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MIC hotline to start in April

January 16th, 2008
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One of the positive outcome from Hindraf rally is the plan by MIC to set up a hotline, which was to take 6 months to set up. No reason was given then for the extremely long during. Now, SV says its part of their modernisation of the MIC HQ as well. The call centre is expected to be ready by April.

MIC also said there will be a special committee…

By K. Harinderanharinderan@nst.com.my

source

KUALA LUMPUR: The MIC is setting up a hotline call centre at its headquarters here to address problems faced by Indians in the country.

"The centre, which will be fully operational in April, will be manned by professionals who will record and refer the problems received from the community to the relevant offices within the MIC," MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said yesterday. "We are modernising the MIC headquarters in line with our objective to have a new outlook in facing the general election."

He said the future for Indians was bright under the leadership of Prime Minster Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who was receptive to problems facing the community.

He said a vote for the opposition in the general election would be detrimental to the nation's progress.

Only the MIC could cater to socio-economic needs of the Indian community and developments. Incidents in the past two months had been detrimental to the hard work and position of the Indians, he added.

Samy Vellu, who is also the works minister, said he would be asking for an allocation of RM3.8 billion for new projects this year. This is because its present allocation has run out. "The billions allocated by the government last year have been reduced to a mere RM20."

He said this after launching the 6th annual Ponggal celebration which was attended by over 800 people at Menara Kuala Lumpur. Colourful earthen pots, sugar cane and visitors in traditional Indian outfits added colour to the festivities.

Ponggal, which has been celebrated over the last 5,000 years, originated from Tamil Nadu in India and is observed by Hindus to thank God for a bountiful harvest.

"I am lucky to be here for the festival and experience first-hand a facet of the Indian culture," said Elizabeth Heise, 74, a tourist from Holland.

The event was organised by Putera MIC. Putera MIC national co-ordinator P. Kamalanathan said a similar event was organised in Chennai, India, this year under the theme "The Colours of Ponggal from Menara KL" to highlight the unity and understanding of the various races in Malaysia.

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Hindraf ISA detainees stay united

January 15th, 2008
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However, the statement did not mention anything (agree/deny) about the police report made by Vasantha Kumar. So, is there such a report?

Hindraf 5 deny split in ranks
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/77057
Syed Jaymal Zahiid | Jan 15, 08 5:26pm

The five detained leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) detention have denied that there is a split in their ranks.

Malaysiakini reported yesterday that Hindraf secretary T Vasantha Kumar had lodged a police report against legal adviser P Uthayakumar over supposed allegations of misuse of funds. However, the latter’s lawyer N Surendran had urged caution over placing too much faith in such information. 
 
The two, along with V Ganabatirau, M Manoharan and R Kenghadharan, are being held under the Internal Security Act (ISA) at the Kamunting camp in Perak.

Their joint denial was issued when they met today with their lawyers – M Kula Segaran, Karpal Singh, A Sivanesan, S Ponnumugam, M Manogran, T Kumar and Ram Karpal Singh.

In a statement signed by Kula Segaran, the five said: “We are not disunited, we will continue our fight (for betterment of the Indian Malaysian community) and will fast (from Jan 21-28).” 

Specifically, the denial covers any suggestion that they are no longer on talking terms with one another or that “one or more of them will admit to (alleged terrorism charges)”.

“They are resolved to fight (on) and have not wavered in any way from their demands to the government,” Kula Segaran noted in the statement.

“Their detention without trial has put Malaysia on the world map as (a country) which does not respect human rights values. We hope the government will take steps to release (them) unconditionally as soon as possible.”

According to the statement, the ISA Advisory Board met in Kamunting today to discussion the alleged terrorism charges against the Hindraf leaders, but adjourned the hearing to Feb 12.

Yusuf Sam (whose designation was not stated), who presided over the closed- door meeting, was assisted by two assessors. The internal security ministry was represented by legal adviser Abdul Wahab, while lawyers for the Hindraf 5 were present.

Complaints about conditions

The Hindraf leaders further protested the conditions under which they are being held, calling for immediate attention to their complaints that:

• They are being locked up in their cells for nearly 16 hours daily “like common criminals”;

• The keys to their cells are kept some distance away in the administration block, thereby leading to potential delay in assistance in case of emergencies like a fire;

• They do not have access to television, computers or up-to-date books and magazines in the resource centre; and

• Vegetarians like Kengatheran do not get appropriate meals.

They also demanded more time with their families, who are only allowed a maximum of 45 minutes per visit and, even then, only in the presence of guards. Apart from wanting food from outside the camp, they want access to a temple for prayers.

The five reiterated their reasons for their forthcoming hunger strike, saying it is to protest their “unlawful and unconstitutional detention” since Dec 13, as well as to seek restoration of Indian rights and to “seek divine intervention”. 

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Ponggal message from MIC and PPP

January 15th, 2008
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“When we speak with one voice, we will achieve our goals. When we act with one determination, nothing can stop us from fulfilling our dreams.”

– like what Hindraf rally did?

Palanivel said Indians came to this blessed country not hoping that someone would give them "free money", but to work hard and create a better future for themselves and future generations.

– meaning there are people in this country getting free money, but others cannot expect the same?

Speak with one voice, Indians told

source

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Indians must unite for the good of everyone because it is the key to their future, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said yesterday. 

He said they must work as a team and not allow themselves to become tools of those who wish to split the community for their own agenda.  “There are many more things to be done, many more challenges to overcome,” he said in a press statement in conjunction with Ponggal festival, which begins today.  

“When we speak with one voice, we will achieve our goals. When we act with one determination, nothing can stop us from fulfilling our dreams.”  

He added the party would never bow to pressure because the MIC existed solely for the well-being of the Indian community.  

Samy Vellu said the community must appreciate all opportunities given to them and make full use of them. “As we work towards attaining our dreams and goals, we must not forget those who are in need of help – the poor and the disabled,” he said. 

Samy Vellu: Let's unite to harvest good future

source

KUALA LUMPUR: Harvest a good future through unity.

That, in essence, is Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu's Ponggal message to Malaysians, especially those of Indian origin. As unity is the key to a good future, the MIC president urged them to be united and strengthen their ties to work as a team, and with one voice.

"We must not allow ourselves to become tools of those who wish to split the community for their own agenda," Samy Vellu, who is also works minister, said yesterday.

Ponggal (Harvest Festival), which will be observed by Malaysian Hindus today, is a celebration to thank God for a good harvest and offer gratitude to nature.

"There are many more things to be done, many more challenges to overcome. So, let us unite for the good of everyone. Unity is our strength. "When we speak with one voice, we will achieve our goals. When we act with one determination, nothing can stop us from fulfilling our dreams," Samy Vellu said in a statement.

In this context, he added, the MIC would continue to safeguard the rights and interests of all Indians in the country, and "we will never fall because we know the people are behind us".

He said the largest Indian-based political party in the country would not bow to any pressure from any quarters because it believed that its sole existence is for the well-being of Malaysians of Indian origin. "We will continue to fight for the betterment of our community and nation. This is our pledge, this is our mission and this is our destiny," added Samy Vellu.

Meanwhile, MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel, in his Ponggal message, urged Malaysians of Indian origin to work hard and strive for a better future, not just for themselves but also for the future generation. "You can only reap what you sow…if we work hard now, then this hard work will be translated into greater benefits and these benefits are not only for us, but the future generation, as well."

Palanivel said Indians came to this blessed country not hoping that someone would give them "free money", but to work hard and create a better future for themselves and future generations. "They believed in this principle. They did well and we are now enjoying a good life, but we must strive harder to create a better future for our children. "Apart from this, they also transplanted the Indian culture and traditions to this soil.

"Ponggal is such a festival brought by our forefathers to this land. All our festivals have taken deep root in this country, and let us continue celebrating these festivals as our forefathers did," said Palanivel, who is also women, family and community development deputy minister.

People's Progressive Party president Datuk M. Kayveas called on the Indian community to utilise opportunities provided by the government to uplift their standard of living. He said the community should not depend on others for assistance to succeed but instead be able to capitalise and seize the chances available. Kayveas advised Indians in the country to be wary of parties taking advantage of the situation on the pretext of championing the rights of the community. — Bernama

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Vasantha makes police report against Uthaya

January 14th, 2008
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It seems news of the impending police report was leaked out last weekend. Heard that SMSes were flying around about this police report by Vasanthakumar against Uthaya. Funny thing is, both of them are under ISA.

Police report against Uthaya over fund abuse
http://malaysiakini.com/news/77005
Syed Jaymal Zahiid | Jan 14, 08 4:08pm

A police report has been lodged against Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) legal adviser P Uthayakumar by the movement’s secretary T Vasanthakumar over allegations of misuse of funds.

Both Uthayakumar (left) and Vasanthakumar are presently being detained under the Internal Security Act along with three other Hindraf legal advisers at the Kamunting detention centre in Perak.

It is learnt that in the police report which was lodged at the detention centre on Thursday, Vasanthakumar has accused Uthayakumar of allegedly misusing money collected from the public for Hindraf activities.

Uthayakumar’s lawyer N Surendran however when contacted said that the police report and accusation thrown against his client should not be taken seriously.

“Vasanthakumar (photo) had lodged the police report under detention and given the circumstances, his accusations cannot be taken seriously as it has no credentials or credibility,” he said in a phone conversation.

Explaining, Surendran said that “Vasanthakumar could have been manipulated by the authorities to lodge the police report after being subjected to severe stress.”

Part of the government conspiracy

Surendran also associated Vasanthakumar’s accusations with previous government efforts to discredit Hindraf through similar claims.

“As we all know, Hindraf has been accused by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Musa Hasan of collecting funds from the public to supposedly finance activities of a terrorist organisation overseas.

“And yet he has not come out with any evidence to support his claim. I believe this is a clear effort by the authorities to discredit and weaken the support towards Hindraf,” he said.

The IGP on Dec 6 last year had accused Hindraf of soliciting support and financial aid from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a Sri Lankan Tamil fundementalist terrorist organisation.

Uthayakumar in retaliation had filed a RM100 million defamation lawsuit two weeks ago against the IGP, the Attorney-General and the Malaysian government for allegedly misleading the public when the three linked him and Hindraf with LTTE.

“So as you can see, the accusations are centered on allegations of fund embezzlement. They cannot support their claim that Hindraf is linked with LTTE, they try to bring us down through another accusation,” said Surendran.

Hindraf halts donation drive

On a related development, Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorth – presently lobbying support for the movement from his temporary base in London – said in a statement today that Hindraf’s name was being misused by individuals to collect funds from the people.

He said that large sums of funds were collected in Hindraf’s name by these unauthorised persons and that these funds were never channeled to Hindraf.

“In these circumstances we immediately urge all supporters and well wishers of Hindraf to immediately suspend collection of funds from members of the public either privately or publicly pending further instructions,” he said.

“In the interim we urge all well wishers and supporters to continue to offer prayers nationwide for the immediate release of the ISA detainees,” he added.

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social entrepreneur Raj Ridvan Singh

January 14th, 2008
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Life skills for youths

By NG CHENG YEE

source

KUALA LUMPUR: Being a systems engineer and enjoying a lucrative income at the young age of 17 might be everyone's dream.  

Raj Ridvan Singh, who achieved just that, however, did not want to end up being a rich man with an empty soul.So, he decided to quit his job and co-founded Science of Life 24/7 (SOLS24/7) with his father Madenjit Singh and younger brother Dhinu Singh seven years ago.  

The organisation provides a comprehensive two-year training and boarding programme on life-skills education for the disadvantaged and at-risk youths from poor communities in Cambodia, Timor Leste and Malaysia.  

“It was very difficult for me at the initial stage as no one believed in me and trusted me but I am very thankful that my family and friends supported me from the beginning,” said the 24-year-old Raj. He said the training emphasised character building.  “We are training young people to develop the right mentality to make them stand out from the rest in the market place. With the right attitude, you can do any job,” he said. 

Raj also believes that one must suffer first to be a successful entrepreneur.  For example, he said, one of his students was a divorcee who earned about US$10 a month ( RM33) by selling candy in a Cambodian market.  “After she received her training at our centre in Cambodia, she managed to find a job in the US embassy as a supervisor and earn a monthly salary of US$400 (RM1,300),” he said, adding that one should be patient before achieving success.  

On Jan 19, Raj will share his story and vision of being a social entrepreneur, a term that refers to a person who uses entrepreneurial principles to address social problems, at the National Youth Entrepreneur Convention.

The event will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre during the three-day MCA's 9-Point Party Platform Exhibition from Jan 18. For more information on the exhibition, call the MCA headquarters at 03-2161 8044 (ext 420) or visit www.mca.org.my 

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