Posts Tagged ‘Hindraf’

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HINDRAF unhappy with Penang Government

June 19th, 2008
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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.

source

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Fathers Day at Istana Negara

June 14th, 2008
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Following is report from Malaysiakini on the HINDRAF-organised Father’s Day gathering at Istana Negara today. Earlier, it was reported that YB Manikavasagam and YB Sivarasa were among the 6 people arrested at the gathering.

Interestingly, Ronnie Liu ACCEPTED the bear on behalf (of the KING?). I’m not sure who he is representing, definitely not the King.

I think Hindraf have to look beyond flowers, teddy bears and other gifts, as it may be shunned if seemed to be not effective. There should be some brainstorming session to ensure it gets continuous support from the Makkal. Makkal will forget the suffering and sacrifices of the Hindraf 5 if not constantly reminded, but there should be variety of ways to maintain the momentum. Perhaps some sort of branding and merchandising strategy – T-shirts, caps, car stickers, badges could be created. They can get support in the Pakatan states, so that’s a good starting point.

The intention of 48 children of ISA detainees to present Father’s Day gift of teddy bears to the Agong was dampened by the police and a no-show from palace representatives.

Chanting “Daulat Tuanku”, the children carrying teddy bear bouquets accompanied by about 30 adults were stopped from approaching the palace by police who formed a barricade 500 meters from the palace gates at around 10.40 this morning.

Policemen, already alert after an earlier arrest of three opposition parliamentarians, were quick to gather around the crowd. A senior police officer approached event leaders who were Hindraf leaders – RS Thananenthiran (national coordinator), S Jayathas (national information coordinator) and A Vathemurthy (Perak state coordinator) – requesting that the crowd to disperse immediately.

Thananenthiran then shouted that “We are Malaysian citizens who would like to present a gift to the father of all Malaysians.”

There were continuous pleas from the crowd which argued that as Malaysian citizens they should have the right to gather in front of the palace without a permit.  “Tourists are allowed to gather and present gifts, so why can’t we? This must be changed. We have all the right to rally peacefully,” said Vathemurthy.

The heat under the strong sun caused some of the children – from five to 15 years of age – to begin crying in discomfort.

Thananenthiran then asked the police to be compassionate with the children. The police officer fired back that although he loved children, they were being only being ‘utilised’ by Hindraf leaders. » Read more: Fathers Day at Istana Negara

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Sivarasa and Manikavasagam arrested

June 14th, 2008
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Both were at the HINDRAF-arranged gathering to present the Agong with flowers and teddy bears today at 10.30am. 15 children were selected to present the teddy bears. The gift were placed at the Istana Negara’s entrance.

According to HINDRAF, the purpose of the gathering was to ask the Agong, on Father’s Day tomorrow, to  release the fathers’ of these children. Hindraf National Event Coordinator, Kannan says:

the purpose of the gathering was to appeal to the King to advise Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar to release all the ISA detainees.

“These children do not have their fathers with them for Father’s Day (tomorrow) and that’s why they gave the King flowers as he too is a father,”

Obviously no one was around to receive the gift. Instead, the police instructed the crowd to disperse. Some were arrested, including the MPs above, and also MP for Ampang, Zuraida Kamaruddin.

According to MalaysiaKini, they were released on police bail around 1pm.  Hindraf Lawyer N Surendran was also arrested and released on bail.

According to the police:

Brickfields OCPD Asst Comm Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid said all of the people arrested were released on bail by 12.45pm.

He said the police arrived at about 10am and asked members of the public, including tourists, to vacate the area around Istana Negara’s main gate.

“Everybody left except for a group who refused to leave. We gave them three warnings to disperse. Deputy OCPD (Supt Azri Abd Rahman) spoke to them, and at 10.20am, I told gave them five minutes to disperse.  “At 10.25am, they still refused to leave so we arrested them. No force was used, and they did not resist arrest,” he said.

At 10.35am, ACP Wan Bari said a group of 70 people, including about 15 children, alighted buses parked some distance away and walked towards Istana Negara. “Each child was carrying a basket lined with yellow cloth containing flowers and a teddy bear. They left the baskets in front of the palace gate,” he said, adding that they left after being asked to.

ACP Wan Bari said he could not comment further on investigations as “counter-reports have been made” against him for ordering the arrest of the six, and his comments would prejudice investigations.

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Kapar temple status threatened by land owner

June 3rd, 2008
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Well, in this instance, the authorities are not directly involved. The questions being raised is the inaction by the police on various reports made by the temple caretaker for last two years. Its related to the dubious manner of the land ownership transfer. Unfortunately, the temple lost the court case years ago, thus no option but to relocate. The caretaker had put in an application to set aside the ruling, but the owner is not bothered to wait. Perhaps the court should put up a restraining or stop-work kind of order. Then we can see if the police follow the court decision or not.

Until then, the police won’t be protecting the temple since court ruled otherwise. I’m sure in this instance, the police will follow the rule of the law and protect the owner. The only option is to provide proof of embezzlement or criminal action by the new owner. But even then, a recent landmark case involving land transfer shows that the “sale” or “transfer” is valid (even though invalid methods are used) and the buyer’s rights are protected. The actual owner (whose land title was transferred without their knowlege) lost their case. So, again I think legal avenue will be failure as well.

Since the owner is private (individual), he won’t be so charitable to allocate a plot for the temple. He won’t be standing for any election is not worried position and power. Only thing is that, if indeed he cheated in order to own the land, Amman will ensure he and his future generation pays many folds. That’s natural law.

Next option is political intervention – perhaps PR government will create much hassle until the new owner can’t do any development in the land. Or just buy the land and convert it into park. temple, school land etc. This would be a big challenge for new Kapar MP Manikavasagam. I’m sure Komala is waiting happily to seize the opportunity and hentam him.

They way I see it, only political or divine intervention can save the temple. Perhaps the owner will have a dream soon! 🙂

Kapar seems to be in the papers due to land issues nowadays.

MP Manikavasagam have written on his website about the issue. Photos are available at his Picasa site.

Kannan (Hindraf Coordinator) provides an account of the happenings (via email): » Read more: Kapar temple status threatened by land owner

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PRIMA supports who?

May 29th, 2008
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Well, never heard of PRIMA before this, but it seems that they represent 115 organisations.  They are asking for quota in civil service, reverting to mothe tongue for science and maths, setting up of non-muslim affairs department, and to free Hindraf 5. Note that they also mentioned that “They no longer want political parties to handle the matter and said that it would speed things up if it is handled within departments” regarding to religious matters.

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been urged to set aside at least 35 per cent of its civil service sector for non-Malays. The call was from the Federation of Malaysian Indian Organisations (Prima), an umbrella body for 115 Indian-based organisations.Its president A. Raja Retnam urged the government to ensure fair distribution of jobs for all ranks in the civil service.  “We are not asking for much. If you go to Putrajaya, you can hardly see any Chinese or Indians working in the government departments,” he said yesterday.

Prima also called for Science and Mathematics to be taught in the pupils’ own mother tongue, either Mandarin or Tamil in Chinese and Tamil schools respectively next year. Raja Retnam said the move to teach Mathematics and Science in English was not successful especially for students from rural areas who found it difficult to cope. “Before it was taught in English, the students were doing well but their performance had declined now.   “Moreover, early education is better taught in the pupils’ own language,” he said.

The federation also called for the setting up of a Non-Muslim Affairs Department in the Prime Minister’s Department to handle sensitive issues pertaining to religious matters. They no longer want political parties to handle the matter and said that it would speed things up if it is handled within departments.

Raja Retnam also called on the government to free the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders currently held under the Internal Security Act and to charge them in open court.

source

Now, its interesting to read what Saravanan says after meeting the same group. Here it is reported that the group represents 47 organisations (but the article from NST above says 115). He met with the NGOs for two hours, and summarised that NGOs support BN ( by extension MIC) and still come to MIC to help solve problems – even in opposition held states. » Read more: PRIMA supports who?

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