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Facts speak volumes, says Samy Vellu

December 3rd, 2007
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By : Jaspal Singh

SUNGAI SIPUT: The concerns of the global Indian community in the wake of the street protest organised by the Hindu Rights Action Front (Hindraf) will be allayed by the facts, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said yesterday.

He said during his working visits to foreign countries, including India, he was often asked about the conditions of the Indian community in Malaysia. "There are two things I take into consideration when I answer such questions. The first is to explain the requests and proposals of the Indians that were met by the government. "The second is to explain those demands that have been turned down or not met. I cannot bluff like them (Hindraf organisers) and say that the Indians did not get anything," he said.

Samy Vellu was asked how he planned to explain the concerns raised by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi, through Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

According to The Hindu, Karunanidhi had written to Manmohan about the rally. He reportedly urged Manmohan to employ the necessary measures regarding the "suffering and bad treatment" of Tamils in Malaysia. Samy Vellu, however, was quick to say that Karunanidhi had not meant to interfere,  "He will never do such a thing. But when there are reports that 50,000 Tamils were smashed on the streets, then naturally anybody, anywhere, and not necessarily in India, will be aghast."

He said a day after the street rally, he was interviewed by a New Delhi-based television station in which he told the interviewer "not to be taken in by the protest". "This is what happens when someone starts to throw wild allegations. "Are the Indians in this country without clothes? Are they without jobs? Are they without food? I cannot bluff like them. I will tell only the truth," he said.

He lashed out at Hindraf for capitalising on the allegation that the government had indiscriminately torn down temples, saying that these people had never erected temples anywhere in the country. "They have never fought with the government to get land for the temples. Instead, they have been on a worldwide campaign that Malaysia is against Hinduism. "I, on the other hand, have acquired several plots of land from the chief ministers to build temples. I have received money from the government. Each year we get RM1 million to build temples and the money has been channelled for that purpose solely."

He also said the rally organisers had produced a CD and were distributing copies of it worldwide alleging that 35,000 temples had been demolished in the country. Rubbishing the allegation, he urged the Indians to go through newspapers of the last 20 years and to read for themselves the number of temples demolished. He reiterated that any temple in a development area would be shifted and compensation paid. "There are so many temples which were built illegally. For instance, along the double-tracking project between Ipoh and Rawang, 76 such temples were shifted and compensation paid. "Anyway, I have been working on temple matters even before he (Hindraf adviser P. Uthayakumar) was born," said Samy Vellu.

In Kuala Lumpur, the Selangor MIC welcomed the prime minister's "reassuring" stand on the Indian community. MIC deputy president and Selangor MIC chairman Datuk G. Palanivel said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's statement on Saturday showed how concerned he is with the situation. "Malaysian Indians are fully aware of his fair and just commitment to all," Palanivel said. "The MIC is aware of the people's grievances, but our approach is both realistic and rational." He denied claims by Hindraf that Indians were marginalised or subjected to "ethnic cleansing".

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nazri on temple, khir toyo, hindraf meeting with pm, and social contract

December 3rd, 2007
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the reality as nazri says it is in the paragraphs below. the younger generation may feel 50 years is enough and its time to look forward with a new contract. post-independence, everyone worked hard to bring malaysia to its current heights. with globalisation and borderless movement, the younger generation (born after the 70s) will question the inequality which is thrust upon them. can the malays be once more kind hearted and think of malaysia's unity and future? can there be a deadline or a milestone to mark the beginning of a new malaysia, one which is really equal to all its citizens?

Asked regarding a survey commissioned by the Asia Foundation which found the majority of Chinese and Indian youths stating that they believe they were discriminated against in the country, Nazri said the incidence of inequality in Malaysia is undeniable.

However, he said this state of affairs is due to the social contract reached 50 years ago by representatives of the racial communities who agreed that Malays would enjoy certain privileges in return for the granting of citizenship rights to members of the migrant communities.

The only way such an arrangement can be changed is if future generations of Malaysians decide on revising that contract. Until then, said Nazri, the government is charged with carrying out the agreement.

“If there is any unhappiness, then it is entirely up to the future generations of Malaysians, regardless of whether they are Indians, Chinese or Malays, for them to sit down (and discuss),” he said.

“It’s not just about what the Indian and Chinese (youths) want. You have to ask the Malays also, whether they want the social contract to be renegotiated. It’s up to them…. As of today, I know the Malays are not prepared to renegotiate,” he added.

Nazri: Temple demolition 'stupid, insensitive'
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/75592

Fauwaz Abdul Aziz
Dec 3, 07 4:43pm

Stupidity, lack of sensitivity, and inexperience all came into play in the debacle surrounding the demolition of a 100-year-old temple in Shah Alam on the eve of Deepavali last month.

And these were not the words of a non-governmental organisation or opposition party leader conveying the frustrations and bitterness within the Indian community.

This was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nazri Abdul Aziz’s view on the destruction of the Sri Maha Mariamman temple by Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) officers in Kampung Rimba Jaya.

“It was stupid of the officials not to be considerate (and) to look into sensitive matters like this. I believe it could have been done in a better way if (the state government) had just waited a few more days. Let the Hindus celebrate their Deepavali,” he said.

“Deepavali is a religious festival. It could have been handled much better and with more sensitivity (to) the feelings of the Hindus,” he added.

He was speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the two-day Colloquium on Good Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights organised by the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Caucus for Good Governance (AIPCGG) and the Regional Working Group for an Asean Human Rights Mechanism. The event was held in Parliament.

Nazri was commenting on the resentment felt among Indians, many of whom say they have been discriminated and marginalised.

The tearing down of the Sri Maha Mariamman temple touched a raw nerve in the Indian community not only as it occurred on the eve of Deepavali, but because it was the latest in a series of demolitions undertaken by the Selangor state government on Hindu temples in the state.

The Malaysia Hindu Sangam, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) and the Selangor Coalition of Indian Community Organisations has also voiced their anger over the incident.

Even MIC had issued a statement of protest over the issue and planned a ban on Deepavali celebrations.

Khir Toyo lacks experience

While Nazri does not think Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo has any “personal vendetta” against Hindus, he said the manner in which the latter implemented the state’s ‘zero squatters’ policy leaves much to be desired.

“I think we (can) put it to experience, which he probably lacks. I agree with you that matters touching religious issues should be handled more cautiously and not in a wanton way according to individual whims and fancies,” said Nazri.

However, the minister was not as acquiescing on the issue of the Hindu Rights Action Front (Hindraf) and its Nov 25 rally.

Nazri said the government had always listened to the complaints of the various communities and acted on them.

He cited his own decision to open Mara junior science colleges – which had previously been reserved to Malays – to Indian youths from poor families as well as the setting up of skills and training institutes exclusively for Indian youth.

“(There are claims that) not enough is being done for the Kadazan, for the Iban and for the Chinese. Even among the Malays (some) have been unhappy because they feel the NEP (National Economic Policy) benefited only a few people,” he said,

“But that does not (have to) make them demonstrate. You want to talk about pockets of people who are not happy, there are many pockets of unhappiness among Malays and Chinese. They don’t have to demonstrate,” he added.

Nazri said the thousands of Indians who protested on Nov 25 were “incited” to do so by Hindraf’s “lies” regarding the Malaysian government’s treatment of Indians.

Nazri said Barisan Nasional component parties or their youth wings would be in the wrong if they chose to demonstrate.

He admitted that he, in his youth, had also participated in demonstrations but had admitted his guilt and paid the penalty.

“When I was in Umno Youth, I did this too. I was brought to court, I admitted my guilt, and I paid the fine,” he said, contrasting this with Hindraf’s leaders who are seeking to defend their actions.

“Not like these ruffians, these thugs. They broke the law, but they want to defend themselves. They’re wasting court time, they’re wasting government resources and tax payers’ money,” he added.

Social contract

Asked regarding a survey commissioned by the Asia Foundation which found the majority of Chinese and Indian youths stating that they believe they were discriminated against in the country, Nazri said the incidence of inequality in Malaysia is undeniable.

However, he said this state of affairs is due to the social contract reached 50 years ago by representatives of the racial communities who agreed that Malays would enjoy certain privileges in return for the granting of citizenship rights to members of the migrant communities.

The only way such an arrangement can be changed is if future generations of Malaysians decide on revising that contract. Until then, said Nazri, the government is charged with carrying out the agreement.

“If there is any unhappiness, then it is entirely up to the future generations of Malaysians, regardless of whether they are Indians, Chinese or Malays, for them to sit down (and discuss),” he said.

“It’s not just about what the Indian and Chinese (youths) want. You have to ask the Malays also, whether they want the social contract to be renegotiated. It’s up to them…. As of today, I know the Malays are not prepared to renegotiate,” he added.

Commenting on the request by Hindraf to meet Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi over the issue of Hindu rights, Nazri said it may happen as long as the front did not impose any conditions on the government.

Nazri also said MIC president S Samy Vellu would have to be present at the meeting.

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empire strikes back?

December 2nd, 2007
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empire strikes back or return of the jedi? Articles from Star and NST carries PM's angry response on HINDRAF's "ethnic cleansing" accusation and use of words like "extremist government" etc. So, looks like HINDRAF's proposal to meet PM will not materialise.
 
PM  "pledged to look after the interests and the well-being of the Indian community" as quoted by Star. So, perhaps we can start by revising the 3% national wealth distribution target to 10%? 30% for bumiputra, 10% for indian, 20% for chinese, and balance (40%) left to open market?  Naturally, to push up the current 1.5% to 10%, many immediate actions have to be taken in 9th and 10 Malaysia plan. The current policies will not be sufficient to boost the percentage. We can see that for the bumiputras, it is taking decades to move few percentages, but some claim their percentages is actually above 40% (due to use of differing methodologies).
 
 

Abdullah slams Hindraf over allegations

source

MALACCA: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi tore into the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) yesterday, saying that it is spreading blatant lies with the intention of arousing hatred among multiracial Malaysians and sparking racial clashes.  Singling out Hindraf's accusation that the Government was carrying out ethnic cleansing of the Indians in Malaysia, the Prime Minister fumed: "I'm really angry, I rarely get angry but this blatant lie cannot be tolerated at all."  Abdullah even offered to resign if there was proof that the Government was involved in ethnic cleansing.  He said he did not want the people, especially the Indians, to be misled by Hindraf's unfounded claims and allegations, hoping that other races would not show sympathy towards the Indian activist group. 

However, despite his anger during the 20-minute press conference where he dealt mostly with the Hindraf issue, Abdullah pledged to look after the interests and the well-being of the Indian community.  "The social problems faced by the Indian community are clear. I have never said no. We support the Indians but there are some quarters instigating them and making them feel unhappy with the Government," he said..  

 

Allegations of ethnic cleansing are all lies, says PM

source

By A. LETCHUMANAN

MALACCA: A visibly angry Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has hit out at the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) for their baseless allegations that the Government carried out ethnic cleansing of Indians.  "The allegations are all lies to deceive the Indians that they are an exploited race. Malaysians will not believe this. Even the Malaysian Indians will not believe this.   "Ethnic cleansing is something which was done in Bosnia. We do not do it in this country.  "I'm really angry; I rarely get angry but this blatant lie cannot be tolerated at all," he told reporters after opening Kampung Hadhari in Tanjung Bidara. 

Abdullah said that he was prepared to resign if there was proof that there was ethnic cleansing in the country.  "Tell me, do you believe there is ethnic cleansing in Malaysia? Is there ethnic cleansing, tell me? If I allow this, I would resign.  "Tell me, you are an Indian and so are you (looking at Indian media personnel), have we been doing it for the past 50 years or even for that matter one week, have we done this?" he asked. 

Abdullah said the Government had never marginalised the Indians in the mainstream development of the nation.  "I've helped them, I've helped them in many ways. They want money to repair their temples, I help because we respect other religions and they are not our enemies, they have cooperated very well with us, this is what has happened," he said. 

Abdullah said the Government had always given attention to the various requests made by MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu to improve the socio-economic status of the Indian community.  "Be it to appoint senators or elected representatives, we give attention to and support all the requests," he said. 

Abdullah said the nation had enjoyed 50 years of Independence without any uneasiness among the Indian community.  "The Indians have played their role. They have given strong support to the Government and Barisan Nasional. They know we are just and fair.  "But sadly, some have been influenced by Hindraf and I hope they will evaluate Hindraf's statements carefully," he added.   Abdullah said there was no truth to the claims in the Hindraf memorandum that a Government-backed extremist group had destroyed a temple in Kampung Jawa, Klang, on Nov 15. 

"This is a lie created by certain groups to create hatred among the Indians towards the Government."   He said lies like this could cause racial conflict between the Malays and the Indians.  "Is this what we are seeking in Malaysia, where there has been no problems between Muslims and Indians or Islam and Hinduism?" 

The Prime Minister said holding street protests, including by a group calling themselves "Bersih" on Nov 10, purportedly to bring about reforms in the country's electoral system for a fair and open elections, was not the right way.  Abdullah said the Election Commission had decided to use the indelible ink and transparent ballot boxes in the next general election. "With the transparent ballot box, everybody will know the ballots are inside when the boxes are taken (to the tallying centre). It's the same with postal votes; others can come and see what is happening during postal voting," he said. 

Abdullah added that the latest economic figures showed the Malaysian economy has improved by 6.7 percentage points, all indicators are pointing towards progress, and the economy is showing positive growth signs.   He said that he was not prepared to let the country be destroyed by the actions of these groups.  "I do not want our country which is growing steadily and attracting foreign investors to be destroyed. We do not want the country to be in chaos by their actions," he said. 

 

Rights of minorities are protected, says Abdullah

source

ALOR GAJAH: The prime minister yesterday gave the assurance that minority races in the country are protected under the law and continue to enjoy the fruits of development.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said this was because Islam required Muslims to be fair and that representatives of all the races were in the government. He said the minorities in the country — whether Indians, Chinese or people of other races — would have a place in the nation as guaranteed in the Constitution.  "The minorities will get protection under the law, enjoy the development that the nation experiences and continue to progress. We are a country which practises the sharing of power and in the government, there are representatives from all races. We sit down together and decide what is best for the country and the people. "We do not sideline any race or religion. There is no such thing as ethnic cleansing… this is for sure."  Abdullah said the government would continue to help the Indian community by providing education, equal opportunities and other benefits.

"I have to be fair to all and this is something which is a must in Islam. One day, I will die and according to Islam, Allah will judge me.
"Allah will evaluate me and question me if I have been just and fair. Have you done this or not? I cannot lie. Allah knows if I lie. As a Muslim, I cannot be enemies with others, I cannot hate any race, I cannot hate any group."

Speaking at the launch of the Hadhari Village in Kampung Tanjung Bidara, Abdullah, who was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, said the implementation of Islam Hadhari or "civilisational Islam" was aimed at enhancing the quality of life of Malaysians, regardless of race and religion.  Abdullah said if approached honestly and sincerely, Islam Hadhari's 10 principles could be a guide to progress for all Malaysians. He said Islam Hadhari was a comprehensive approach to ensuring development, peace and stability.

"For us Muslims, sometimes we argue about what we are doing in the name of Islam and we face numerous hurdles to understand this. As for the non-Muslims, they are monitoring what we do and looking if the things we are doing in the name of Islam cause them any hardship, or if it is something which is against the teachings of their religion. "They (non-Muslims) are given the freedom of religion under the constitution." He said Islam Hadhari was not a new sect, nor was it something new.  "It is the manhaj or approach of Islam. It is based on what is best for the nation and takes into account the multiracial and multireligious people. "All Malaysians want development and the 10 principles of Islam Hadhari are being used as guidelines for the development of the nation." He said nine of the 10 principles of Islam Hadhari stressed the importance of gaining knowledge as only knowledge could empower the people to build a better nation.

 
 
Government doing its best for Indians, says PM

V. Vasudevan and Jason Gerald John

 

ALOR GAJAH: An outraged Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday blasted Hindraf's claims of the mistreatment of Malaysian Indians as lies intended to divide the races and destroy the country's peace.

"I rarely get angry but this time I am very angry and this is something I cannot accept,"he said. The prime minister took grave exception to a memorandum asking the British government to lead an international condemnation of Malaysia 's "atrocities" against Indians. "Hindraf is making baseless allegations and wants the United Kingdom to move an emergency United Nations resolution condemning ethnic cleansing in Malaysia.

"Tell me, do you believe there is ethnic cleansing in Malaysia? Is there ethnic cleansing, tell me? If this happened, I will resign," Abdullah said at a press conference after launching Kampung Tanjung Bidara as the country's second Islam Hadhari village. "Tell me, you are an Indian and so are you (referring to Indian reporters), have we been doing it for the past 50 years, have we done this?"he asked. "Malaysians would not believe it. Even the Indians who are Hindus do not believe it. Ethnic cleansing was perpetrated in Bosnia where the Serbs attacked the Bosnians to chase them out and make them non-existent. It was backed by the state. We do not do this here," he said.

Hindraf legal adviser P. Uthayakumar has resorted to the British before. In May 2004, he went to London to apply for asylum alleging police harassment in relation to a death-in-custody case he had taken up. He returned to Malaysia about a month later after Tan Sri Musa Hassan, then the federal CID director and now inspector-general of police, advised him to substantiate his allegations.

Abdullah also slammed Hindraf's charge that "government backed armed Islamic extremists" had destroyed a temple in Klang. "There is no such thing. This a lie conjured by certain groups to create hatred among the Indians for the government." In its memorandum, Hindraf also appealed to the British government to refer Malaysia to the World Court and the International Criminal Court for "crimes against ethnic minority Indians".

Describing the Indian community as "innocent and good people", Abdullah said it had contributed to nation- building. "They have done their part and supported the government. They are strong supporters of the Barisan Nasional and they surely do so because they believe we are fair to all." Abdullah said the government was doing its best for the Indians and cited his experience in helping the community in his parliamentary constituency of Kepala Batas. "There are many Indians in Kepala Batas and I help them.

Funds are provided to repair their temples as we respect their religion. "They are not our enemy but we sit together and muafakat (co-operate).

" Abdullah said MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu was constantly bringing the community's requests to him. "Samy makes requests to me for the Indian community and I approve and give them grants. I have never said no. We support the Indians but there are some quarters inciting them and making them unhappy with the government." The prime minister called on Malaysians, especially the Indians, to carefully evaluate the Hindraf memorandum and statements.

"I do not want Indians to be duped by them." Abdullah said many had gone to Hindraf's illegal rally to hear what it had to say about the oppression of and crimes against the Indian community by the government. "These are all lies that can cause racial conflict in the country, especially between the Indians and Malays. Is this what we want? In Malaysia, there has been no conflict between the Muslims and Indians or Islam and Hinduism. It has never happened,"he said. Abdullah felt Hindraf's bigger motive was to cause chaos and disturb the peace. "This country has rules and laws. We have a constitution and we are successful today as we abide by it and hold firmly to the Rukun Negara." Asked for his views on other planned street demonstrations, Abdullah said he had instructed the police to deal with them and take the appropriate measures.

This month, the Bar Council is staging its annual walk for human rights while Bersih is planning a demonstration outside Parliament House on Dec 11 to protest a constitutional amendment allowing election commissioners to serve until the age of 66. A third demonstration is being planned by the opposition and non-governmental organisations to protest road toll increases due next year.

"I have asked the police to talk to them and do what is appropriate. In fact, this should not happen. Why must street demonstrations be chosen to bring change and present demands?"he asked. As an example, he said many of the proposals of the Bersih demonstration on Nov 10 had already been fulfilled. The Election Commission had introduced the use of indelible ink and transparent ballot boxes. In addition, the names of the dead had been erased under an exercise to clean up the electoral roll. Abdullah said the Election Commission had worked out arrangements for party representatives to be present when postal votes were cast.

"But despite this, they do not believe us but think only they (the opposition) are right. If we are a rotten government, we would have been removed as the people are not stupid and cannot be cheated." Abdullah said the BN had governed for 50 years and had brought development. "I admit there are weaknesses and there is still work to be done. There is no country in the world or any leader who can say he has done everything and there are no more poor people in his country." He pointed out that development was a process that did not end. "There are still poor people (in the country) and we still need to bring them out of poverty. We have to strengthen ties between the races and religions." Abdullah said he was not prepared to leave the country hostage to irresponsible groups. "I do not want our country, which is growing steadily and attracting investors, to be destroyed. I do not want the country to be in disarray as a result of the action of an irresponsible few."

 

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Makkal Osai under fire for insulting picture of Jesus and PM disappointed

August 24th, 2007
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I'm sure most would have known about this issue already, and the zealousness of MIC and MCCBCHST to condemn fiercely. MIC Youth even had time to prepare a four-page memorandum. Kudos to them 🙂
 
This is one of the few moments where MIC can get some coverage in the papers. The Star, NST and The Sun (all reproduced below) all carried news on comments by various parties. Two of them accepted the apology – Council of Churces and Archbishop of KL.
 
Our PM also mentioned his dissapointment today in Star :
 

Do not mock any religion or its teachings as these are sensitive issues, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has reminded all Malaysians. "Do not do things which may offend the believers of other religions … this is not good,” he said. … “This can make the Christians unhappy. Muslims too cannot tolerate such things.” 

 
and he took task Makkal Osai in the NST :
 

Abdullah, who also heads the Internal Security Ministry, said publishers had a professional and moral duty to be more sensitive towards religious beliefs and issues. Abdullah was clearly upset over the matter, saying the blunder should not have occurred in a multi-religious society like Malaysia’s.

"I am sure the Christians, as we Muslims, cannot accept this," he said. "Do not do anything to upset religious followers," he said.

The prime minister did not say whether action would be taken against Makkal Osai. But he stressed that the government had always reminded publishers to treat religious matters with caution.

 
 
Worst may yet come, since drawing of prophet's images/caricatures are forbidden in Islam.  This applies to all their prophets, including Nabi Isa (Jesus) (from what I understand).. Hope there's no complaint from UMNO or some other muslim persons/organisations or Makkal Osai may find themselves in hot soup.

Anyway, I suppose the burning question among most Indians is where was MIC/MCCBCHST when all those conversion, illegal kidnapping and separation, and otehr religious issues were happening? Conveniently missing?

 

THE STAR: source

Tamil daily says sorry over Jesus pic

KUALA LUMPUR: A Tamil daily has apologised for using a picture of Jesus Christ, downloaded from the Internet, to highlight the sayings of great sages and leaders. Makkal Osai expressed regret for using the picture to depict the sayings under “Today’s Thoughts” on the top left hand corner of the front page on Tuesday. “We apologise for the grave mistake. We also want to apologise if we have hurt anyone’s feelings,” the paper said in page two. On the front page on Tuesday, the daily printed a picture of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette in one hand and a canned drink (which looked like beer) in the other with the quote: “If a person repents his mistakes, heaven awaits him.”  

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism has urged the authorities to take action against the paper for hurting the feelings of the Christian community in the country. Its president Datuk A. Vaithilingam said the Home Affairs Ministry should investigate Makkal Osai and take necessary action against those responsible for publishing the “shameful” picture.  

In Putrajaya, the MIC Youth handed over a four-page memorandum on the matter to Ravin Ponniah, special officer (policy) to the Prime Minister, at the premier’s office. A police report has also been lodged.

NST: source

Uproar over picture of Jesus holding beer

KUALA LUMPUR: A police report was lodged yesterday against a Tamil newspaper for publishing a front-page picture of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette in one hand and a can of beer in the other. The report, lodged by a Puchong MIC member at the Tun H.S. Lee police station, alleged that the picture was a "threat to national harmony".

Makkal Osai, a Tamil daily, printed the picture in its Tuesday’s edition with a caption quoting Christ as saying: "If someone repents for his mistakes, then heaven awaits them." The daily apologised for the publication, but the MIC is not letting the matter rest. Deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel urged the Internal Security Ministry to act against the newspaper for hurting the feelings of Christians in the country.

The MIC Youth submitted a four-page memorandum to the prime minister’s office asking the government to revoke Makkal Osai’s publication permit.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism (MCCBCHS) also called for action against the newspaper. MCCBCHS president Datuk A. Vaithilingam expressed surprise that the newspaper could commit such a grave mistake.

The Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Murphy Pakiam, said the picture of the sacred heart of Jesus depicts his burning love for all people. "It is very sacred to Catholics. As such, this caricature of Jesus is a desecration and therefore hurtful to the religious sentiments of Catholics," Pakiam said. Pakiam said he had received an explanation and apology from Makkal Osai and he was satisfied with it and considered the matter closed.

Meanwhile, Makkal Osai general manager S. M. Periasamy said the offending picture published on its front page was "a mistake". "We admit that we made a mistake by publishing the picture. This was not intentionally done. We would never want to hurt the feelings of Christians in this country. We really regret this," he said. He explained that the paper carried daily quotes from great world leaders on its front page. The quote for that day was from Jesus Christ, and the picture accompanying the words was sourced from the Internet.

The Sun: source

MCCBCHS wants action against Tamil daily for Jesus Christ pic
PUTRAJAYA (Aug 22, 2007): The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism (MCCBCHS) wants the authorities to investigate a Tamil newspaper which published on its front page a picture of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette in one hand and what looks like a beer can in the other.

Its president Datuk A. Vaithilingam wants the Internal Ministry to act against those responsible for the publication of the picture. Makkal Osai, a Tamil daily, printed the picture on yesterday with a caption quoting Jesus Christ roughly as saying "if someone repents for his mistakes, then heaven awaits them". The daily apologised today for the publication. "Firstly, I'm surprised as to how they could make that mistake … it is a grave mistake. Newspapers should avoid publishing this kind of pictures as it causes hurt to people of that religion," Vaithilingam said.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Malaysia took a harder stance calling for a ban on Makkal Osai, saying that a precedent had been set. "When two newspapers published a caricature of Prophet Muhammad wearing a bomb-shaped turban early last year, the government took immediate action banning the two newspapers. Now we have this and they, too, should be served the same punishment as a lesson to others," Bishop Julious Paul said. He said the newspaper's apology was not enough as the publication of the picture "looked deliberate and unacceptable". Terming the publication of the picture as mischievous, he also wanted the newspaper to publish an apology in all the major newspapers, Malaysia's national news agency Bernama reported today.

MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel wanted the ministry to act against the paper "to drive home a clear message as religion is something which cannot be made fun of".

MIC Youth submitted a four-page memorandum to the Prime Minister's office asking the government to revoke Makkal Osai's publication permit. Puchong MIC member Peter Sinnappan, 37, lodged a police report at the Tun H.S. Lee police station in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.

Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Datuk Murphy Pakiam said the picture of the sacred heart of Jesus was very sacred to Catholics as it depicts the heart of Jesus burning with love and tenderness for all people. He said the Makkal Osai picture is a desecration and, therefore, hurtful to the religious sentiments of Catholics. "It is certainly in bad taste for the editor of Makkal Osai to publish such a picture, although the message in the accompanying words is an attempt to call repentant sinners to hope and salvation," he said in a statement here.

Council of Churches Malaysia secretary-general Rev Herman Shastli said they accepted the Tamil daily's public apology and consider the case closed.

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Samy says Indians are doing well

August 24th, 2007
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i'm not sure if "Malaysian Indians have shed their rubber tapper image for one of a community comprising the educated and urbanised" as claimed. Perhaps about 20 % fit the bill, while the rest may be either educated (another 20%) or urbanised (another 30%), or neither (the balance). Remember that 63% of malaysian are as said to be living in urban areas according to latest statistics. Anyway, being urbanised does not mean life is a bed of roses. Instead it will be a nightmare trying to live on a salary of RM800 in a town as compared in a kampung or estate surrounding.
 
Now, lets look a a bigger picture. nearly every country in the world reports healthy progress in terms of education, living standards etc, except for those ravaged by war or severe famine etc. The question is, are we on par with the rest? if not, why is it so? our fault – being lazy, complain but not intiative, begging for help; or the systems fault – discrimination, prohibitive policies, lack of opportunities etc. ?
 
And why keep harping on being rubber tappers? It is those jobs that helped the country and the descendents to prosper.
 
For MIC to gain back its name, it has to furnish statistics on all fields concerned to dispel or counter HINDRAF's claims. These statistics have to be back by its sources so that an independent body can choose to investigate if neccessary.
 
While I agree that not 3000 people attended the gathering as claim by HINDRAF, i am certain it is not 600 as claimed by Samy. I think it was more to about 1200 – 1600 people, as i counted the rows of people during the walk past the roundabout.
 
Also, even if the PM was there, would the people who gathered would have been entertained personally?
 
Its good that statistics on number of temples were furnished,(wonder what is the source of these figures). We have to assume that these are licensed temples. 24,000 temple for a population of 1.44 million (i assume 80% of indians are hindus) is about one temple for every 60 hindu. Quite a big number, but religion being a personal issue, a tree can also be a temple in hinduism.
 
I saw the speech  which he gave at the HYO's assembly which was attended by about 200 people (from i saw on TV3 news). He asked if Indians are backwards, would they be sitting there in the hall and listening to him. Those who attended are educated and doing well, which he imply represents indians in malaysia.
 
 
Indians today are ‘doing well’

By : June Ramli

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Indians have shed their rubber tapper image for one of a community comprising the educated and urbanised.

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said this was the outcome of better educational facilities and jobs provided by the government over the past 50 years.

"Those who say the Indians are backwards are mad," he said during the Hindu Youth Organisation’s annual general assembly at the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Jalan Kasipillay yesterday.

The works minister said that if Indians were 50 years behind other communities, many would still be working as rubber tappers.

"But that is not the case. Today, all Indians are educ-ated with some doing very well."
Samy Vellu chided the opposition for sending a memorandum of protest to the Prime Minister’s office recently, alleging that the Indians had generally been ignored.

He lambasted them for claiming that 3,000 people had gathered at the Prime Minister’s office.

"First of all, there were only 600 people and not 3,000.

"And the best part is that they chose to protest on the day that the prime minister was away in Brunei on a working visit."

On the rationale behind the demolishing of several Hindu temples, Samy Vellu said this was done as they had not received approval from the authorities.

"As they have been built near drains and next to roads, these structures will definitely be brought down as they have not received approval from the authorities."

He said the number of temples had mushroomed from 17,600 in 1979 to 24,000 this year.

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