Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email It was quiet on the media front today. Nothing much happened actually. Some people fasting and a failed handing over of memorandum. So, no water cannons or tear gases. No fiery speeches. No images of Uthaya being dragged around. No photos of Indians being bashed and pulled into police trucks. Quite an anti-climax, and probably some section of the media may have been disappointed. In a way, its good. If it means there’s lack of support, then its good for the present government. If its perceived as HINDRAF being disciplined and focused, then its good for the movement.
Last I checked, HINDRAF was still banned, so wonder why police didn’t arrest anyone. I think its to downplay the group’s agenda. If government doesn’t react, then it won’t play into HINDRAF’s hands. “Let them fast and hand over memorandums, after some time things will cool off” strategy? Knowing HINDRAF, it won’t be so easy to dismiss them. Even if the 5 leaders are split, one can see the support is mainly for Uthaya. MMSP is probably a decoy to rejuvenate MIC and kick some sense into them. Once MIC is back on its feet, MMSP will be discarded.
So, what happened today? Read MK’s report:
About two dozen Hindraf supporters gathered at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre shopping mall this morning to take part in a hunger strike to commemorate the second year anniversary of the movement’s mass gathering.
Led by Hindraf activist S Jayathas, the group arrived at the KLCC entrance at about 9.10am. Sixteen of them were wearing orange coloured Hindraf t-shirt. Most of them also have anti-ISA badges on them.
They plan to observe a hunger strike until 4pm to represent the movement’s 18-point demands to the government to alleviate the plight of the Indian community in this country.
“The 18-point demands are meant to alleviate the ethnic Indians Malaysians from hardcore poverty.“There is no guidance and opportunities for the Indians, so many turn to crime. The government knows about the problem but is not taking action,” said Jayathas.
One of those participating in the hunger strike T Samy, 32, said he joined the group to highlight the “sufferings” of the Indian community.
“The government should open their ears to the Indian plight. Treat us fairly,” said Samy, an engineer from Klang, Selangor.
The police – numbering about 24 – are monitoring the situation.
The KLCC management meanwhile had requested the group not to sit on the pavement as it would disrupt their business.
Memo to PM too
Although the group agreed to this request, the police had then asked the group to disperse following complaints from the property owners. The police also told the group that they were involved in an illegal gathering.Jayathas refused to stop the hunger strike and split his group into smaller groups of four to continue with the hunger strike.
At about 1pm, a group of eight children presented the hunger-strikers with garlands.The group then accompanied the children to Putrajaya to hand the same 18-point memorandum to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
Memo left at PM’s office
They arrived at the PM’s office at about 2.45pm but there was a brief stand-off between them and a representative from the premier’s department over where the memorandum will be handed over.
The group had wanted the premier’s representative to come out to meet them while the other party had invited five representatives from the group to go in to deliver the memorandum.
After waiting for about 45 minutes, the group then left their memorandum at the doorstep and dispersed. Those on the hunger-strike will break their fast at 4pm.
Till next year’s anniversary then. 🙂
Poobalan…you might recall what I had been saying from 2008 that Hindraf is doomed and die a natural death. I also recall you disagreeing with me.
Pls allow me to make more prediction. I am fairly certain that they will disappear into oblivion and people like Uthaya and Wahthaya turning into nothing more than noisy NGOs.
I also don’t believe RS Thanendran getting stronger either as he doesnt have the support base or credibility. Eventually he has to work with MIC to survive.
As for MIC, the faster they get rid off Uncle Sam, the better it is.I am truly convinced that Dr Subra and others like Devamany, Mohan and Kamalanathan have much to contribute. Unlike the older batch, these leaders are truly dynamic and people-centric. If you notice, the Youth and Putera wings are much more assertive to the extent of going against the authorities if they see injustice.
As for the Pakatan ettapans, their true colours have been exposed, as I also had predicted. The great hero Manika has turned into a pussy cat. Ramasamy the Samyvellu-wanna, is not even respected in his own state. Others like Gopala and Rasiah have political equivalent of Kollywood comedians.