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Two years down the lane, what’s the situation now? Are there any improvements in your life? I guess there would be some changes in your life, but how about improvement? Do you think the political scenario changed for the better? Do you think that the government is more responsive to the people’s need now? Do you feel you have more chances/opportunities now? Are you being given the cold shoulder or being discriminated due to the rally?
How did the rally change the stakeholders – the Indian community (from the lowest rung to the elite), the political parties (MIC especially), the government, the local leaders, the other communities? After two years, is the effect still being felt or its just like a dream (or nightmare, for some)?
Who is still benefiting after two years? The opposition? The HINDRAF 5? Waytha who is overseas? MIC?
So many questions, is anyone doing research on the impact after two years?
As for celebrations to commemorate the anniversary, Hindraf (more likely the pro-tem HRP) is organising the following events (received via email):
Event No 1 –
A gathering of 18 HINDRAF supporters in front of KLCC between 9.00am- 4.00pm (the time of the rally) to observe a hunger strike representing the 18 point demands that was submitted to the UMNO led government in uplifting the Malaysian Indian community that has been systematically marginalized and discriminated by the government for the last 52 years.
Event No 2 –
HINDRAF chairman’s daughter, W. Vaishnavi will be attending the Prime Minister’s Department in Putra Jaya to hand over a letter from HINDRAF Chairman detailing the current and immediate problems of the Malaysian Indians in regards to the discrimination that they face in socio development backwardness of the Malaysian Indian society within the sphere of Malaysian community in regards to education, economics, business, police abuses, freedom of religious practice and other continued suppression on Article 5, 8, 10 & 13 of the constitution against the public more particularly against the Malaysian Indians.
Event No 3 :
Nationwide prayers at more than 100 locations to light 18 ghee lamps to signify the 18 Point Demands submitted by Hindraf to the then Prime Minister that is yet to be fulfilled. A complete list of temples holding such prayers would be available for viewing on our website on the 25th November 2009.
A separate mega Ruthra yagam/fire ritual would be held on 29th November 2009 at Agora Veerabathrar Sanggili Karuppar Temple 17 ½ Mile Kg.Benggali Rawang Selangor.
Another group led by two of the HINDRAF five (Vasantha Kumar and Ganabatirao) is holding celebrations in Dewan Hamzah, Klang.
Apart from a road map to improve the situation of the Indian community, resolutions will be tabled to restructure Hindraf’s leadership, at a belated dinner to celebrate Deepavali which fell on Oct 17.
“Important announcements will be made by Hindraf leaders that will have a big political impact on Indian Malaysians,” Vasanthakumar said when contacted today.
A 10-member adhoc committee led by Ganabatirao’s brother, V Raidu, is organising the dinner, to be held on Nov 25 at the Dewan Hamzah, Klang. Some 3,000 guests are expected.
Vasanthakumar said a “VVIP politician” has been invited to address the guests and is expected to “to endorse the demands of Indians”.
He declined to reveal the individual’s identity although it is widely rumoured to be PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim.
It has also been speculated that Vasanthakumar will be announcing his decision to join PKR on that day.
However when asked today, he declined to comment, adding that his restrictions to join politicals parties as imposed during his release from the ISA will only expire on Dec 13.
Meanwhile Ganabatirao expressed hope that the other three Hindraf activists – P Uthayakumar, R Kenghadaran and M Manoharan – will attend the event which is being dubbed as the “reincarnation of Hindraf”.
“My appeal is that all five of us can set aside our differences and stand united for the betterment of Indian Malaysians,” he said.
He was referring to differences of opinion that have split the group since their release from detention under the Internal Security Act in May.
Ganabatirao also disclosed that a move is underway to get Hindraf registered.
“We will appeal to the government to get Hindraf registered since the prime minister (Najib Abdul Razak) has mesmerised Malaysians with his 1Malaysia concept.
“It is time for the government to prove its genuineness in seeking a real 1Malaysia by accepting our effort to register Hindraf.”
