HINDRAF – The Aftermath

The rally was a success. 30,000 people attended it. Indians are generally castigated as being unruly and difficult to control. But today, the Indian people, though in the minority and considered insignificant, have shown to the Government, and the people that they are made of sterner stuff.

My broadband connection is erratic and I can’t gather information as I would like to from various sources and groups. But 2 things stand out very clear:

The Indians can be a determined group when the situation calls for it. They were, in spite of the tear gas and chemical water, stood their ground, moving when the tear gas and chemical water took its toll, but regrouping to show solidarity. They were non-violent, even telling the Police they did not get there to cause problems. but to, peacefully handover the petition. Some got hurt, others were detained, some are still under custody.

The Police started the hue and cry by their indiscriminate letting of gas and water. If there was problem, they are to be blamed.

A big thank you for all the people who took part knowing well the consequences they would meet. My heart goes for the people who were injured, the people who were detained, those still under detention. Hindraf will not leave you in the lurch. My prayers go for you all.

You have proven to the other Indians that we are a great group and in spite of adverse conditions affecting our life, we will show the world our greatness.

HINDRAF – What MIC says and what we know!

At 13.02 hours today, Mr Samy Vellu, the MIC chief stated the Government nor MIC will support street demos. This is nothing new as this matter has been highlighted by the media during the past few days.

But, the statement that MIC has been working within the system and this has proved to be successful is another stale oft repeated argument which does not hold water at all. MIC should think of a better defense than this. What success? It is a known fact that MIC is never in the picture when decisions are made. It is only when the Indians complain that MIC even knows about it. How often have things been perpetuated and there is no comment from the MIC at all? Correct me if I am wrong. What UMNO things correct it does. MIC is there to listen. How many a time has MIC risen to the front to object or raise a point before implementation. Sad to say they are in the same boat as the ordinary man who only knows about the matter once executed.

He further states that many problems have been raised and settled without street demonstrations. That is the crux of the matter. If the Government has shown a sympathetic ear to the 18 point letter that was delivered on the 12th of August, would Hindraf have resorted to the rally today. I don’t think so.

Another hard to believe fact Mr Samy Vellu also said that many issues have been settled through consultations and dialogue with the federal, state and local government. I don’t thing so readers would have forgotten about the demolition of the Padang Java temple that easily. MIC was treated like any other person who grieved the demolition. What consultation and dialogue are we talking about? “Hindu temples built on government land were still being demolished despite his appeals to the various state chief ministers.” Was this not Mr Samy Vellu in his moaning statement?

The last part of the report is about sensitive issues. This phrase is over used so much so, it conveys no meaning now. The Indians are marginalised. Is this a sensitive issue? Practically everyone is aware of this problem. Has this got to be whispered to the ears of the Government since it is sensitive? Then, does kris waving becomes public declaration for all to follow,

I can go on and on. The MIC has got to call a spade a spade and tell the people the truth. Enough of this play acting. The person behind the character has been exposed.

Another pathetic ending, the PM knows it all, and we have his support.

MOVE OVER MIC – HINDRAF HAS ARRIVED

I was one of those waiting for news this morning relating to the handing over of the petition to the British High Commission by Hindraf. There was very good coverage of the Bersih rally of November 10th and I was waiting for alternate news from Malaysiakini and bloggers. I was not disappointed as news trickled in and the procession by Hindraf was on. This is when I realised, that Hindraf has come of age.

MIC was formed in 1946 and this was the organisation that has been the mouth piece of the Indians in this country. The Indian people though not much involved in politics, at this time, had full confidence in MIC to uphold the rights of the community. Of course during this time and even for years after wards Indians felt comfortable and had a very strong attachment to Malaya/Malaysia and deemed this country as their mother land. The roots of the Indians originated from India but in Malaysia they felt secure and more than often referred themselves as Malaysian Indians rather than Indian Malaysians.

The present regime of MIC originated with the departure of Tan Sri Manickavasagam in 1978 and S.Samy Velu taking over the fort in 1979. Samy Velu has served as President for the last 28 years.

Over the years the Indians have gone down hill and what confidence they had of MIC or for that matter Barisan National was being eroded gradually and the despair that the Indians were being marginalised was becoming a reality.

There was hope here and there things will look for the better as the days went by. This ray of hope was further envisaged positively when Badawi took over the reigns 4 years back. There was much encouraging talk not only of the position of the Indians but the country in general. But this turned out to be a dummy firecracker. Portent, but without the fire. The country was going to the dogs so to speak, and there was no thought of country but individuals who wanted to rob and pillage the country for their evil and selfish gains.

With hopes dashed beyond dreams, the Indians turned to MIC. MIC turned out to be the wallpaper. Nice to see and appreciate. But that’s all. It was just an ornamental decoration and under the greed and “I want all” syndrome, the MIC aligned itself to UMNO not only for the crumbs tossed to it but also as an able supporter of the lie, the MIC with the help of UMNO has played a great part to upkeep the Indians. That ploy has been discredited on many occasions but MIC is still under the wrong notion the Indians are behind S. Samy Velu.
Another ray of hope, is of course, Hindraf which, I hope, will be more broader based in the future. That is why I am saying MOVE OVER MIC a new contender has arrived. The Indians may not improve their condition over night, as the rot is overwhelming, but the least there will be a body to fall back to when the government ill treats the Indians and by clever maneuvering take away the rights of this marginalised community. Once the rot is healed perhaps, the Indians will become part and parcel of this country and not be by-standers.