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Deepavali Wishes!

October 27th, 2008
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As we wait to start the day (its 2.26am now) with renewed vigor and joy, let us not forget those who celebrate Deepavali amidst much suffering and shortcomings.

To all Malaysian Hindus, Happy Deepavali. Deepavali Valthukal!

In times of economic uncertainties and sign of social solidarity, let us celebrate Deepavali in its true sense. Moderate expenses and quiet appreciation of God’s blessings, hopefully will be your choice.

Let us pray for those who suffer for us, and for those who stand for us. Let us unite with one voice, one action.

Oh ya, SAY NO TO ALCOHOL. Make this Deepavali alcohol free.

PS: The 10 concerned Indians arrested while accompanying a 6-year old kid to invite Prime Minister to Deepavali open house were release on Deepavali eve at 1.30pm.

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Posted in BornInMalaysia, Indian, Personal, Religion

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confused police?

October 25th, 2008
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I’m sure the story of SUARAM activist being arrested under Section 28 of the ISA last week is well known by now. She was said to comment on the police website that “the police have abused their power” in their handling of the Kampung Plentong fracas.

SUHAKAM’s commissioner, Khalid Ibrahim said: “But I do not see anything seditious in it because she just said that they were abusing their power. She did not (add) any religious or racial sentiments, as far as I understand.”

The activist, Cheng, also revealed that she has been told to appear at ‘the Magistrate’s Court’ on Nov 1 (which falls on a Saturday), without the location being specified.

“Besides, Magistrate’s Courts do no not operate on Saturdays. So far, I have not received any warrant from them. This clearly shows that they have acted in bad faith over this,” she said.

A programmer, she was arrested on Oct 17 and released after 19 hours. She was detained under Section 28 of the ISA which covers dissemination of false information.

However, the clause does not empower the police to detain a suspect without trial. The person must be produced in court within 24 hours to be charged or remanded for further investigation.

– wrong section/act?
– no location for court?
– date set on non-working day?

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religious structures in Selangor limited to 10000 square feet

October 25th, 2008
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I’m wondering if NST wrote this wrongly. It says that Dr Xavier said the state government had approved a policy whereby religious structures of any religion other than Islam must not exceed 10,000 sq ft in size .

This seems to be a ridiculous rule indeed. Why would there be a limit? Logically, the community that wants to build a place of worship will know its own financial strength and the viability of such places. Secondly, religious buildings/structures can double up as tourist attractions. So, limiting the size is inappropriate.

Secondly, those owners of illegally built places of worship will be fined continuously until government recognition is received. This is also illogical. If the owners are in the dark about existence of such places on their lands, or if such places are in process of getting recognition, the fines should be waived.

The Selangor government in July instructed all local authorities in the state to fine owners of houses of worship built illegally, said State Health, Plantation Workers, Poverty and Caring Government Committee chairman, Dr Xavier Jayakumar.
The fines needed to be settled continuously until the owners received government recognition for the houses of worship, he said when answering a question from Sulaiman Abdul Razak (BN-Permatang) in the State Assembly here today.

By the way, I’m still waiting for Jayakumar et. al.’s reply to my email on temple demolition report.

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Syed Hamid threatens other NGOs who support HINDRAF activities

October 25th, 2008
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Well, looks like the dragnet is expanding. Now, all NGO’s who are “involved” in HINDRAF activities would face the law as well. That means Police Watch Malaysia I guess – the precursor to HINDRAF. If I’m not mistaken, HINDRAF itself is a coalition of 20 over NGOs. That means all those NGOs have to be banned as well. How about those who support HINDRAF’s purpose/activities – like Gerakan, MIC members, MHS, PAS, PKR, DAP, Bar Council, Suharam, GCC, HSS, etc.? Semua kena tangkap ka?

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar today warned that any non-governmental organisation found to be involved in Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) activities would face the law.

He said this was because Hindraf was declared illegal by the government on Oct 15 for its militant activities, and that its actions contravened Section 5 (1) of the Societies Act 1996 and were a threat to public order, peace, civility and moral values.

“It doesn’t matter what name they use, action will be taken…it’s not an action against Indians or Hindus. This is action against groups that associate themselves with militancy and have extremist views,” he told reporters at the ministry’s Aidilfitri open house, here.

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MIC Youth helps 3 poor families

October 25th, 2008
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Not bad, MIC Youth manages to upstage Pakatan governmenti in Penang by providing help to the families. Not sure where the current state government reps are. Busy with Deepavali preparation? Or solving flood problems?

Anyway, one can wonder what the state MIC had been doing all this while. Well, better late than never.

Barely a day after their plight was highlighted, help has poured in for three hardcore poor families living in dilapidated pre-war houses in Kampung Minyak, Jalan Datuk Keramat, here.

At noon yesterday, Penang MIC Youth members led by treasurer J. Dhinagaran, brought cheer to the families by donating food to them for the Deepavali celebrations.

They gave packets of rice, oil, vegetables and muruku to the delighted families.

Dhinagaran also presented them with a contribution of RM200 each. The state MIC Youth also agreed to adopt two of the three families.

A good Samaritan who wished to be known only as “Sim” also donated RM200 to each of the families.
K. Pynthamilselvi, 27, who was photographed in tears in the New Straits Times yesterday, was all smiles when she received the gifts.

“I am so grateful to the state MIC Youth members as well as the good Samaritan who came to my aid.

“Deepavali celebrations this year will be meaningful for me and my children,” said the mother of three young children, whose husband is in prison.

At present, the Sadhu Vaswani Group is providing food for the family.

“I really don’t know how to thank those who helped me.

“Only God can repay your kindness,” she added.

R. Ravichandran, 42, said he would always cherish the kind gesture of the state MIC Youth and Sim.

Ravichandran, a father of six and whose wife, S. Selvarani, 36, is mentally ill, said his family would be receiving monthly food aid from the state MIC Youth.

S. Kananghambal, 42, will also receive monthly food aid from state MIC Youth.

Dhinagaran said he was moved by the families’ plight and decided to lend a hand.

He said he hoped the state government would do all it could to assist the three families, especially to obtain low-cost housing.

Did you realise that the words “MIC Youth” appeared 6 times in the article? PR kaw kaw la!. Well done!

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