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Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email But today, in the pro-opposition Malaysiakini, a different tune is being sang. The report says that HINDRAF, together with two previously unheard of groups – Penang Makkal Sakti Welfare Association (Pemaswa) and Hindu Action Network (Han) are fed up with the “indifferent attitude of Pakatan Rakyat governments”.
These three groups are now asking for these Pakatan states to set up state Indian councils to be led by the menteri besar or chief minister. The suggested councils will plan and implement beneficial programmes
for the Indian community, with short, medium and long term goals.Hindraf National Coordinator, Thanenthiran declares that the Pakatan government had failed to fulfill the promises. He said during the elections, Pakatan used the Hindraf tagline Makkal
Sakti but since winning they have not unveiled any policy to benefit
the community. “Pakatan Rakyat ruling parties, be it DAP in Penang, PAS in Kedah and
Perak and PKR in Selangor, seemed to have made empty electoral promises
to the Indians,” he added. He stressed Hindraf would continue to fight along the movement’s
18-point memorandum submitted to the federal government last year.Pemaswa’s president, G Asohan also chips by saying that Indian leaders in the Pakatan government have “betrayed the Indian community’s trust in them” to deliver the goods. “Until today, the state governments, particularly Indian leaders, are resting on their laurels,” he said. He claimed that more from MIC, PPP and IPF have benefited from the DAP government in Penang than genuine Hindraf supporters.
HAN’s coordinator G Mugunthan criticised Penang’s elected Indian assemblypersons of protecting their
chronic self-interests when they rejected a previous DAP proposal for a
state council. Though DAP members were keen for a one-stop council, the DAP Indian
assemblypersons rejected it as “it will put undue pressure on them to
deliver.” “Now they are freely doing anything according to their
whims and fancies,” he said, adding that the appointment of an Indian
as Penang deputy chief minister has been more “a curse than a blessing”
to the community. “It has only helped some chronic characters from BN.”The three groups plan to organise a joint dialogue session with all relevant Pakatan Rakyat heads of state governments over the issue.
As for me, in the short period since last August, HINDRAF had done the impossible. and brought immense self-confidence into the community. It may be a relatively short-lived shot in the arm for the community which was fed up with shoddy treatment from all corners. Post-elections, its a new voyage into unchartered areas. Here, HINDRAF, just like the Indian community, had to make sure its stand is clear. How the community’s newly acquired self-confidence is used may be out of HINDRAF’s control. As Waytha admitted in Singapore months ago (the famous misused interview), it is very likely that HINDRAF will cease to exist in the near future. If it has outlived its purpose – to create an awakening – then its time to retire HINDRAF. The spirit of Makkal Sakthi can take form in newer groups or agendas. It might even cleanse MIC, for all we know. But the contribution of HINDRAF is undeniable.
HINDRAF’s main agenda is to push its 18 point memorandum, and to free its detained leaders. They should stick to that and be clear. They should not meddle into many things (like PI Bala’s disappearance) and cloud the situation. They are apolitical. A pressure group. Their job is to push the community’s agenda (just, fair and logical ones) to the authorities. If group A does not help, then move to group B. Remember that political parties need Hindraf, not the other way around. If such parties conveniently forget HINDRAF now, they will be rudely reminded in the next election. Its not end of the world if Pakatan states neglect the community. In the end, these people will come begging for votes. The community have realised that the era of 50 years of empty promises are gone already. Now, 5 years only given, maybe lesser.
On another note, if the Pakatan led governments implement race-independent measures and policies that directly and indirectly benefit the community, HINDRAF should welcome those measures and policies. We have seen settlers getting land title and pig farms projects continuing, but partially-aided Tamils schools have not got their land. Perhaps the process is longer, but Pakatan leaders in Selangor, Penang and Perak must keep the community updated. What is the progress in getting the land? what are the problems they face? Is it due to federal laws?
The Indian community does not owe any party or individuals a living. Those who think that we should bow down and kowtow to others are seriously wrong. We don’t agree that some other group are supremacist, while we are slaves. We stand equal, shoulder to shoulder with other human beings, and are not fourth class citizens. The community may be stuck between two useless groups – the BN and the Pakatan, but it must never lose its self respect.
