A time to come together as one and secure justice and equality for all
November 28, 2007
Hindraf champions the cause of the downtrodden Indians.
My friends and I in the ‘One People, One Nation’ initiative desire the emancipation of all peoples of our nation, without discrimination, without exclusion, without exception.
It follows that the ‘One People, One Nation’ initiative encompasses and includes the legitimate interests of those whom Hindraf presently stand for.
I believe that the Hindraf leadership, too, wishes the best for all Malaysians.
Perhaps, though, in articulating their concerns for the disadvantaged Indians and in advancing their demands to set right the ills in the Indian community, they may have erred, whether in the choice of words or in the framing of demands.
To err is, after all, human.
I ask the Hindraf leadership to reflect on this, and if you find any truth in what I say here, why not offer conciliatory words and an olive branch that may ease any hurt to any quarter occasioned by such error?
Say sorry.
There is no shame in it.
I know.
I say again that in substance, both Hindraf and the ‘One People, One Nation’ initiative desire the same thing.
We are, therefore, not opponents.
BN and its ‘divide and rule’ blueprint is our common enemy.
Let me also acknowledge that where the ‘One People, One Nation’ initiative is still working on its outreach to the Malay heartland, Hindraf has succeeded in reaching out to the impoverished, disadvantaged Indians.
The crowds on Sunday bear testimony to this.
Let us give credit where it is due.
Sunday was a start. Where do you go from there?
I ask the Hindraf leadership to note the concerns being articulated by many about the methods they have adopted and the demands they have made.
I ask the Hindraf leadership to not take these as criticisms of you, but as concerns voiced by those who are on your side.
I am one of those.
Both Hindraf and the ‘One People, One Nation’ initiative must recognise that because the target of our respective initiatives differ, the latter’s being wider in scope, so too our methods and our strategies differ.
The Hindraf leadership, I hope, will forgive me for this observation, and that is, that Hindraf has thus far taken an isolationist approach in pursuing its cause.
Perhaps, until Sunday, circumstances made it necessary.
The danger that we face now is that, if we pursue our respective strategies and methods independent of each other rather than working together on a common strategy, neither will get anywhere and the current status quo will remain.
In all humility, I say that if Hindraf is to take the cause that it now champions to its desired end, it must now change course.
I ask the Hindraf leadership to reflect upon this with an open heart.
My friends and I would welcome with open arms the Hindraf leadership to come together as one and secure justice and equality for all.
November 28, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Fairly written, Haris. Based on blogs and comments that I’d been reading, I believe there were quite a number of people who joined the Sunday rally not because of Utayakumar or HINDRAF or even their so called objectives. Essentially, they stood there to show their defiance and displeasure towards the current administration.
Many arguments have been brought forth for this particular point contention. Therefore, I must applaud and give these people their due credit.
Nevertheless, until a broader strategies are meted (moving forward), for myself, I would personally be unwiling to further my support for the HINDRAF platform or any platform equivalent to it.
November 28, 2007 at 2:00 pm
well said. lets speak with one voice against this unholy administration.
November 28, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Harris,
I beleive Peoples Parliamant should make links with the “downtrodden” in each of our constituency and a network also created with Hindraf people at each parliamentary constituency level.
Lets discuss that at our next meeting
Sinniah,
I have extended a hand.
Yes, let’s put your ideas on the agenda for discussion when we meet next.
When is that, by the way?
November 28, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Right on. I am among the many people who went for the walk not because of the memorandum. I personally do not agree with that methodology. Nonetheless, I believe it was necessary for Hindraf at that point to focus on bringing together one ethnic group and highlight the issue of one ethnic group and to a certain extent, it has served the purpose to raise awareness and instill determination to stand up for a cause among many Malaysians who were present on that day. I sincerely hope that another step will be taken. As pointed out by Haris, we must find it in our hearts to ‘come together as one and secure justice and equality for all’
November 28, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Hi Harris,
Well said ! ! ! I really do hope that the hindraf leadership will take serious note of this article. Its amazing how they could have brought together that many people to brave the day.But i must admit that their method was a bit weak to make a splash.
I’m a malaysian at heart, no matter what some may say otherwise.
I will stand by you and will surely walk with you, shoulder to shoulder because i believe in your ‘one people,one nation’ concept.
I did not attend the hindraf rally for fear my legs might freak out when its time to run for dear life , maybe,due to my ‘imagined’ fear on the terms of engagement by the police as rightly pointed out in a blog that i read.
November 28, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Fellow Malaysians,
Lets us not allow UMNO & their lap dogs in MCA & MIC to split us. Unite as bangsa Malaysia, my fellow Malaysians.
We owe it to our future generation to leave them a better and progressive Malaysia for all Malaysians.
Our skin may be of different colours, our faith may be diverse but no matter what, the colour of our blood is red and we are all Malaysians in our hearts.
Unite for a better Malaysia.
November 28, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Haris,
click this link http://www.parlimen.gov.my/hindex/pdf/DR-29102007.pdf
see para 2010 page 143 and see the mentatlity of our elected representatives.
November 28, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Hi Harris,
Nice chat we had at the court canteen the other day. Today i went to aid my brothers and sisters who were detained and charged for having exercised their right under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution. As much i do not agree with certain things that HINDRAF stands, I still decided to help out.
At the end of the day as I reflect on the events that I witnessed in court today…. I can only sum up by saying.. What a waste of time on my part. The things that were said in court…. And the many big egos that i encountered…. I just feel sorry for the “innocent” accused persons.
Maybe we shall one day have tea and continue that chat of ours.
Visvanathan
November 28, 2007 at 7:38 pm
i agree with you bro.
Hindraf relook at your strategy. you have made your point, time to change methods and fight under a non racial banner. if you do, I’ll match with you!!!
we are malaysians regardless of what UMNO or BN says. our loyalty is to King and country!!!
Daulat Tuanku!!!
November 28, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Whoa! This is music to my ears, so sweet and true. Thank you YB. Show them the way to govern and take over. Bring back the pride to Bangsa Malaysia.
http://news.my.msn.com/regi...
Zaid Ibrahim, a lawmaker from the ruling United Malays National Organisation told AFP that the premier’s warning on the ISA “shows the arrogance of the people in power.”
He said any use of the law would be counterproductive and could scare away foreign investors, and he urged Abdullah to engage those who had grievances or risk radicalising them.
“I don’t think the Indian youths are scared of the ISA. There is a serious problem at hand. Abdullah must find a way to resolve it,” he said.
November 28, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Haris,
Gracefully said and, one hopes, gracefully answered.
The leaders of Hindraf must acknowledge that by their own speech and deed, they have left a lot of raw feelings out there. I am Malay (yes, that much-maligned race)and I was troubled. But I at least can take my pains and write “Dear Haris” but the burger boy (a common taunt in blogsphere, believe me) can not.
There are poor Indians, there are poor Malays. We can argue about this until it is an unending contest of who suffered most.
Haris has shown us a path. Will we take it?
I end with what I thought was the most memorable soundbite from the march. Al-Jazeera’s correspondent signing off — “Sunday’s demonstration showed that peace sometimes have to be imposed.”
Ps
Haris, you suggested a candle-lit vigil as an alternative. All nice and quiet, right? My kind of show. And what’s the significance of the candle? (I’ve always wanted to know… I have a kampung background)
November 28, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Yes. Let’s all come together.
I will walk with you, my brothers & sisters.
For the record, I am Chinese but I don’t give a damn to my ethnicity.
And I don’t give a damn to the color of your skin nor your faith. You’re kin & that sums it up.
November 28, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Haris,
I finally bought my very first Yellow T Shrt. So tell me where and when I can use it man! You’ll know its new!
As I have said previously, I can accept that Sunday needed to happen. I shall add to that, it neeeded to happen to allow the purging of pent up anger, frustration, despair and what have you. O.k. all have seen. All have heard.
Uthayakumar, you don’t have to walk alone. You cannot have another more sincere invitation than that issued by Haris. It is possible for you to seize the moral high ground before it is too late. Can I plead with you to think hard on this. I am an Indian too!
And UMNO is not necesarily Malay. They need the Malays to remain poor for a long time to come so that the NEP can be perpetuated. The Malays will have to share only what is at the tip of the iceberg while every other part of the iceberg below the water line is plundered by UMNO and its faithful followers. The Malays are finally realising this too.
November 28, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Dear Haris,
Well done.
Finally i see some light for PELITAR launched in August 2007!
Let’s restart the process and extend the invitation to all who care for the future this country.
Thanks
November 28, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Yes, Jaya, let’s. Perhaps Hindraf will even catch the
‘Pelita’ nuance.
November 28, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Uthayakumar,
Lets get together and make a difference. My id will tell you I am a Indian too. Lets walk together with the poor downtrodden Malaysian brothers too. We all should from today walk as Malaysians and what we do to change the scenario in Malaysia should be as Malaysians.
The number of bloggers who have sympathised with you are there for us to work together.
Lets continue togehter at the grassroot level, at the Parliamentary level, - educated our fellow Malaysians, get them registered and then make the difference we want.
We have to make a mental revolution here amongst all of us who call this land our land, our country…
November 29, 2007 at 12:22 am
Dear Haris,
I don’t think that HINDRAF meant to isolate anyone. Neither do I think that they have a narrow, racist political agenda as some have written. It’s just that the Indians stood alone for 50 years, with nobody bothering to look at them, let alone listening to them. They felt so alone, so they went alone.
Yes, HINDRAF’s choice of words and methodology leaves a lot to be desired, but when ordinary Indians went there, did they really create all that chaos made out in the mainstream newspapers? No. The international media and alternative Malaysian media showed the truth. They went about it in a very Gandhian manner…something that must have perplexed most observers, including the authorities. But that very brave, peaceful act alone and sheer determination in the face of a roaring lion captured the hearts and minds of many people worldwide, irrespective of the mainstream Malaysian media spin.
So, HINDRAF is now the new kid on the block. Perhaps the olive branch needs to go both ways. That way a united “One People, One Nation” initiative can be built.
November 29, 2007 at 1:15 am
Adamabd,
I have sounded out to Haris on another important aspect which TPP needs in order to proceed further with its objectives i.e. we need to bring on board the ‘burger boys’, to use your analogy.
Since we’re both malays, I’d like to hear your thoughts on this matter. Preferably, openly in this blog forum at TPP because I’d like the regulars/irregulars to join in with their input, wherever applicable.
(Dang! I had to use ‘regulars/irregulars’ coz ‘the others’ and ‘the rest’ suddenly sounded so politically incorrect, under the circumstances. Sheeesh!).
As much as we, here at TPP, want the right changes to occur, we cannot ignore the malay polity altogether. They represent the largest voter base from which, given the right strategies, will consider supporting out cause and make TPP’s efforts truly reflective of a civil society.
You may have noticed that there are not many malays commenting at TPP. Is this because TPP’s civil society platform do not resonate with their political preferences i.e. if (UMNO or) PAS or PKR are sidelined, there’s no purpose for them to support? Or the burger boys do not completely comprehend the issues discussed here due to the predominant usage of english, hence, have difficulties to participate? I recalled someone commenting here at TPP requesting Haris to translate certain postings into malay. Not all of the young malay voters, some probably going for their first GE, are ‘mat rempits’. How do we reach to them to highlight critical issues?
For example, the malays must be made to realise that the launching of several economic corridors by the AAB administration will not bring mutual benefits to them or the others, for that matter. These corridor projects will be tweaked to fill the pockets of the upper-crust elitists in UMNO and their cronies in MCA, Gerakan, MIC, etc. All the rest of us will get crumbs.
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Untuk pembaca-pembaca kaum melayu, jangan segan silu kalau nak memberi komen dalam bahasa ibunda. Dengan izin, saya percaya Haris Ibrahim tetap akan terima-nya.
November 29, 2007 at 9:37 am
Shar101
You have rightly identified that the Malay polity cannot be ignored. But I guess being a Malay must also be rather confusing as on the one hand you have got UMNO who have all along claimed to be fighting for the upliftment of Malay society and despite its distastefulness and the hypocricy has sustained NEP beyond its original operational dates. On the other hand you have PAS basically addressing itself to the Muslim Malay who seem to be saying otherwise. And now you have civil society in the form of TPP which appears to be backing neither UMNO nor PAS and almost squarely places the malaise of the Malay race on UMNO. This needs to be explained. I have many times tried to distintinguish UMNO from the Malay. I don’t know if I have hit any chord. But something like this needs to be done so that the Malays you might want to target identify with your calling. Its got to be done by a Malay preferably.
November 29, 2007 at 12:20 pm
I’ve been reflecting again and again on the 3 rallies that took place.
Each one was different and yet the same.
Justice March
In the march for justice at Putrajaya, those who were on buses stopped by the police determinedly walked the 5 kilometres to the Palace of Justice.
Faced with hindrances, they did not give up and walk away. They chose an alternative and walked their ground.
Bersih Rally
Those who faced the furious force of acid-laden water, gas canisters and the armed barricade in blue, didn’t give up either. The groups from Masjid Jamek and Sogo rerouted themselves and walked their ground.
It did not matter that the largest contingent was still making its way to the istana when it was told the rally was over. Yes, too late to share amazing moments outside the palace but not late in walking their ground.
Hindraf Rally
We were truly in the dark how many would actually turn up, weren’t we? The government knew, and therein the numerous roadblocks.
They’d learnt from the Justice march and the Bersih rally and they were not going to brook any dissent in the demoncracy ( no spelling error here) they had created .
Those Batu cave pictures tell a sad story of betrayed trust, of treachery and trickery. The government didn’t wait for the rally to start, for a gathering to move. They initiated violence way beforehand.
One wonders, seeing the pictures - it didn’t seem like the Indians were forced into the temple grounds. It seemed like they were persuaded to go there – lambs for the slaughter.
What assurances were proferred to them to get them in? I looked at the pictures of the people behind the gate railings, and the white ribbons of water and gas streaming downwards towards them and the terrifying image of the Jews in the German gas chambers came to mind.
But the Indians on the streets of KL showed a determination that shouted out loud and clear to the government “You have failed to take our true measure!”
Truly, when you have nothing left to lose, you begin to win. That day the Indians won back their dignity. They grasped a courage they never knew they had. They SAT their walk and received the pain.
And notice in the pictures, they did not let go of the Malaysian flag.
Three rallies. Each with a valid message.
Where do we go from here?
One area to be tackled: Look at the numerous pictures of thousands of our Indian brothers and sisters at the rally and let’s ask ourselves, “ Why do we think we have a workforce problem and need to bring in foreigners?”
Foreign workers at petrol stations, construction industry etc. earn between RM800 – RM 1,500, depending on overtime! Our Indian brothers and sisters?
The common complaint is that locals don’t want these jobs. Is that true? Or was there another agenda ? Did MIC take the trouble to give facts and figures? What are the reasons for refusal?
I call for the gradual replacement of foreign workers, their repatriation, and their jobs filled by anak Bangsa Malaysia of any origin. With the correct motivation, training and change of mindset, they can easily fill the supply needed.
Education is the key. This is what the marginalized need to grow and mature and excel, to change mindsets.
Our Indian brothers and sisters have already demonstrated they have two vital ingredients needed in the workplace – the ability to bear hardship and a determination that knows no bounds.
November 29, 2007 at 12:41 pm
I for one could not be more glad to be part of any such non-racial initiative. Although Hindraf literature left a lot to be desired, I don’t think the average Indian out there marched for the same reasons.
Hindraf acted with emotion rather than thought. And there might still be some backlash. Nevertheless, there in no reason why we can’t move forward from here.
I have no problem with the spirit of the NEP when it was drafted. But implementation of affirmative action here has always been shortsighted and just plain irresponsible, so I don’t blame the other races if they are resentful.
The common argument abounds. “I pay equal amount, if not more in taxes, yet I feel like a second class citizen in my own country.”
Isn’t it obvious that distribution of wealth should be done fairly, if not equally? Isn’t it clear that privileges should be extended on the basis of need to poor people regardless of race and religion?
We in Peninsular Malaysia seem to have the luxury of talking about racial inequalities, but what about those Kelabits in the Barrio Highlands, or other race/tribes that have a tough life and yet go on with it?
Political posturing, both Umno style and Hindraf style, should be wiped out. It is not about “Ketuanan Melayu”. The real effort should be towards “memperkasakan Melayu”. Empower the common folks, with knowledge, with resilience. Not spoonfeed them.
And what is the shame in helping a displaced estate worker and helping him eke out a living in an industrialised Malaysia?
Failure to address that must be put at the door of the Indian political parties, and the lackadaisical attitude of urban planners who didn’t give a damn about consequences of displacement and its ensuing problems including slums and slum culture.
Governing a nation requires a lot of thought and sacrifices on the part of its leaders. Even with the best of intentions, they still stumble sometimes.
Here in Malaysia, there is rarely foresight in planning. The knee-jerk reaction following May 13 is why we are in the pits today.
If there is any efforts get the masses out of mutual suspicion and towards genuine nation-building, count me in, Harris.
As a daughter of Malaysia, I’d give my life for my country and people.
November 29, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Dear Haris,
I’ve just noticed: Shar101, commenting in SPR posting, is cautioning you against cybertroopers or racial/political bigots. Saya merasa terpanggil, I feel compelled, to tell you - I assuredly am not. Why so nettled then, you may ask. Because I’m the one here in your blog who’s not going Love, Brotherhood and Light?
I left a comment here earlier (published, thank you). I did not even start on the genocide(!) and the ethnic cleansing(!). Come on. The govt is bad enough just plain, without making it fancy.
So you see, I’m no cybertrooper come to plague your blog.
If I am to be honest, if we are all to be honest, we must acknowledge our own prejudices, our likes and dislikes. The Hindraff way I do not like. I could go to other blogs, feed my prejudices and expand on it. Instead, Haris, I choose to come here and listen to you, the liberal voice (there we go with the labelling)and try to see things from another angle. I may not agree but at least I’m opening my heart and mind.
To err is human, you counselled. So in the same spirit I too must find my way to be divine.
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You mentioned your own tentative efforts to reach the Malay heartland. I read it as you’ve not made much headway. (Sorry, if I’m being presumptious.) I wonder why that is? Do you?
November 29, 2007 at 1:35 pm
Haris,
Oh dear, just noticed Shar101’s to me.
will read closely later. Lots to do today. cheers
November 29, 2007 at 4:35 pm
I think Malaysia is far better place for Indians, comparing to my homeland, India. The fact is that, Ethnic Indians comprise seven percent of Malaysia’s population of around 24 million and I never heard about anyone of them want to come back to India. Now, Indian workers form the third largest foreign work force in Malaysia, with 140,000 of them seeking out a living there.
But, you have to look at Indian scenario.
According to the Indian census of 2001, the total population was 1.028 billion. Hindus numbered 827 million or 80.5 %. About 25 per cent, or 24 million, of those Hindus belong to Scheduled Castes and Tribes. About 40 per cent, or 400 million, are “Other Backward Castes”. 15 per cent belonging to the three upper castes. Dominant group of Hindu nationalists, (HINDRAF is promoted by India’s fascist organization called RSS) come from the three upper castes who constitute about 10 per cent of the total Indian population but controle the civil service and economy. And thus the caste system virtually leaves lower caste Hindus to an oppressed minority.
About 20 per cent, or 200 million, are religious minorities. Muslims constitutes 138 million or 13.4 per cent, Christians 24 million or 2.3 per cent, Sikhs 19 million or 2 per cent, Buddhists 8 million or 0.8 per cent and Jains 4 million or 0.4 per cent. “Others” numbered 6.6 million or 0.6 per cent. Christians provided education at all levels to other religious groups without prosyletisation.
According to Tahir Mahmoud, an Indian Muslim journalist, “The 2.3 per cent Christians in the Indian population cater to 20 per cent of all primary education in India, 10 per cent of all the literacy and community health care, 25 per cent of all existing care of destitutes and orphans, 30 per cent of all the handicapped, lepers and AIDS patients etc”.
1.38 billion.Muslims across India are severely under-represented in government employment, including PSUs. Ironically, West Bengal, a communist ruled state reported 0 (zero) percent of Muslims in higher positions in its PSUs. A Muslim child attends school for three years and four months, compared to the national average of four years. Less than two percent of the students at the elite Indian Institutes of Technology comprise of the Muslim community. ( Justice Rajinder Sachar Committee)
Unlike Malaysian Indians, minorities in india are not mirgated population. Having said that, I am wondering how HINDRAF would respond to the discrimination faced by minorities in India. Can they please ask their Hindutva god fathers how can we have a double standard in terms of Human Rights?