Kedah Adun Arumugam to resign?

/* February 9th, 2009 by poobalan | View blog reactions 4 comments »
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This just came in via Malaysiakini:

PKR sources have informed Malaysiakini that the party’s elected representative in Kedah V Arumugam has submitted his resignation, necessitating a by-election soon for the Bukit Selambau state seat.

It is leant that Arumugam had decided to throw in the towel following tremendous pressure on him and his family to defect to Barisan Nasional.

Arumugam,54, could not be contacted for confirmation but high level party sources said that the party would make the news official tomorrow.

It is learnt that Arumugam has submitted his resignation letter to the Kedah assembly speaker today and had gone overseas.

Arumugam’s resignation, if it is confirmed tomorrow by state officials, brings an end to weeks of speculation that he would be tempted or forced to join the BN.

Police report lodged

Early this month, Arumugan had lodged a police report claiming, among others, that there was an attempt to kidnap him.

He also claimed that he and his officers have received numerous threats.

“All of this is being done in order to force me to leave PKR and move to Barisan Nasional,” he had said after lodging the police report.

He had said that apart from the threats, he was also approached with lucrative offers in order to coax him into leaving PKR.

Last week, talks of Arumugam leaving PKR heated up again, especially when he could not be contacted by anyone. His party colleagues then revealed that he was on leave.

Kedah – which was an Umno stronghold fell – into the hands of Pakatan Rakyat following the March 8 general election.

Arumugam was an independent candidate who joined the PKR after the general election. He was also a state executive councillor under the PAS-led Kedah government.

This serves to reinforce the notion that 3 defectors in Pakatan may have been bought over. More problem for BN. Again, another by-election with BN losing will reflect the lack of support in the bigger picture – takeover of Perak.

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Anwar blames Karpal outburst on media

/* February 9th, 2009 by poobalan | View blog reactions 1 comment »
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The astonishing attack by Karpal Singh on practically everyone from Anwar to those who dared to make police reports on his potential suit against the Sultan of Perak had everyone off their seats. Things are really heating up now. However, Anwar tries to placate things by blaming it on “misunderstanding caused by the twisting of facts by the Umno controlled media”. He also denied that a legal suit will be made against the Sultan:

PKR supremo Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claimed tonight that DAP chairman Karpal Singh’s outburst demanding that the Opposition leader step down as Pakatan Rakyat leader was a “misunderstanding caused by the twisting of facts by the Umno controlled media. “The ‘twisting of facts’ had caused Karpal to blame me for the loss of Perak,” he told reporters after addressing a crowd of Pakatan supporters at the official residence of deposed Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Nizar Jamaluddin.

Besides Nizar and several PR leaders, also present were deputy DAP chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw and Pas president Datuk Hadi Awang.

In the press conference at his Penang law firm, Karpal criticised Anwar, his DAP boss Lim Kit Siang and even Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for what he deemed as their “inconsistent stand” on party hopping. In a Press conference at his Penang law firm, Karpal claimed that their stance had caused the whole Pakatan Rakyat to be in disarray. Karpal also accused Anwar of being unfit to lead Pakatan Rakyat and demanded that the PKR supremo step down.

Anwar claimed there was no bad blood between him and Karpal, and that he would be more than happy to meet Karpal to explain the situation. “The three parties in Pakatan Rakyat have no problems working together,” he claimed.

Anwar also played down Karpal’s planned law suit against the Sultan of Perak for allowing Barisan Nasional to form a new Perak Government.

The lawsuit, he said, would no longer be filed. Instead, a panel of lawyers from Pakatan Rakyat would be established to look into any legal remedies to the situation, he told the crowd.

Anwar said this decision was made during a meeting with DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang and Hadi earlier today. He also said that he, Lim and Hadi would seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak as soon as possible.

Malaysiakini reported Anwar as saying it was “personal view” of Karpal:

DAP chairperson Karpal Singh’s call for Anwar Ibrahim to step down as the Pakatan Rakyat leader was his personal view and did not reflect the official stand of DAP, said the PKR leader today.

Anwar said that Karpal was disappointed with him for not agreeing with the senior lawyer in filing a suit against the Sultan of Perak over the sacking of the Pakatan government in the state.

“Our opinions differ on the suit against the sultan. What he said was his personal opinion,” Anwar told reporters after attending a Pakatan rally in Ipoh.

He also dismissed Karpal’s allegations that he had caused disarray in Pakatan with his calls for BN elected representatives to defect to Pakatan.

Anwar said he had discussed Karpal’s outburst with DAP leader Lim Kit Siang and will be talking to Karpal too. He also said that a Pakatan meeting today did not discuss the matter.

It won’t be complete without talking about Karpal Singh’s statements. Let’s look at NST‘s, The Star‘s and Malaysiakini‘s reports (in order):

In an amazing outburst, DAP national chairman Karpal Singh criticised today PKR chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, his DAP boss Lim Kit Siang and even Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for what he deemed as their “inconsistent stand” on party hopping. In a Press conference at his Penang law firm, Karpal claimed that their stance had caused the whole Pakatan Rakyat to be in disarray. Karpal also accused Anwar of being unfit to lead Pakatan Rakyat and demanded that the PKR supremo step down.

Karpal expressed his disappointment with the stand taken by Anwar and DAP leaders on party hopping, claiming that their inconsistency had caused the whole alliance in Pakatan Rakyat to be in disarray.

The MP for Bukit Gelugor called on the DAP to seriously reconsider its membership in Pakatan Rakyat to show the party does not condone dishonesty of any kind, in particular treachery to the people through crossovers.

Calling on Anwar to repent, Karpal said the former deputy prime minister had created enough trouble for the country.

“I wonder if he is fit to be the leader of Pakatan Rakyat. In fact I think Pakatan Rakyat requires another leader, a good leader. Not someone who believes in immorality, even accepting crossovers,” he said at a press conference in his law firm here today.

Karpal expressed regret that some Pakatan Rakyat members and even the DAP had fallen into the temptation of supporting crossovers.

“Some of them have not even said a word all this while and I regret that I did not get support from even my own party leaders (on the crossover issue). Kit Siang and Guan Eng should support me instead of making statements supporting Anwar Ibrahim. I am the chairman of DAP and let me make it clear to the party leaders that I have the support of the rank and file,” he said.

Karpal then went on to issue a warning to his party leaders not to push him to far. “I have been patient all this while. Don’t let matters come to a head in the interest of Pakatan Rakyat and also DAP. In fact, I have even proposed that DAP leave Pakatan Rakyat on the issue of hudud law but no one supported me. Neither Kit Siang or Guan Eng. It is a shame and they should also bertaubat (repent).”

Asked if he would call for an emergency party meeting to discuss DAP future in the alliance, Karpal said he was already contemplating doing so. “I have been silent for too long. I cannot fight the cause of the DAP alone although I have been trying. What I am saying and am defending is nothing but the truth.”

ON CRITICISMS THAT HE COMMITTED TREASON
Karpal slammed those who had accused him of committing treason for taking on Sultan of Perak.

“Those who have lodged reports against me are obviously ignorant of the law. I would like to make it clear to everyone that they better not play with me. I have taken enough. If you want trouble then you have come to the right place,” he said. “I will not be cowed by anyone on the issue.”

Karpal reiterated that he had done nothing unlawful or illegal in relation to the Sultan of Perak.

“I am just stating that the Sultan is also subject to the due process of the law and he can be sued in his official capacity for dismissing the Pakatan Rakyat state government.

Karpal repeated his view that the Sultan has acted ultra vires to the provisions of Article 16(6) of the constitution of Perak.

The Star:

Cracks appeared again in the Pakatan Rakyat with DAP chairman Karpal Singh calling on Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to step down as head of the alliance.

Blaming Anwar, also PKR advisor and de facto leader, for creating trouble in the opposition alliance, he said Pakatan needed a new leader.

“He (Anwar) has created enough trouble and it is time for him to bertaubat (repent).

“It’s time Pakatan got itself another leader,” he told a press conference at his office here Sunday.

Karpal Singh said members of PKR and DAP had fallen sway to the rhetoric of Anwar, who had supported the cross-over of elected representatives.

… PKR last year had proposed restoring some of the legal immunities to the royal families.

Malaysiakini:

In an outburst that could have deep implications for the Pakatan Rakyat alliance, DAP chairperson Karpal Singh today openly urged Anwar Ibrahim to step down as the leader of the alliance.

He blamed Anwar for the disarray in Pakatan which was caused by the PKR leader’s continuous rhetoric of forming government with the aid of defectors from Barisan Nasional.

Karpal also had harsh words for his colleagues in DAP, especially party veteran Lim Kit Siang and party secretary general Lim Guan Eng – for their inconsistent stand on party hopping.

But the brunt of his anger was on Anwar, whom the veteran politician said had caused trouble in the opposition alliance.

Karpal did not mince his words when he said that Pakatan needed a new leader.

“He has created enough trouble and it is time for him to bertaubat (repent).

“It’s time Pakatan got itself another leader,” he said in an amazing attack which will surely be picked up by BN leaders to portray the Pakatan alliance as a loose one waiting to collapse.

Karpal’s biggest complain was Anwar’ support for defections of elected representatives.

Talking to reporters in his office in Penang today, Karpal said that party-hopping can never be justified.

“I am somewhat confounded how Anwar could have openly espoused and encouraged crossovers after the people gave a resounding mandate to the Pakatan on March 8 last year,” he said.

“In the public interest, and in particular in the interest of the Pakatan, Anwar has a lot to answer for creating the woes of the Pakatan now,” he added.

Karpal also blamed the BN for practising the game of defections – giving examples of how the ruling coalition had pinched DAP leaders in 1979 and 1982, a period when Anwar was still with Umno and BN.

“I only hope Anwar did not learn of the morality, or rather immorality, of political kangaroos hopping form the opposition to the BN during the time he was in the BN.

“Be that as it may, the intelligence of the rakyat should not be underestimated by politicians from either side of the divide.

“The trust of the people cannot and should not be taken for granted by elected representative,” said the Bukit Gelugor member of parliament.

He added that the mandate to form a government must come from the people and not from crossovers.

He said that it was most unfortunate that there have been crossovers in Perak, resulting in the turmoil in that state now.

He added that the solution for the crisis in Perak lied squarely in the hands of the judiciary, given that the Perak sultan has appointed a new BN menteri besar and is poised to appoint a new exco on Tuesday.

“The predicament faced by the rakyat in Perak is the consequence of political treachery and large scale deception and commission of fraud on the voters by the assemblypersons who have deserted the party, the strength of which placed them in the state assembly,” he added.

Karpal also expressed his disappointment with a number of PKR and DAP leaders who supported the idea of party hopping.

He said DAP leaders should give their support to him as the party’s national chairperson, and not to Anwar.

“I regret that I am not able to get support even from my party leaders. Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng should support me, not give statements supporting Anwar Ibrahim.

“I request support….I am the chairman of DAP. And I warn my party leaders not to push me too far. I have been patient all this while, don’t make matters come to a head in the interest of Pakatan and DAP,” he warned.

He also said Pakatan should ensure that it remained strong and received the full support of the people in the next general election to take over the government from BN.

“Dont’ take for granted the trust given by the people. The mandate to form a government should come from the people,” he added.

… It is uncertain how other senior DAP leaders would react to Karpal’s statement today.

Guan Eng was reported in the papers today as saying that Pakatan will speak as one on matters relating to Perak.

Karpal has for some weeks now been highly critical of the other Pakatan allies. Last month he warned that DAP would leave the alliance if PAS continued with its Islamic state and hudud law policies.

I think Karpal, as chairman of DAP, has been sidelined or out-voiced in many of DAP’s decisions with relation to Pakatan. He feels the fellow leaders in DAP are not supporting him in promoting DAP’s principles, while those leaders may feel that they should being a bit accommodating  with fellow Pakatan partners.

Meanwhile, the Bar Council supports Karpal’s move to file a suit.

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Protest against Hee increases

/* February 9th, 2009 by poobalan | View blog reactions No comments »
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The Jelapang residents (most likely DAP supporters) are upping the tempo. From 200 people earlier, it has increased to 720 within hours in terms of signatures. There’s signature campaign going on, and  I think if the organisers go to the ground, they’ll get thousands of signatures. She won with majority of 6.7k, so if there’s 20k over signatures submitted to her and the Sultan, this will look bad on both of them. How can the Sultan consider the words of a person not accepted by her own constituency? Unless its for the “greater good” and the wishes of a constituency is to be sacrificed for that purpose.

Hundreds of people have turned up at the Jelapang market here Sunday to sign a petition demanding their assemblyman Hee Yit Foong quit her seat.

Within 90 minutes of the campaign starting at 9.30am Sunday, about 720 signatures were collected.

Perak DAP organising secretary Thomas Su Keong Siong said the petition would be handed over to the DAP-turned-independent assemblyman after this.

“If she does not want to accept the petition then we will hand it over to her parents at their home in Kanthan, Chemor,” he said.

Earlier when addressing the crowd, Su said the campaign was to force Hee to resign to pave way for a by-election.

“She has said that not everyone was against her, only those with ‘interests.’ If that is so, come back and face the people,” he added.

Sabri Abdul Rahman, 52, said he felt cheated by Hee, whom he had given his trust and vote to.

“We had voted for her and this is how she repays the people,” he said.

“I want her to quit. I want the Pakatan Rakyat state government back,” he added.

Hitting out at Hee, M. Vigneswary, 26, said, “We do not accept Barisan Nasional as the government; our Mentri Besar is Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.”

Also present amongst the crowd were some who claimed to be childhood friends of Hee from her hometown in Kanthan.

One of them, Wong Fook, 56, said they had treated Hee like a sister and even sacrificed their own time and money to campaign for her during the 2004 general election.

“She has no loyalty. She has betrayed everyone by bringing down a whole government … and a good one for that matter,” he said.

Hee, previously from DAP, announced she was quitting the party earlier this week. She said she would remain an independent assemblyman, but pledged her loyalty to Barisan.

The weak link is Hee. If she resigns, big problem for BN.  The other two fellows will not resign and their corruption case charges will take a long time. A by-election must be called if Hee resigns and if BN losses, it wil reflect that the Sultan has erred or probably been deceived.

However, there’s rumours that Hee may be offered an EXCO position or asked to maintain the deputy speaker post. If UMNO doesn’t allow it, then it will serve to reinforce that they don’t respect nor acknowledge the non-Malays. This will give more pressure to Hee – abhored by own voters and neglected by new state government.

She may join MCA, but according to MCA they won’t “force” her to do so.

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Book on plight of Tamil schools launched

/* February 9th, 2009 by poobalan | View blog reactions No comments »
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There were emails flying around on the book written by M.Varatharajoo. He launched the book recently. I wonder if the contents are not so true, as some quarters claim that Tamil schools are doing well and are well taken care off. Perhaps those quarters can sue the author?

ALL PRIMARY school pupils should learn their mother tongue first before they move on to their secondary school education, Kota Raja MP Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said.

“Learning your mother tongue is a basic right of every citizen.

“Most Indians and Chinese in Malaysia have always emphasised the importance of learning one’s mother tongue hence the mushrooming of many vernacular schools throughout the country,” Siti Mariah said after launching a book by Tamil writer M. Varatharajoo at the MBSA Hall in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, recently.

For the community: Varatharajoo with his book.

Varatharajoo’s book entitled Vanjikappadum Malaysia Tamil Kalvi Poraadum Makkal is based on the problems faced by the Tamil primary schools in the country.

Siti Mariah said the book showed the frustration of the author on the condition of Tamil schools in the country and the people who had abused their power forsaking the well-being of the children and the Indian community.

“The author spent five years doing research on Tamil schools throughout Negri Sembilan, Johor and Perak.

“I hope someone would sponsor this book to be published in Malay, Chinese and English languages so it can reach out to all,” Siti Mariah said.

Sri Muda assemblyman Shuhaimi Shafiei, who was present at the launch, said the Indian community had been suffering in silence for years with regard to Tamil schools.

Thanks for your support: Varatharajoo (centre) giving a copy of his book to Shuhaimi (right) while Siti looks on.

In the book, Varatharajoo talks about the first Tamil school which was the Methodist Tamil School in Penang in 1903.

He points out that there were 999 Tamil schools in 1957 and the number has now dwindled to 523 with 150 of these schools having fewer than 50 pupils.

“There are also alleged cases of headmasters taking money allocated for poor pupils.

“At the end of last year, there were 105,618 pupils in 523 Tamil schools in the country, with most of them studying in buildings that are in deplorable condition,’’ Varatharajoo, who is an author of five books, said.

He said Tamil schools were faced with various problems such as termite infestation, lack of funds for chairs and tables and some even not having enough classrooms.

The 304-page-book is priced at RM25 a copy.

Those who want to get a copy can write to PO Box No 7424, 40670 Shah Alam, Selangor, or email at varatharajoo@gmail.com

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Thaipusam news around the country

/* February 9th, 2009 by poobalan | View blog reactions No comments »
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Going through the papers, I realised that Samy Vellu was in Batu Caves. Not sure what time he gave his speech (more on that later), but it did happen while I was there:

“I welcome all concerned Indians, including former MIC members and those from other political parties, to join the MIC as this is the only party that can effectively represent the interests of Indians,” he told reporters at the Thaipusam festival celebrations at Batu Caves today.

But watching the news was a bit disconcerting. I find it hard to accept that Malaysian newscasters can’t pronounce words like kavadi, paal kudam, Murugan etc. properly. I mean, we are not talking about some foreign stuff, but Malaysian event which have been in existence for more than a century!

By the way, recently reinstated MIC member, KP Samy asked the Batu Caves temple management to retract its police report on the HINDRAF rally attendees who camped in the compounds in the famous 2007 rally.

A MIC leader today urged the Batu Caves Hindu temple committee to withdraw police reports lodged against thousands of Hindraf supporters who had gathered at the temple on Nov 24, 2007.

MCPX

The crowd, which had gathered at the temple to take part in a massive rally the next day, was forcibly moved out of the temple compound by the police using teargas and water cannons in the early hours of Nov 25, 2007.

About 70 of them were subsequently charged in court for illegal assembly and destroying public property (the temple gates). The cases against them are ongoing.

Grassroots leader and Shahbandar Shah Alam MIC branch head KP Samy said that in the aftermath of the standoff at the temple, the temple committee had lodged police reports against the Hindraf supporters.

“Perhaps the temple committee as a goodwill gesture will withdraw the police reports in conjunction with the Thaipusam festival tomorrow,” Samy told Malaysiakini.

He said that the temple committee must remember that its actions in “shutting out” these people had resulted in a massive boycott of the Thaipusam celebrations in Batu Caves by the Indian community last year.

The former MIC central working committee member, who is known for his open support for the Hindraf cause, added the removal of the police reports by the complainants would make it easier for lawyers of those charged in court to make a representation to the Attorney General to drop charges.

“It has been more than a year now. Some of the people who have been charged are factory workers and students. Some are also from outstation.

“The trial has been a burden on them. It’s time the temple did something to close this chapter. Just withdraw the police reports,” he said.

Ok, enough of that, let’s see what the papers say.

NST report 1:

Thousands of Lord Murugan devotees thronged Batu Caves yesterday, the eve of Thaipusam, to climb 272 steps leading to the cave temple in an act of penance.

While the bigger kavadis were not seen before noon, a number of devotees comprising mostly women and children, started their climb early in the day at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple.

Many were carrying paal kudam (milk pot), including 30-year-old Jana, who brought along her son, Tejesh, 4.

Clad in a yellow salwar kameez (Indian pants suit), Jana said she was fulfilling a vow she made “many years ago”.

As for her son, she wanted him to develop an understanding of religion and penance at a young age.

Another devotee, R. Prabaharan, 38, took his 5-month-old daughter, Yashirie, to the temple and got her head shaved.

“She had to undergo surgery when she was only two months old, so I made a vow for her speedy recovery. She is a healthy baby now.”

To the foreign tourists, the sight of the enormous golden Lord Murugan statue against the backdrop of the limestone hills was a sight to behold.

“We are passing through Kuala Lumpur and my sister, who has been here before, told us to visit Batu Caves during Thaipusam,” said Australian Kimberly Attard, who is here with her partner, Brad Taylor, both 19.

“We’re glad we came. It’s amazing.”

The tourists were enchanted by the sight of devotees carrying kavadis with hooks pierced to their skin, while moving in a trance to chants.

The temporary food stalls erected within the temple grounds were crowded with visitors buying sweets and savoury palagaram ( snacks).

However, it was sluggish sales at stalls selling clothes. [probably the economy plays a role as well]

T. Maheswaran, who runs a stall in Klang selling Indian accessories on weekends, hoped more people would visit at night.

“So far, it has been pretty quiet,” he said.

A. Sivanantham, who operates the 40-year-old Amutha Restaurant in the temple grounds, was busy at the cash counter.

His cooks had prepared vegetarian food for about 4,000 devotees yesterday, and he was expecting to serve some 6,000 today.

NST Report  2:

Devotees lined the streets to break coconuts in conjunction with Thaipusam yesterday.

A colourful chariot procession marked the start of the festival at 6am.

It started in Lebuh Penang and proceeded via Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Victoria, Jalan C.Y. Choy, Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, Jalan Magazine, Jalan Datuk Keramat and Jalan Utama to the main temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga.

The silver chariot was made in 1894 by craftsmen from Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu, South India.

Thaipusam is a Hindu festival associated with penance and atonement and a day to repent by fulfilling vows.

More than 100 beautifully decorated thaneer panthal (makeshift refreshment stalls) were set up along the route, providing free vegetarian food and drinks to devotees.

More than 800,000 people, including tourists, are expected to take part in the three-day celebration.

NST Report 3:

More than 800,000 Hindu devotees braved the blazing sun to fulfil their vows on the second day of Thaipusam today.[something wrong with this report as its the FIRST day, not second!. And I’m not sure if 800k count is accurate]

It was a sight to behold as devotees carrying kavadi walked three kilometres along Jalan Air Terjun to the hilltop temple near the Botanical Gardens.

Overseas tourists were enthralled by the act of penance – the devotees moving in a trance with their kavadi with hooks piercing their skin.

John Pearce from the United Kingdom said it was an eye-opening experience.

“I love the sights and sounds of Thaipusam … the people are very warm, and explained the significance of the festival to my family and me. The electrifying mood has made my first trip to Penang a memorable one,” he said.

Japanese tourist Hidaki Tomoko praised the faith of the Hindu devotees fulfilling their vows. “I am impressed by their sheer determination to perform the ritual,” he said.

Thaipusam is a Hindu festival associated with penance and atonement, and a day to fulfil vows. The three-day celebration kicked off on Saturday. [what does it mean by 3-day celebration? Pusam star took its turn on Sunday 6.25am]

The 113-year-old grand silver chariot bearing the image of Lord Muruga left the Kovil Veddu in Jalan Penang at 6.30am.

Along the way, tens of thousands of devotees stretched out their hands, and trays filled with flowers, fruit, incense, burning camphor and perfumed joss sticks, to welcome Lord Muruga as the chariot made several stops along the 18km route to the Nattukottai Chettiar Thandayuthapani Kovil in Jalan Air Terjun.

The chariot, made in 1894 by craftsmen from Karaikudi in Chennai, South India, was used for the first time here for Thaipusam 1895.

Throughout its route, devotees broke coconuts, and more than 100 beautifully-decorated thaneer panthal, makeshift refreshment stalls, were set up providing free food and drinks to devotees.

IN PORT KLANG, V. Shankar Ganesh reports that 30,000 people celebrated Thaipusam at the Sri Balasubramaniar Swamy temple and the Sri Subramaniar temple in Kuala Selangor, a far cry from the 100,000 who thronged the two temples last year in a boycott of the celebration at Batu Caves called to protest the marginalisation of the Indian community.[have to wait for more reports from the two temples to estimate final numbers]

About 400 people carried Paal Kudam (milk pots) at the Port Klang temple, and about 20 kavadi. There were about 20 stalls and thaneer panthal, where free food and drink were available for the devotees. Makkal Sakthi also carried out a registration exercise for those without birth certificates and identity cards. This is the second year the temple is celebrating Thaipusam.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim visited the Sri Subramaniar temple in Kuala Selangor. He promised three temples in the state RM50,000 each to help them organise festivals.

The money is from the RM6 million annual allocation for non-Muslim places of worship in the state.

The Sri Balasubramaniar Swamy temple, the Sri Subramaniar temple and a third temple in Hulu Selangor will receive it.

Khalid promised to look into a request from the Kuala Selangor temple committee to place its Thaipusam celebration in the Selangor tourism diary.

State executive councillor Ronnie Liu visited the Port Klang temple and said the State would help organise the festival and make it grander next year.

The Star report 1:

Tens of thousands of devotees who had been gathering here since Saturday braved a scorching sun to pay their respects to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan and to received his blessings on Thaipusam.

The holy day has been a three-day festival for many because it fell on a weekend this year.

More than 1.2 million devotees, well-wishers and tourists are expected to visit Batu Caves and the Murugan temple here this year.

Large crowds accompanied thousands of devotees carrying colourful kavadi (ornate frames), pal kodam (milk pots) and pulling chariots as acts of penance and to give thanks to Lord Murugan.

Those running souvenir stalls and cafes are doing a brisk business, as are barbers since many devotees shave their heads.

Non-governmental organisations are also running blood and organ donation drives.

Many devotees had been making their way to Batu Caves since last weekend.

The Star report 2:

BATU CAVES: Tens of thousands of Hindu devotees carrying kavadi and milk pots are making their way to Lord Murugan’s temple in Batu Caves to celebrate Thaipusam this morning.

Over a million devotees from all over the country are expected to gather here, with thousands carrying colourful kavadi (ornate frames), pal kodam (milk pot) and pulling chariots as acts of penance and to give thanks to Lord Murugan.

S. Geetha Devi, 38, who is a volunteer with a movement to promote spiritual healing and meditation, said the devotees would carry milk pots and kavadi up the 272 steps to the heart of the cave, where the shrine of the main deity, Lord Murugan, is located.

“There are many ways to thank Lord Murugan such as shaving the head bald and by carrying milk pots or kavadi. The act of penance depends on the type of vow a person has made,” she said.

She added that those who carried milk pots or kavadi will undergo a cleansing ceremony at the riverside near the base of the temple.

She also said that devotees prepare for Thaipusam by observing certain rituals including being vegetarian, or fasting for weeks and in some cases even months before the festival.

Devotees have been making their way to Batu Caves since last weekend and many are expected to visit the temple after today to avoid the crowd.

Universiti Malaya undergraduate P. Vishalleey, 22, who was visiting Batu Caves for the first time, said the crowd here was smaller than the one in Penang.

“It was not very crowded today (Saturday), and this could be due to the SMSes and calls to boycott Batu Caves last year,” she said.

Ivan Zuzartee, 49, who is a Christian, said he had come with his family to witness the colourful occasion. His son Anton, seven, was thrilled that he got to climb the steps at Batu Caves.

There is also a 3D exhibit of Hindu Gods and Goddesses including works depicting the Ramayana housed in a cave. The exhibit (ticket price RM5) was recently reopened after undergoing restoration works.

“Besides being a tourist attraction, the exhibit is also educational as many Hindus do not know the story of the Ramayana,” said the exhibition’s events manager M. Vikram.

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