Protests organized world-wide on 100th day of detention of Hindraf 5

PWM: PRESS STATEMENT 23/03/2008
Mon, 24/03/2008 - 18:07 — admin The 100th day detention of the 5 HINDRAF linked persons and leaders were remembered throughout the country on the 22nd and 23rd March 2008.

Worldwide vigils and protests in conjunction with the 100th day detention would be organised on different dated as Europe celebrated the Easter break and India had its Holi Festival during this period.

A protest were organised at San Francisco United Nations Plaza on the 22nd March 2008.

Throughout the country thousands of Malaysians attended various “Abolish ISA Forums” and a total of 8 resolutions were unanimously adopted as follows:

1. HINDRAF through its MAKKAL SAKTI power has sent a clear message to the Government of the 50 years of marginalisation, suppression and oppression of the Indian community in Malaysia and calls upon the Government to adopt and implement all 18 demands made via a memorandum sent to the Prime Minister on 12th August 2007.

2. THIS FORUM does not believe that the 5 linked to HINDRAF detained under the ISA are a threat to National Security. The Government have maliciously linked them to terrorist organisation in December 2007, being extremist ect to justify their arrest under ISA.

THIS FORUM recognises that the Government felt threatened of losing the traditional Indian voters support as a result of the mass gathering organized by HINDRAF and show of MAKKAL SAKTI (PEOPLE POWER) ON 25TH November 2007 and hence the decision to detain under ISA.

THIS FORUM calls upon the Government to immediately release all 5 detained persons unconditionally and compensate them for their unlawful incarceration.

3. THIS FORUM reminds DAP KEADILAN PAS that the spirit of multi racial politics shown and advocated by HINDRAF during the General Elections are a commitment given by HINDRAF on behalf of the Malaysian Indians which is a total shift from previous voting trends. HINDRAF now calls upon the abovementioned political parties to recognize the contributions of HINDRAF by appointing a minimum of 5 HINDRAF leaders in the Senate (DEWAN NEGARA) a Deputy Menteri Besar position in each of the states in Penang, Perak and Selangor and equitable numbers of Timbalan Yang Dipertua’s and councillors from amongst HINDRAF.

4. THIS FORUM calls on the Government to recognize the legitimate existence and contributions of HINDRAF to the country and calls upon the Government to immediately approve the registration of HINDRAF as a Civil Rights and Political Pressure group/organization.

5. THIS FORUM recognises that the ISA is an obsolete act of Parliament and the detention under ISA is cruel, inhumane and against all International Human Rights standards.

THIS FORUM calls on the Prime Minister to table as the first act of Parliament, an act to repeal the ISA in the forthcoming new Parliamentary session.

6. THIS FORUM calls on the Government to heed calls made by all concerned citizens and Human Rights organisations to immediately release all detained persons unlawfully held under the ISA and compensate each individual for the loss of years and sufferings they and their families underwent.

7. THIS FORUM urges all Political Parties and the Government to accept the reality that HINDRAF IS THE NEW VOICE OF MALAYSIAN INDIANS.

8. HINDRAF declares and vows to vigorously campaign for the repeal of fINTERNAL SECURITY ACT even upon the release of the 5 linked to HINDRAF.

On the 23rd March 2008 between 7.00am-10.am a total of 131 yagams (yagas/ fire rituals) were conducted by Hindus to invoke the blessings of the ALMIGHTY for the release of the 5 and for the protection and guarantee of Minority Indian Rights in Malaysia.

HINDRAF congratulates and thanks all supporters for their participation and support in organizing these events and a special thanks to our fellow brothers and sisters in London and Dublin who despite the “safety restrictions” organized successful yagams and to our fellow brethren in San Francisco for their commitment in organizing the protest despite the Easter break.

P.Waytha Moorthy
CHAIRMAN
HINDRAF
http://www.hindraf.org/content/pwm-press-statement-23032008