HINDRAF,HINDRAF,HINDRAF

This word has become a household name now. I am not an expert on the issue but somehow rather as a Malaysian I think I am affected by this revolutionary movement.I dont know how or when this word HINDRAF (Hindu Right Action Force) changed to MAKKAL SHAKTHI(People Power) but some how Hindraf is being referred to as makkal Shakthi nowadays.This movement was or is led by a lawyer and many of this organisation members are Professionals.

Basically what I understand about this movement is, that they voiced out very LOUDLY the injustice done to Hindu religion. The ruling government as always does not like anybody talking loud. They feel that no matter how right you are it’s their duty to bring those people who are making loud noises to their knees and beg for forgiveness. In the olden days this was done by masters to slaves . What a mentality these people have!!!!.The question here is why did these people were making loud noise? They tried all venues, the prime minister, the ministers and finally the courts but nothing worked hence the noise.

The injustice begun very long time ago with introduction of the quota system but was never felt by the Indians in Malaysia at that time. As the ruling government became very bold in manifesting their hatred towards the religion, the movement was borne. One may ask what the quota system has to do with the religion. Simple, quota system marginalizes the minority which in Malaysian Context, the Indians and majority Indians practice Hinduism. You may argue that there are other minority races but fundamentally the Malaysian independence was reached with cooperation of 3 major ethnic groups and guess what, 1 of them are Indians. I guess that is the background. As I understand this has nothing to do with other races in Malaysia it was a simple fight to up hold the constitution and to up hold basic Malaysian rights.


A number of incidents happened to these movement leaders who I admit I do admire for their boldness. Then, the rally took place. 20 to 30 thousand people turned up for the rally and all of them were Indians. It was meant to be a peaceful rally but with the interference of police it turned out to be something that Malaysian Indians will not forget for next 20 to 30 years. I would not blame the police because they are just the tools used by these mighty politicians to carry out their dirty works. This rally shook the foundation of Malaysian Indian politics. It sent out a clear message that Malaysian Indians had enough of this injustice and has lost trust in MIC ( Malaysian Indian Congress) the only political party which was representing Indians in the ruling government. As a result of this 5 HINDRAF leaders where arrested under Internal Security Act (ISA) which is imprisonment without trial. The reason given was they are threat to national security. ISA is like a double edge sword which can cut both sides. It can be used for good and bad. Another tool used by the ruling government as whip to silence voices. The government tried all they can to discredit this movement by, name calling, branding them as terrorist, the race issue so on so fourth.


March 8 the judgment day. Out of 14 states, 5 states was lost to opposition party and 3 of them are money making states and the best part of this is, 1 of the HINDRAF leader won the election while still in the detention centre. For any logical thinking human being, they would understand this as that people in that constituency believe and trust that this person truly a champion for their cause and could do well for their constituency. Now mind you that this was fair and legal election.
The only logical thing to do for the ruling government is to release the Leader who has won the election so that he can serve the people in his constituency but they are not doing that. WHY??? Another political game being played or you can call it injustice.


So what these 7 percent Malaysian Indians can hope for from the ruling government? Nothing, nothing at all. Malaysian Indians are still being treated as 3rd class citizens. In the current ruling government’s mind, Malaysian Indians are immigrant workers as they were 100 years and they still are now. I would like to remind these politicians; times are changing you might not be there for long and when the time comes, you will reap what you sow so, be careful what you sow.

All I am asking is basic rights as human being and basic right as a Malaysian. Nothing more and nothing less.


Note: I have purposely left out quite number of incidents in this HINDRAF saga which was widely reported by media.