks made by UthayaKumar against the movement’s office bearers.

Immediately after Uthaya Kumar was released from his ISA detention in 2009, he left the Hindraf organizations to form Human Rights Party. Since then, Hindraf organized 2 national conventions. He was conspicuously absent from these conventions.

Uthaya Kumar never participated in any of the 90 over road shows that was organized nationwide to seek the mandate to be sent to both PR / BN from 1st Aug 2012- Nov 25th 2012. He was even absent from the 5th year anniversary of Hindraf on 25.11.2013 rally which was attended by over 6 thousand people.

Hindraf sought the permission of its members before embarking on its plan to meet BN.Hindraf held its 3rd convention on 21st April this year which was attended by 700 delegates though out the country. Uthaya Kumar never attended this national.

The 700 delegates who attended the National Convention from all over Malaysia accepted the MOU and agreed to throw their support behind BN. He is not getting the support of the electorate in Kota Raja among the electorate in Kota Raja, since his support in Kota Raja among the electorate is non-existence; he had started to take pot-shots at Hindraf. By doing this he expects to gain some political mileage.

The delegates also accepted the leadership of Waytha Moorthy and others. Hindraf knows Uthayakumar in contesting in Kota Raja.

Hindraf in truly sorry for him he is a spent force in HRP’S struggle let him .He is a spent force in Hindraf struggle. Let him try his luck for the last time in this election.


W.Sambulingam

Deputy Chair
Hindraf

Is Malaysiakini campaigning for Pakatan Rakyat ?

By Saravanan

Malaysiakini is a Malaysian online news website and its editorial news claims to be built on independent news. Even though there has been reports of some high profile PR leaders like Sivarasa who are shareholders of Malaysikini, they still claim to be independent and fair in their reporting. On 28/04/2013 at Port Klang, on a PR campaign session, a senior member of Malaysiakini team Jiwi Kathaiah was surprisingly one of the speakers of the night campaigning for PR. For 45 minutes this Malaysiakini reporter was giving a one sided view of HINDRAF bashing. How is it so can Malaysiakini claim to be, so called 'Independent' but its team is very actively involved in PR campaigning ? Does it not compromise on their journalistic ethics ? Should SUHAKAM and the Election Commission be notified of this ? Could this senior Malaysiakini team member continue to be a team of Malaysiakini but on his supposedly free time go on PR ceramah's to campaign for PR and at the same time be entrusted to cover HINDRAF related news and report in an unbiased manner ? Do not journalists have some kind of code of ethics in their profession ? Malaysiakini must come out strongly and deny this if it indeed is not true as they are responsible to the their many paying subscribers to report independently and not slanted towards a political party. Stern action must be taken to Jiwi Kathaiah and reprimanded for his clear and open posturing towards PR.

Why would we want to vote for Uthayakumar?

This is a general election unlike any other, I am sure everybody should know that. Unlike in the past, there is a very good chance for a change in government after five years. It’s an awfully long time for any party to hold on to power, no matter how one looks at it. 

Which is why the question of Independent candidates and Hindraf is more pertinent than ever. It makes me laugh to read about some saying how the huge number of Independents is a good or healthy sign of democracy.
Perhaps yes, in another time, another place. A place where clean and fair elections rule and where public institutions adhere to the principles of good governance, free from political interference. 

But at a time when the country is teetering on the edge of ruin at the hands of a despotic government, I hardly call it a healthy sign of democracy. 

It begs the question what an Independent hopes to do as a solo voice in a Parliament dominated by the ruling party. In the past, we have seen that even with over one-third majority in parliament, Pakatan MPs can do nothing as bill after bill is rammed home by BN and rubber stamped by the Senate, regardless of their merits. Having one more voice in there as the opposition will not make any difference.  

An Independent as the voice of his community/constituency? That’s at best naïve. Without a party’s backing, and without the generous allocations that only BN reps get, what can an Independent do for his constituents under the present system? I would say, hardly anything significant. Change policy? Dream on. Raise issues? Yes, but to what end? The BN government will still do what they like.  

At the risk of sounding cynical, an Independent’s most valuable asset -at least in this GE - is to lend numbers to whichever party can court him or her best, as can be seen by the turncoat Independents. Their only use was to add to BN’s numbers, in Perak’s case, to steal the state. 

Which brings me to HRP’s Kota Raja candidate P Uthayakumar. I feel sad for him. He started admirably in raising the issues of the Indian community, and got them to vote out large numbers of BN reps. 

But what have we now? BN is again the clever manipulator, and as Uthaya says himself, has skilfully destroyed the movement with all its tricks. 

Yet the man refuses to lend his voice to the overwhelming rakyat’s sentiment to push for a change in government. His goal now, to make himself an MP to be the voice of the Indians, is romantic, but naïve. 

As said, in a fair system, I would consider voting for him. Even if Pakatan rules, Independent MPs would help provide checks and balances.  

But with the present scenario, it would only squander away one more seat to keep BN in power. Is that worth it? I think the obvious answer is that it not. Sure, as they reason, we can wait another five years. But remember in that time, how many hundreds of billions more we would have lost from our coffers.  

By running as an Independent and shying away from the opposition, Uthaya has shown his movement is not a team player. His position is only slightly more elegant in expressing this, than his brother, who now blatantly announced that he doesn’t care who rules, as long as Hindraf gets what it wants. I would give Waytha points for honesty for the first time in his career. 

Uthaya, however, is another story. I am not sure if he is sincere (and therefore foolish) or if something is behind the mask. After all, the tale of Hindraf has been one big rollercoaster of political twists and turns. 

The justification for staying away from Bersih, from Himpunan Hijau, all people's movements, just does not convince me that Uthaya is interested in human rights or in helping the rakyat. At least not any more.

His reasons always centre around the central theme "what’s in it for the Indians"? I wonder if it is not, ''what’s in it for me''? Hello, do you see Bukit Koman residents demanding for a seat to support Pakatan? Do you think the immediate health risk they face is not any more urgent than the Indian problem and needs immediate solutions?  

Contrast that with PSM’s clear stand that regardless, they stand with the opposition, even if they want to fight for their own political survival. I can buy that, and I can respect PSM and trust them. I would vote for PSM, even with their own clenched fist logo.  

Learn from them, Uthaya, if you are sincere about the Indians and human rights. Otherwise, don’t blame some of us for doubting your motives. If you win, who knows, you’ll be another BN friendly MP just for some promises or sweets. Or you will auction your loyalty to the highest bidder.  

If you lose, you can take part of the credit for having helped split the votes to allow BN to beat Pakatan, and if that costs the people a change in government, well, you can reason all you want, but don’t expect the people in general to buy it. 

My personal stand is I want change for the Indians as much as for the other communities, and I even agree their issues should be addressed immediately. But that can only be achieved by kicking out BN. 

Meanwhile, you say you want change but only for the Indians first. So why would I vote for you, Uthaya?

Why was Manoharan dropped?

Sidelined M Manoharan’s family have accused DAP leaders including national party advisor Lim Kit Siang of using his children in the 2008 election to curry votes.

GEORGE TOWN: Dropped Kota Alam Shah incumbent M Manoharan’s wife has slammed DAP leaders describing them as “ungrateful” and “inconsiderate” people who “used” her children to garner support in the 2008 general elections.

S Pushpaneela said DAP national advisor Lim Kit Siang and party leaders had put their then 10-year-old son Hariharan on stage to harvest sympathy votes for the party when Manoharan was detained under the now repealed Internal Security Act but had ‘no courtesy’ to inform them as to why he was dropped.

She recalled the Hin Hwa Chinese school had seen the biggest every crowd to gather for a DAP rally in Klang in the 2008 polls.

“They used our children to draw sympathy only to turn their backs on Manoharan now. My children are shattered,” she told FMT here today.

Manoharan and Pushpaneela have two other children Shivaranjini and Ganendra.

Manoharan won Kota Alam Shah state seat in Selangor while still in Kamunting Detention Centre.

Pushpaneela said her children’s believe and faith in the credibility of DAP leaders crashed on April 19, 2013, the day DAP finalized its candidates list.

She said her children were proud of their father for being clean and compassion and are now wondering what had happened.

“Where is the gratification? Where is justice? We are left in the dark,” she said.

She said thus far none of the DAP leaders had had the courtesy to explain to Manoharan why he was dropped and replaced by V Ganabatirau.

“For all his genuine hard work and sacrifices, till today no leader has called to justify the decision to drop him.

“We demand to know why he was dropped,” she said adding that if indeed there had been an issue, Manoharan was never contacted or summoned for a explaination.

She said her husband was ready to face anyone if there was an issue because he was honest and always upheld integrity and righteousness.

“He has nothing to hide. There is no moral issue. His conscience is clear,” said Pushpaneela.

EXCLUSIVE:Declaration from The National Revolutionary Front BRN

Received via email

Peace, the Mercy and the Benevolence of  God be upon you

After the negotiations between the Thai government and the fighters from Patani Liberation Movement on February and March, so many questions have been asked by the Patani people and the general public. For this reason, we would like to ask you as international mass media to publish and broadcast the video clips which contains the answers and explanations so that the Patani people and the general public do not have to worry about or confused by the negation process.

We would like to thank you for the attention and actions to be taken concerning this matter.

Sincerely Yours,

Barisan Revolusi Nasional
(National Revolutionary Front)

Video 1
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xzcehr_exclusive-declaration-from-brn-ustaz-hassan-taib_news#.UXpo67VmiSo


Caption 1
Declaration from The National Revolutionary Frontline of Malay Muslims
BRN

Caption 2
Ustaz Hassan Taib
Representative of BRN
The Speech by Ustaz Hassan Taib.
The BRN is a national revolutionary frontline for the Malay people in Patani. The BRN was founded as a national front line to unite the Malay people in Patani from every walk of life to build a line of fighters for the people of Patani. The Malay people in Patani become stronger, and we shall obtain the liberation (freedom). After that we can administrate (the country) as fairly (equally, just) as possible. So I would like to plead to all Patani people, regardless of their ethnicity, no matter if you are Malay, Chinese or Siamese, so as not to be afraid or worried about the justice (which we are going to bring about). That’s all from me. A short explanation about the struggle of the BRN which is aiming at justice, prosperity and establishment of a country (nation) of justice.

Video 2
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xzcdul_exclusive-declaration-from-brn-on-patani-thai-govt-peace-talk-abdulkarim-khalib_news

Caption 1

Abdulkarim Khalib
A member of the BRN delegation on 28 March

Speech:

If we talk about the conflict in Patani, we must refer to the history. The colonization of Patani by Siamese in 1785 is the start point of the ruthless system of suppression, as well as the movements for the liberation of Patani, in order to liberate the Patani people from the suppression and troubles brought about by the Siamese colonization. We are proceeding to the genuine peace.

Caption 2:

How’s the attitude of the BRN after the negotiation (signing) on 28 February?

Answer:

Actions shall continue to be taken until the Siamese colonization system and suppression against the Patani people is put to an end.

Caption 3:

How’s the attitude of the BRN concerning the coming peace talks.
The talk shall be continued, with conditions.
First, the Siamese colonists must accept Malaysia not as a facilitator but as a moderator.
Second, the talk is between the Malay people led by the BRN and the Siamese colonists.
Third, in the talk, there must be observers from the ASEAN Countries, the OIC and NGOs.
Fourth, the Siamese colonists must unconditionally release all detained people and cancel (annul) all arrest warrants
Fifth, the Siamese colonists must acknowledge that the BRN is an organization for the liberation of Patani, not a separationist group.

Chronology of PR-HINDRAF Meetings and Developments

August 1, 2012: HINDRAF Chair Waytha Moorthy returns to Malaysia and goes on nationwide tour to gain mandate from Indians.

August 28, 2012: Letter issued by Hindraf and personally handed to both PM Dato Seri Najib and Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, calling upon them to discuss approaches to permanently address the socio-economic problems of the marginalized Indians.

Sept 27, 2012: Preliminary meeting between Dato Seri Khalid, Tian Chua, Sivarasa and Saifudion Nasution. Hindraf wanted to check if there was any political will to address the Indian socio-economic problems.

Nov 1, 2012:  Meeting with DS Anwar Ibrahim, Tian Chua, Sivarasa. Hindraf Leaders presented the Hindraf 5 year Blueprint to address the socio-economic problems of the Indians. Anwar clearly agreed in principle to the plans in the Blueprint and said that he would have to consult with the other Coalition Leaders on the signing of the Blueprint, whether the 3 of them need to sign or just him. He committed to doing that in a week’s time.

Nov 7, 2012: Datuk Seri Nazri, Minister in PM’s Department issues open invitation on behalf of Government to Hindraf to meet the PM.

Nov 8, 2012: Hindraf Chair Waytha issues statement: “We are not too enthusiastic with the PM’s invitation as we fear it will be used by BN to gain mileage as the election is near. However, if Najib is sincere in meeting Hindraf, he should first lift the ban on the movement and then we will talk.”

Nov 20, 2012: Meeting with Sivarasa and Tian Chua.  Hindraf Leaders presented Pakatan Leaders with a plan for an electoral strategy which would result in a win-win situation. Pakatan Leaders said that a conference would need to be held with other coalition members on the electoral pact and committed to calling such a conference in early December 2012.

Nov 25th, 2012: Hindraf unveils Blueprint to the Public.

Jan 17, 2013: Meeting with Dato Mustafa Ali of PAS, Tian Chua of Pakatan, Antony Loke of DAP. Hindraf presented their proposal for a tie up for the forthcoming elections and attempted to focus the meeting on the Hindraf Blueprint, but obviously after two and a half months several of the members had not read the blueprint. Pakatan Leaders said they still needed time among themselves before they can agree to Hindraf on any matter concerning the Blueprint and the electoral pact. 1) Mr. Ganesan laid out that the process of coming to an agreement between Hindraf and Pakatan on the matter of an electoral pact was taking far too long. The process started at the end of August 2012 and after almost 5 months this was the first time all the Pakatan Leaders were meeting with Hindraf. He stressed that continuing delay to this process will prove to be counter -productive.

2) Mr. Sambulingam outlined the various methods and impact of Barisan Nasional’s wooing of the Indian electorate. He stressed that unless this was checked he warned there could be a significant negative effect to PR in GE13. He added that if there was not to be a partnership, then that needs to be clearly established soon so Hindraf and Pakatan can move on.

Another meeting was to be called after the Pakatan coalition has had the time to discuss among themselves. This was decided to be on the 6th of Feb 2013.

Jan 26, 2013: BN Government lifts ban on Hindraf.

Feb 6, 2013: Meeting with Dato Mustafa Ali of PAS, Tian Chua of Pakatan, Antony Loke of DAP.  Pakatan Leaders wanted to focus the meeting on the number of seats they offered to Hindraf assignees to contest in direct fight with BN. Hindraf refocused the meeting on the Blueprint and that if the Blueprint was agreed to, the seats issue was less contentious as this was HIndraf priority. The Pakatan Leaders felt than, that this was outside their mandate and that this would require to be decided by the Manifesto Committee. The ball kept getting kicked around. Another meeting was set with the manifesto committee to discuss. On PR leader’s inquiry, Waytha informed that if the PM asks for a meet, Hindraf will oblige.

Feb 8, 2013:  Meeting with Nurul Izzah of PKR, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad of PAS and Ong Kian Ming of DAP.  After delving into the Blueprint it was clear that this group only had the mandate for including elements of the Blueprint into PR manifesto and not to review the Blueprint with the objective of endorsing the Blueprint. Meeting was called off seeing that there was not the right mandate.

Feb 18, 2013: Hindraf issues email to Anwar Ibrahim and all PR leaders ‘loosening up’ our conditions for the endorsement, stating that the since it was quite obvious that PR were not willing to sign the Blueprint agreement in a ‘legal agreement format’, Hindraf were willing to take a middle position by just asking for a MOU between the Head of the Pakatan Coalition and the Head of Hindraf to get over the current impasse.

Feb 26, 2013: PR launches their Election Manifesto which mentions all races but Indians.

March 11, 2013: As all efforts with both BN and PR fail, Hindraf Chair begins fast. He states: “The purpose (of the hunger strike) is for them (BN and Pakatan) to acknowledge that the human rights of Indian (Malaysians) have been violated.

“Both have to sign it (the blueprint). If both do not sign it, they don’t respect human rights,”

March, 2nd week, 2013: Hindraf is made aware that their long standing application for registration (made in 2007) of Hindraf has been approved by the Government dated March 8, 2013.

March 22, 2013: Hindraf receives invitation to meet up with PM.

March 25, 2013: Hindraf leaders meet PM at Putrajaya.

March 28, 2013: PR Election Manifesto Chairman Dr Dzulkefly meets  Hindraf Election Strategist Dr Paraman to convey PR terms of agreeing to endorse the Blueprint.

The terms were:

No Empowered Ministry. No mention of budgetary allocations. No Hindraf leadership to the Blueprint. No mention of ‘Indian’ in Blueprint document. No mention of quotas for Indians. Terms such as ‘equitable’ and ‘equal’ to be replaced with ‘needs basis’. No mention of new residential schools to be built for Indians and to remove the request for 10,000 places per year for DEW for skills training program in all Government skills development institutions. Only then will PR Presidential Council consider endorsing the Blueprint.

After hectic negotiations and deep discussions within the leadership, Hindraf took a humble decision to agree to PR’s demands, as it would serve for the greater good of the marginalized Indians. It was evident that PR was basically flexing its muscles to only consider to endorse the Blueprint, with Hindraf clearly out of the picture altogether.

This was conveyed to the PR Election Manifesto Chairman by phone who insisted that DAP’s Election Strategist Dr Ong Kian Ming (who was also part of the PR’s Election Manifesto Committee) was also informed. However Dr Ong Kian Ming, when contacted, insisted that this was to be given in writing even before any meeting takes place.

March 29, 2013: Hindraf National Advisor issues an email to all PR leaders stating that PR terms as conveyed by the PR Election Manifesto Committee as ‘constructive’ and that Hindraf sees no major divergences that cannot be worked out. Mr. Ganesan requests for the resumption of discussions as soon as possible as Mr. Waytha was already on his 20th day of fast.

March 31, 2013: DAP does an about turn and issues the Gelang Patah Declaration in a clear attempt to nullify the Blueprint. It was a unilateral decision which had no PKR or PAS support to back it up. PR then halts all further negotiations with Hindraf.

March 31, 2013: Mr. Waytha ends 21 day fast after collapsing and needing hospitalization.

April 2, 2013: Mr. Ganesan’s call for an open debate to Mr. Lim Kit Siang on the Blueprint- Gelang Patah fiasco goes unheeded.

April 5th to 17th, 2013: BN begins focused discussion with Hindraf regarding the Blueprint and MOU.

April 13, 2013: Hindraf issues press statement that door is still open to both PR and BN to endorse the Blueprint and will be closed on April 18.

April 13, 14, 15: Dr Dzulkefly informs that PR leaders were willing to meet Hindraf leaders but no such meeting ever takes place. 

On April 15, Hindraf leaders were told to come to PKR HQ for a meeting with Anwar Ibrahim and Husam Musa at 1700 Hrs but on reaching there they were told that Anwar had already ‘left’!

April 17, 2013: Hindraf and BN reach an agreement on the Blueprint.

April 18, 2013: PM apologizes to Indian community and historic MOU is signed in front of 1000 Hindraf supporters in KL.

Key issues of MOU:
1. To bring progress to displaced former estate workers

1.1. To raise the income of the former estate workers

• Those who qualify for it are all the Indian Malaysians whose family income is lower than RM3000.
• To double their family income by 2020.
• A committee of experts will conduct research and decide on various programmes, policies and allocation of finance.
• The committee of experts will submit its Indian-centred coordinated plans to the government by Oct 31, 2013.
• The government will accept in total the plans, policies and financial allocations as recommended by the committee of experts.

1.2. House ownership programme for former estate workers

• Those Indian Malaysians whose monthly family income is not above RM3000 will qualify.
• This will be done by 2018 in areas where the displaced workers are concentrated. The department or the ministry will provide the necessary finance and allocate 100,000 national standard grade houses.
• To relocate in housing projects which are complete with facilities such as temples, burial grounds, community halls and playgrounds with the view to protecting socio-cultural aspects and preventing the growth of squatter areas in towns.

1.3. Retraining and alternative skills training for former young estate workers.

• The purpose of this programme - which requires great effort - is to bring out the hidden talents of Indian youth and change them into skilled and useful citizens for constructive action.
• Discover the hidden talents of the youths and provide them with the necessary prerequisites to undertake vocational training and have them admitted into the 176 Giat Mara centres and 78 community colleges to obtain proper skills training.
• After the training, based on their capability, they will be employed in the government and government-linked companies.
• To those who wish to start small scale businesses, support will be given through the Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun) loan scheme.
• For this purpose, RM20 million will be allocated annually.

1.4. To maintain the temples and the burial grounds of the former estate workers

• To protect the temples and the burial grounds that were constructed by our forefathers and which stand as testimony to our history in this country from being destroyed and removed.
• All the temples, small places of worship and burial grounds in the country shall by 2018 be on lands specifically allocated and registered for this purpose.
• A division of an experts committee shall undertake a detailed research on temples, small places of worship and burial grounds and submit its recommendations on their maintenance.
• With the permission of the prime minister and acceptance by the government, a council composed of religious scholars will propose solutions to complicated problems relating to temples and the Hindu religion. This committee shall be accountable to the prime minister and the person to be appointed as the head of the new administration under the prime minister.

2. The problem of Indians without identification documents

• To those without any birth certificates, a solution is to be found through an open, sympathetic and simple plan.
• To find solutions to the problems of people without documents by accepting statutory declarations deposed by people held in high esteem by the society.
• To change red identity cards (ICs) to blue ICs through open and systematic policies.
• To find ways and means to identify those who have legally obtained their citizenship from those who have not.
• The head of the new department under the prime minister shall within three months from the date of his appointment submit his recommendations on the matters mentioned above and obtain the approval of the prime minister.

3. The plans to increase the employment and business opportunities for the Indian Malaysians

• To allocate RM500 million in order to raise the Indian Malaysians’ equity ownership to three percent.
• To confirm that the Indians get 7.5 percent of the amount that the government allocates for small business loan schemes and micro-credit schemes.
• To confirm that the Indians get 7.5 percent of all the business licenses and permits issued by the government.
• To confirm that the Indians get 7.5 percent of all the franchises granted by the government.
• To confirm that the Indians get 7.5 percent of all the contracts offered at national, state and local council levels.
• To confirm that qualified Indians get 7.5 percent of all government jobs.
• To confirm that qualified Indians get 7.5 percent of all government-linked company jobs.
• To confirm that the Indians will get, in the next five years, RM200 million from the Tekun loan scheme.
• To confirm micro-credit loan schemes for Indians in accordance with the recommendation of the expert committee.

4. To develop/increase the opportunities for education from pre-school to university

• To allocate enough funds and necessary measures for the relocation, development and construction of new buildings to make by 2020 all the Tamil schools equal to the national schools.
• To convert all the Tamil schools to fully government-aided schools.
• To set up a special fund to develop the skills of the Tamil school students.
• To confirm that 7.5 percent of places in the government universities and institutions of higher learning are for Indian students.
• To confirm that 10 percent of places in the government polytechnic colleges are for Indian students.
• To confirm that 7.5 percent of places in the present residential schools, matriculation and technical colleges are for Indian students.
• To confirm that 20 percent of the places in the proposed nine residential schools for students of all races are for Indian students.
• To confirm that 7.5 percent of scholarships from the Public Services Department (JPA), other government scholarship schemes and state scholarships are for Indian students.
• A separate RM25 million annual special education assistance scheme for Indian students through the new department that is to begin operations under the prime minister.

Hindraf: Racism, custodial deaths for 'future deal'

The key issues relating to human rights in the Hindu Rights Action Force's (Hindraf) five-year blueprint for Indian welfare that are missing in the ‘new deal' signed with BN are being put off for future discussions.

"We will continue to ask for those things in future deals," the group's national adviser N Ganesan (left) told Malaysiakini yesterday.

He had earlier mentioned that Hindraf had to concede issues relating to racism and deaths in custody during negotiations with the ruling coalition to get the concessions and promises of better economic opportunities for Indians.

The Hindraf-BN memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Indian Malaysians promises more special appointments for Indian leaders, a new division under the Prime Minister's Office, as well as increased funding for Indian welfare.

"All the plans stated above are drawn up based on Hindraf's five-year blueprint and the Barisan Nasional's election manifesto. A special division, functioning under the direct supervision of the prime minister, empowered and with funds, will implement the plans," concluded a Hindraf advertisement explaining the deal.

The advertisement appeared in last Sunday's edition of Tamil Nesan. An English language translation of the full-page paid ad was published by Malaysiakini yesterday.

Ganesan said that they posted the ads to answer queries on the contents of the MOU the rights movement signed with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak last Thursday.

The public, especially Indian Malaysians, were clamouring for a peek at the document, though Ganesan said that Hindraf felt it only needed to run ads in Tamil-language newspapers to reach its target group.

"That is the segment we are focusing on, I don't think we have to do anything further," he said.
According to the ad, Hindraf had negotiated at least three more special committees for Indians affairs under the ambit of the PMO.

• A committee of experts for Indian-centric plans, where the government will accept in total the plans, policies and financial allocations drawn up.

• A council composed of religious scholars for issues related to temples and the Hindu religion.

• An ‘Indian affairs department' under the PMO to be headed by an Indian representative.

Currently BN already has a special department for Indian affairs under the PMO, headed by incumbent Minister in the Prime Minister's Department G Palanivel from MIC.

It is not clear if the new division will be in addition to Palanivel's unit, or Hindraf's appointee is meant to displace the MIC representatives in the PMO when it comes to Indian affairs.

Seeking 7.5pct of the economic pie

Other than appointments and special departments, the NGO is also demanding that the Indian Malaysians, who make up roughly 7.5 percent of population, be given the same percentage or more of the economic pie, as well as other opportunities.

The MOU mainly focused on remedies in four main areas, which are; providing relief for displaced estate workers, as well as more economic opportunities, educational opportunities and help for stateless person or Malaysian-born Indians without identification papers.

Hindraf had announced that with the signing of the MOU, they are throwing their weight as well as their support behind PM Najib and the BN coalition, citing they had already given Pakatan Rakyat the same chance to sign a binding accord with them, but claimed that they were ignored by the opposition pact.

Before this, the Indian rights pressure group had gone to town with their five-year blueprint for Indian welfare, promising an electoral pact with any side that endorses their blueprint in total and sign an agreement with them "in a binding way".

Pakatan had expressed support for several of the points mentioned in Hindraf blueprint adding many of the same concerns were already addressed by their manifesto, but refused to adopt the document in toto, causing Hindraf to renounce all support for the opposition pact, electing to accept Najib's partial adoption of the blueprint in the ‘new deal' MOU instead.

When asked about BN-friendly candidates, Perkasa's Ibrahim Ali and Zulkifli Noordin - both of whom have disparaged non-Muslims - Ganesan declined to comment.

Why We Support BN? Hindraf (Tamil)

Uthaya's Hindraf 'sacks' Waythamoorthy

The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) faction led by its founding leader P Uthayakumar has sacked his younger brother and current Hindraf splinter ‘chief’ P Waythamoorthy from the movement.

The decision was made during Hindraf's supreme council meeting on April 25, Uthayakumar told a press conference today in Kuala Lumpur.

Uthayakumar earlier claimed that his brother, who has now pledged support for BN, had hijacked the movement from him.

However, his sacking will have no legal implications as Waythamoorthy’s (left in photo, in orange) faction is the one that had managed to receive official recognition from the Registrar of Societies (ROS) on March 8.
"We feel that Waytha has deviated far away from Hindraf's original 18-point demands. The original Hindraf demands were never about pledging free votes to either BN or Pakatan Rakyat," Uthayakumar told reporters.

Will continue to use the Hindraf name

However, he admitted that Waythamoorthy's Hindraf will continue being recognised as the registered Hindraf organisation.

"If I joined hands with (BN chairperson) Najib Abdul Razak, I could get the same (registration). I could have chosen the easy way out, but I didn't," he added.

However, he insisted that he would continue using the Hindraf name despite the possibility of being sued by the 'legitimate' Hindraf for the usage of its name.

"I developed this movement and its people. If they want to sue, let the courts decide," he said.

He, however, believed that Waythamoorthy, being his "disciple", would not against his "guru".

Waythamoorthy, his brother further claimed, was never a supreme council member and claimed the latter "ran away" when authorities clamped down on Hindraf after the November 2007 rally.

Uthayakumar (left) added the sacking announcement had to be made as he's spending more time disassociating himself from Waythamoorthy's actions whilst speaking to disgruntled Indians, than on focussing on the real issues such as uplifting the Indian poor.

He is currently campaigning as an Independent for the Kota Raja parliamentary seat in Selangor as well as for the Sri Andalas state seat under it.

Meanwhile, Uthayakumar reiterated his belief that he would be able to garner Chinese votes on top of Indian votes to be able to win the Kota Raja seat.

He said this is based on the evidence that the rental expenditure for his operations centre is being borne by a local Chinese man.

Memorandum of Understanding between Barisan Nasional and Hindraf

By - Hindraf Economic Unit

This is the first of a series of articles which will be released heading up to the Polling day and beyond. The articles are targeted towards Malaysians in general and Indian Malaysians specifically.
The main purpose of these articles will be to set a standard of reference for what needs to be done to uplift the Indian poor. Along the way, the articles will also try to give Hindraf's perspective on why the MOU has been chosen as the way forward.
Much has been said about the signing of the MOU, and a lot of what was said has been in the realm of conjecture as well as emotional reactions to the signing. Hindraf finds the reactions understandable, though it does not share them, which should be just as understandable to the reader.
Indians make up 7.3% of Malaysia's population according to the Department of Statistics.
We all know that except in crime statistics, Indian Malaysian do not have a 7.3% share of any cake in this country, be it as a part of the annual budget for education, or job opportunities or business licenses.
If the fact that Indian Malaysians are usually allocated about 1% of the total annual education budget (excluding higher learning) seems fair to you, then read no further. But if it seems a tad unfair, then ask yourself this question: How can this be challenged, and changed?
The same applies to all areas where the Indian Malaysian citizen has been excluded from, or has been deprived of.
How can this unfair state of affairs be challenged, and changed?
This does not only apply to the areas which fall under the control of the federal and state governments, but also in the private sector. As a quick exercise, imagine yourself to be an Indian Malaysian youth, of between 19 to 22 years of age, who is looking for some suitable part time or temporary employment. Now go to a popular job site like asiaparttime.com and see for yourself what percentage of the hundred odd new jobs advertised on that site daily will even accept an application from an Indian Malaysian like you.
The only area where an Indian Malaysian is automatically an equal to any other citizen in this country is when it is time to vote. An Indian vote is counted as one, just as a Malay or a Chinese vote is.
And it is from that position of equality, namely the vote, that Hindraf challenges and changes what is wrong, to what is right.
Now, some of you may say that it is the individual that determines his or her success in life, and not the circumstances that surround the individual's particular race.
To this, we ask you to do another simple mental exercise. Give away all your possessions, empty your bank accounts and liquidate your investments, sell your properties and start from zero. But before you start, also burn your birth certificate and diplomas and degrees, destroy your passport and mykad and driving license. Once you are standing there with no document which identifies you as so and so, with no money or wealth, with no right to apply for a bank account or a driving license, to make a police report when someone assaults you and leaves you for dead, no means to obtain medical care in even a government clinic, no right to marry or have children, unless you want your children to share your fate, no way to enroll in school or apply for a job, with no right to property or security.
Once you stand there just like a stateless Indian Malaysian does, please show us how you will achieve everything you have achieved so far in life.
Even Einstein would have become a beggar, if he had been born as a stateless Indian Malaysian in this country.
This brings us to the first point from the MOU which we will address.
Statelessness among the Malaysian Indian poor shall be addressed by the following programs:

i) Identify all Stateless ethnic Indians as ethnic Indians without Birth Certificates and Blue Identification cards and those with Red Identity Cards.

ii) Develop Common Sense and transparent proposals to address the problems of Malaysian Indians who claim to have been born and raised in Malaysia but who do not have any documentary evidence whatsoever of their birth and residency.

iii) Develop policies including those that may allow defined local persons of repute who are given official standing to issue Statutory Declarations conveying their opinion that a said stateless person was indeed born and raised in their locality in Malaysia.

iv) Develop streamlined and transparent policies to resolve the large problem of all persons who only hold Red Identification Cards.

v) Differentiate a system that can differentiate legitimate from non-legitimate citizenship applications from ethnic Indians in Malaysia.

vi) Ensure that the common sense and transparent proposals developed should strictly adhere to the provisions of the Federal Constitution.

Point number three simply means this. A retired headmaster, or some other figure of local repute, can make a Statutory Declaration, which can lead to the stateless Indian Malaysian being released from the nightmare that is his nameless condition.
Now, we issue a real challenge to the reader who believes that Pakatan Rakyat is the salvation for Malaysia. Can you guarantee that Pakatan will at least match the criteria listed above, and eradicate the problem of the stateless Indian Malaysian once and for all?
We in Hindraf are not interested in your curses or your personal attacks. The people that lead and make up Hindraf are fighters, and we will take full responsibility to hold Barisan Nasional to what has been agreed in the MOU. What we are interested in is whether all of you who believe that there exists both the political will and moral backbone within the Pakatan Rakyat coalition to address the question of statelessness among the Indian Malaysian, to hold Pakatan Rakyat to the same standards by which we in Hindraf now hold Barisan Nasional.
If you cannot see the pragmatism that is the basis for the question above, then let it be forever beyond you. But if you understand the import, are you then prepared to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring that Pakatan does what is right? If your answer is no, then please find other matters to occupy you, and leave the task of bringing the Indian poor to the mainstream development of Malaysia, to those that can.

Hindraf Economic Unit

Memorandum of Understanding between Barisan Nasional and Hindraf – Part 2

By - Hindraf Economic Unit

The purpose of this series of articles is to set a standard of reference for what needs to be
done to uplift the Indian poor in Malaysia.

A large percentage of the Indian poor cannot vote for themselves, as they are stateless. For
a majority of those that can vote, bread and butter issues are what matter, and not whether
car prices will come down after the election. Hindraf represents their voice, and is morally
and ethically obligated to do what is best for the marginalised Indian poor.

A message is now being sent out to the Indian poor in this country. In that message,
probably for the first time ever in his life, the marginalised Indian Malaysian will see a clear
statement of intent with regards to improving his condition by one of the two coalitions
which are vying for his vote and support.

For a start he will be shown the following:

BN and HINDRAF, in:


Recognizing that there has occurred a transition of the vast majority of Malaysian
Indians from plantation estates to towns and cities over a period lasting
approximately 4 decades, and,
Recognizing that this was not directly and adequately addressed by Government
policy and implementation, and,
Now desiring to correct the chronic socio-economic problems that have resulted in a
comprehensive and permanent manner, etc…


Is that the best “apology” in the world? Not by a long shot. But, it is the only apology he
would have received so far that also brings the promise of hope into his life and that of his
children. We can say with certainty that none of the developers who displaced the Indian
estate worker, or the people who purchased the properties built on the land the estate
worker was displaced from, would have gone out of their way to apologise to him.

There would have been no greater betrayal that the displaced Indian poor could have
suffered than if Hindraf had turned down BN on his behalf.

For the pro Pakatan Malaysian voter who cannot stand the thought that Hindraf has thrown
the full weight of its support behind BN, fret not, there is a way to counter that move, if not
in the coming polls, then in the one after.

The MOU spells out the following key points with regards to uplifting displaced estate
workers.

For the purpose of the Blueprint, ‘Displaced Estate Workers’ shall be considered as
synonymous with ‘Low-Income Indian Households’ and shall be defined for the purposes
of policy formulation and execution as all Malaysian Indian households, earning less than
RM3,000 in 2013(hereinafter referred to as the "Target Group”).

The MOU states that the overall objective of the program will be to double the mean
monthly family incomes of all Malaysian Indian families earning less than RM 3000, base
lined in 2013, by the end of 2020.

There will also be programs to retrain and reskill displaced estate worker youth.

The program will provide easy and attractive placements with appropriate financial support
for the displaced youth (Target group) into 176 GIATMARA centres and 78 community
colleges across the nation.

After retraining, placement services will be provided for jobs and internships in Government
and GLC’s.

For the youth who wish to start a small business after retraining, TEKUN or a program
similar to TEKUN will be set up to provide support.

If you are a pro Pakatan voter, and you no longer want to hear the name Hindraf even in
your dreams, all you will have to do is make Hindraf irrelevant, it is as easy as that.

This can be achieved if you are prepared to ensure that Pakatan Rakyat will at the very least
match the programs and work towards the objectives which are being listed in this series of
articles.

If you are prepared to put the effort to formulate concrete steps to uplift the Indian
poor, address the issue of statelessness and solve it once and for all, increase educational
opportunities from pre-school to University as well as increase employment and business
opportunities for the target group, so much so that the marginalised Indian Malaysian
becomes only a memory, and becomes fully integrated into the mainstream development of
Malaysia, then Hindraf will also become a memory.

When you can get Pakatan to bring down car prices, fuel costs as well as abolish toll charges,
uplifting the Indian poor should be a piece of cake, shouldn’t it?

While we in Hindraf would love to wait with bated breath while Pakatan Rakyat and its
supporters get around to uplifting the lot of the Indian poor, there is a small problem that’s
in the way of us doing just that.

Hindraf knows first –hand that the needs of the marginalised Indian poor are not an abstract
matter. It is a real need, and it exists in real time, for a part of the population who are as real
you are, dear reader. What is unreal is the pain and suffering that they have to endure as
their daily lot.

That knowledge makes it impossible for Hindraf to wait for anyone to get their act together,
so forgive us while we forge ahead while you explain to the Indian poor why abolishing toll
charges is going to turn his life around.

Hindraf Economic Unit

Survey: BN, Pakatan in 'neck and neck race' to May 5

Is Uttar Pradesh Govt. making friendship with Jihadi Outfits? UP Govt. frees serial blasts ‘mastermind’.

Arrested Mohammad Tariq Qasmi and Khalid Mujahid in 2007 UP blasts

15 people were killed and 60 hurt in terror attacks on courts in three cities in 2007.

UP frees serial blasts ‘mastermind’. Why Govt of Uttar Pradesh is kneel down to the Jihadi elements in the state? UP is now a safe land of Jihad.
Upananda Brahmachari & Deep Gidwani | Lucknow | Thursday, Apr 25, 2013:: In Lacknow, Gorakhpur, Aligarh, Gaziabad, Muzaffarpur and in other Muslim majority areas of Uttar Pradesh, jubilant Muslims are preparing a special Jammat of Friday prayer on 26 April to convey their special veneration to Allah after hearing a pleasant news of freeing two deadly Jihadis connected with various blasts in UP in 2007.

While Swami Aseemananda and Sadhvi Pragya Bharti are languishing in Indian Jails with fake charges and facing all severities of denial of bails, the accused and born Islamists are being freed to execute further Jihad against Hindus. Uttar Pradesh is now being most preferable and safe land for Al Jihad.

The Akhilesh Yadav Government of Samajwadi Party & its Islamic allies, has withdrawn charges against Tariq Qasmi, the alleged HuJI militant behind terror attacks in Uttar Pradesh in 2007.

On December 22, 2007 Mohammad Tariq Qasmi and Khalid Mujahid were arrested from Azamgarh for the blasts. Explosives were also recovered from the duo. The Uttar Pradesh ATS then described Qasmi, a Unani doctor, as the area commander of HuJI in Uttar Pradesh and Khalid Mujahid as the head of the action group of HuJI.

In a significant decision that has opened the Pandora’s box, the State Home secretary announced the withdrawal of case against Qasmi on Wednesday. The state home secretary Sarvesh Mishra said that the government’s recommendation has been sent to the court through the law department. However, he added, the final decision of dropping the case would have to be taken by the court.

In a series of embarrassing development under Islamic conspiracy, the trial court has yet to frame charges against Qasmi in the cases.

This is the first instance in which the Samajwadi Party (SP) government has withdrawn a case against an alleged terrorist. Official sources say that terror charges against Khalid Mujahid would also be withdrawn soon.

However, senior police officials fear this might start off a series of such releases driven by votebank politics which could have dangerous consequences. “For its own political games, the government is neutralizing all the efforts we put in to arrest these terrorists,” a police official with the Uttar Pradesh anti terror squad (ATS) lamented.

The SP had promised in its election manifesto that innocents jailed on terror charges would be freed once the party came to power. The Akhilesh Yadav regime has been under great pressure from clerics and Muslim organisations to honour its promise.

Opposition parties have criticized the SP regime for its decision. “The SP is clearly out to appease the minorities with an eye on the Muslim votebank. But this is a very dangerous trend it is setting,” BJP spokesman Vijay Pathak said.

More importantly, the withdrawal of the cases promises to open up a Pandora’s box.

Besides being a major embarrassment for the ATS and the police, questions are sure to be asked about how the ATS had prepared the charge-sheet, what now happens to the evidence and relevant material placed before the court, and, most importantly, who are the real culprits responsible for the blasts.

Hurdles for government

Lawyers’ organisations have threatened to take to the streets on this issue. “The court serial blasts case is a serious matter. Several lawyers lost their lives. We will not allow the (state) government to withdraw the terror charges,” says Ajay Pandey, vice-president of the Central Bar Association.

Senior advocate Padm Kirti says it might not be easy for the government to withdraw the charges. “Though under the Criminal Penal Code the government has the right to withdraw any case, in this case it would be rather difficult as the STF and the ATS have submitted strong evidence, the charge-sheet has been filed and the case is in its final stages,” he says.

According to law, the court hearing the case has the final word on whether the charges can be withdrawn.

A PIL has been filed in the Allahabad high court against the withdrawal of the case. The petitioner has submitted that the two HuJI terrorists were arrested along with a large supply of explosives.

Experts say it would be virtually impossible to deny all the evidence that the STF and ATS have submitted before the court.

If the government chooses to rubbish the entire evidence, it would have to prove how the STF and ATS officials stand to benefit by framing the entire case.

Islamists influencing UP Govt

For the vote Bank Policy through appeasement of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh who are 17% -23% in a rough estimation in the state, the Uttar Pradesh Govt. is plying a dangerous role in the direction of Islamize the whole Uttar Pradesh under an nefarious design. The connection of Bukharis and Jama Masjid of Delhi with Mulayam and Akhilesh, the father and son duo, is self explanatory. More and above the influential Minister Azam Khan is also controlling another lobby of Jihadis in the state.

Islamic hooliganism and riots are growing through out the state to frighten the peace loving Hindu people of Uttar Pradesh.

Pressure Politics from the Political Jihad groups made this success for releasing such Terrorist from the clutch of Police and Judiciary under a heinous role of State Administration.

UP govt. is now contemplating 30% reservation for Muslims in political representation, education and employment for getting a boost from the Muslim support in the coming elections. In a very confidential move, Akhilesh Ministry is preparing a blue-print to give reservations for Muslims in the state, following the model of West Bengal Reservation Policy which implemented 10% Muslim reservation under the quota of Backward classes.

Thousands rally in UK to demand end to anti-Islam speeches

BIRMINGHAM: Up to 25,000 British Pakistani men, women and children from across the UK gathered in Aston Park here to express their love for Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) and to call on the British government to introduce legislation that bars Islamophobes from insulting Islam under the garb of the freedom of speech.
The participants, who also travelled from several parts of European cities, were led in a peaceful and colourful mile-long march by Hazrat Peer Alauddin Siddiqui. This is the fourth consecutive gathering for the biggest Melaad-un-Nabi (PBUH) of British Pakistanis in Britain but this year it was dedicated to “protect the honour and legacy of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)”. Speakers included interfaith leaders from Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Jewish religions and parliamentarians from Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrats. Sardar Attique Khan, former Azad Kashmir prime minister, was the chief guest of the rally.

Hazrat Peer Alauddin Siddiqui, who is a renowned Sufi scholar, told Geo News: “Thousands have come together to show peacefully to the western world that the production and promotion of a recent film insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has caused hurt to Muslims all over the world. We are a peaceful community and we will do everything to protect peace and respect for all on equal basis. It’s not fair that some people insult Islam everyday and preach hatred through their actions and words but the lack of legislation encourages such elements. We want to tell our government that we welcome debate and constructive criticism of our religion but insults are unacceptable and inflammatory language is contributing to the rise of extremism amongst youth in western countries where youth mistakenly believe that the West hates Islam and Muslims.”

He announced that a rally of tens of thousands of Muslims will be held soon in Hyde Park to profess loyalty to Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) as well as to condemn the crudely made “Innocence of Muslims” movie which was recently released in the US and caused outrage in the Islamic world, including leading to a ban on Youtube in Pakistan.

Peer Siddiqui told the audience that relations between Islamic and Western countries have improved in recent years and these years need to be strengthened but that is possible if all religions are respected and there should be law in place to ensure that Islam and Muslims are not singled out.

“There is resentment amongst Muslims over the continuing failure of the western government for not doing enough to protect Muslims. Attacks on Muslims have increased and while we are law-abiding and peace-loving citizens of this country, we want our government to take our concern into account,” he added and appealed to Muslims to stay peaceful against provocations.

Speakers said that freedom of speech was a cherished value but abusing Islam is not freedom of speech. They said the best way forward is to engage constructively with Muslims about their religion. They said Muslims were making a great contribution towards everyday life in western countries and it is important that their contribution is recognized.

Waytha, choosing between Ravana and Rama matters

By Tamil Mani,
The last few days have been really very sad times for Malaysian Hindus, and especially those who belong to or associate with Hindraf.

I am not referring to the purported betrayal of Indian Malaysians by P Waythamoorthy, the leader of Hindraf, for signing a MOU with BN, nor his willingness to work with BN, nor his subsequent call to Indian Malaysians to return BN to power with a two-thirds majority.

There are enough letters and comments from the cyber-world and right-thinking Malaysians to condemn his latest decision in his avowed bid to uplift the Indian community.

Specifically, I am referring to Waythamoorthy's defence of the MOU wherein he had said it is inconsequential whether Ravana or Rama rules the country.

This is what has me - and, I believe, many other Hindus - really peeved with Waythamoorthy.

In effect, what Waythamoorthy meant was this: "I don't care who - bad or good - rules the country for as long as I get what I want."

Self-centred and short-sighted, he is prepared to gamble away the long-term welfare and well-being of Indian Malaysians for short-term gains.

Whether his stance pays off is left to be seen in the near future.

To make matters worse, and in pursuit of political expediency, Waythamoorthy made a mockery of Hinduism by implying that any ruler in the likeness of Lord Rama is inconsequential to him as long as he has achieved his ends.

This, and to equate, compare, or relate Lord Rama to Ravana in the context of a questionable MOU, is a huge disservice - even sacrilegious - to all Hindus everywhere.

Maybe, a little lesson from our Hindu epics and scriptures will, hopefully, do Waythamoorthy some good.

Ravana was an asuran, a demon king whose rule of Lanka, though characterised by his concern for the welfare of his people, was marked by violence, cruelty and greed for power.

He also had hatred for those - including his own brothers - who advised him to mend his wayward ways.

This ten-headed monster became so powerful that even the demigods prayed to the Supreme for his ultimate destruction.

And, Ravana's death came at the hands of Lord Rama.

The Lord is the incarnate of the Supreme Soul who takes different forms every time there is unrighteousness in the world. And to right the ills and evils perpetrated by mankind and beasts.

Lord Rama took a human (and princely) form not only to kill Ravana, but to show mankind how life should be led according to Hindu scriptures.

Lord Rama is the symbol of chivalry and virtue.

In the words of the sage Swami Vivekananda, He is "the embodiment of truth, of morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal king."

Now, for Waythamoorthy, to unfavourably cite the Lord's name in a mundane manner and context is the biggest travesty!

For sure, because of his unexpected and shocking U-turn, Waythamoorthy had to defend his decision against many critics, especially those who are also well aware of the plight and status of Indian Malaysians and have been working towards a practical solution.

For sure, he has a right to embrace any party whom he deems will be able to fulfill his goals of uplifting the Indian community, even if it means working with the devil.

But, to drag the name of the Lord in spurious circumstances is unforgivable!

Waythamoorthy undertook a "severe" fast recently, hoping to move the caretaker PM Najib or the PM-in-waiting Anwar to his cause.

Subsequently, he conveniently abandoned the fast when his unrealistic demands were not met by either party.

Then, when his hopelessly scaled-down blueprint was endorsed by Najib, he demeaned the Lord by dragging His name in a thoughtless manner.

With scant regard for the Lord, why then fast in the confines of a temple? Was this merely a big show of piety?

Waythamoorthy should have had his farce on the streets, in similar fashion to disgruntled politicians in India who put on a grandiose but pathetic display of fast to gain attention for personal gains.

Hindus of good nature who know their scriptures and follow them faithfully, aspire to reach the Lord through liberation from the vicious cycle of birth and death.

On the other hand, grossly passionate and ignorant Hindus do the opposite through greed, lust, and anger.

Some even go to temples and make rich offerings to the Lord or undertake severe penances merely to seek material wealth, fame and power.

Some carry out charities, or lead organisations purportedly for a noble cause, yet with expectations of some gain or reward in mind.

Whatever egocentric austerities and penances one does, he or she cannot fool the Lord when these are carried out under pretence!

Hindraf was (and still is to a certain extent) a good thing that awakened Indian Malaysians in particular and Malaysians in general.

But, when its leaders are overcome with obsessive passion, they make unreasonable demands and blurt out ill-conceived statements to defend their actions.

Ultimately, they lose themselves and their souls.

To Waythamoorthy's view of the insignificance of the Lord, only time will answer.

Till then, I hope the Lord will have mercy on his soul - whatever little is left of it.