Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email It looks like all the struggle by Hindraf leaders to highlight the problems of marginalised Indians in the country have gone unnoticed.
Hindraf should initiate a meeting with Lim Guan Eng, and come out with some proposals as well if possible. Perhaps they are looking for some sort of affirmative action, like special allocation for the community when distributing licenses, permits, shop lots, funds etc.
Penang Govt can do more, says Hindraf
GEORGE TOWN: The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) is disappointed with the DAP-led state government for not coming up with any firm plan to help Indians since coming to power 100 days ago.
Its national coordinator R.S. Thanenthiran said the Indian community was “sad and frustrated” over the lack of commitment by state government leaders.
“Yes, the state government has ushered in changes on several fronts but it has not significantly improved the socio-economic standing of the Indian community,” he said when contacted here yesterday.
“It looks like all the struggle by Hindraf leaders to highlight the problems of marginalised Indians in the country have gone unnoticed.”
Thanenthiran, who congratulated Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in conjunction with his 100 days in office, said the Indian community still had high hopes that something would be done soon for the community. “We are still waiting to see how the state can help Indians in areas such as creating more business opportunities,” he said.
Dear Poobalan
This is what I had been saying all along before and after GE but you guys here just refused to listen.
Perhaps many people are unaware of things that happened during and after the GE (I did cover that briefly). But let me share some interesting info. If you don’t believe me, you are free to check with you Penang friends who are familiar with the political scenario.
OK, during the GE, DAP and PKR actually used HINDRAF/MS in their campaign to get Indian support. In fact even before the elections, DAP had their ceramah on HINDRAF knowing that Penang has a lot of supporters. During the election campaign, DAP invited HINDRAF leaders to give speech in their major ceramahs. I know there were at least two ceramahs in Penang and Bkt Mertajam. HINDRAF people seems to be well funded (I wonder from where) and handed out posters, VCDs and T-shirts by thousands.
Originally HINDRAF wanted to stand in the GE under DAP or PKR but DAP managed to persuade them not to as there were more than enough Indians. Instead HINDARF was promised or council seats for RS Thanenthiran.
However, after their shock win DAP evaded the issue despite HINDARF’s persistance. That Prof Rama made as the DCM2 did not satisfy HINDRAF and wanted at least an exco seat as promised. But LGE refused but promised to consider council seats. But again HINDRAF was by-passed as the council seats all went to politicians and businessmen.
HINDRAF was furious and felt betrayed by LGE. Worse, Prof Rama was not being helpful despite getting much help from HINDRAF. Prof Rama himself soon became powerless as the Penang Indian DAP members were upset that an outsider was selected to lead the local Indians. As such, they boycotted him. The Chinese DAP guys were unhappy because of an Indian being DCM2 and occupying higher position than all other Chinese from Penang (LGE is from Johor/Melaka). As such, Prof Rama was isolated and ignored.
I happened to meet Prof Rama recently in Penang during my biz trips in a public function. I was shocked by lack of respect accorded to him by the people of Penang and DAP members. Looking at him, I wondered how long he could take such insults.
While LGE is talking about CAT, he is not practicing CAT at all. Penang business community is talking about how businessmen with DAP connection is somehow getting contracts and special priority in their applications. Many of the members of key committes and bodies are now members of DAP and PKR.
So far PAS has been keeping very low profile but some govt servants told me that already the process of Islamisation has started by visits from Kelantan. Buses carrying Kelantan govt officials and religious preachers can be seen in Penang around the govt complexes.
While DAP and PKR are eyeing the economic cake, PAS has started preaching. LGE apparently has a cadre of PR advisors (former journos) to brush up his image and do spin-doctoring. While all these is going on, the Indians are completely neglected.
The unhappiness of HINDRAF is long known (at least for the last several weeks, you can check my earlier posts). That they waited for so long is a surprise, perhaps they have given up trying.
Anyway, I wonder if HINDRAF will resort to demo against the Penang govt for betraying them ?
BTW, the situation is worse in Perak and Kedah. Just wait for the news to come out sooner or later. I guess things have yet to reach that stage yet in Selangor but I guess it is a matter of time too..