When opportunity knocks, hang decency
December 19, 2007
I’ve known Mano of the Hindraf 5 fame for some time now. From what I know of the man, it is difficult to believe the justifications that are being proffered for the use of the ISA.
In fact, apart from Vasantha, all the others are known to me.
Uthayakumar and I have had our differences before on the language, tone and content of motions he has presented at numerous Bar AGMs on the Kg Medan issue.
And I have from the very outset voiced my reservations at the approach taken by Hindraf in addressing the issue of long marginalised and neglected Indians.
Yet, however disagreeable I have found the methods of the Hindraf leadership to be, I will unhesitatingly condemn the use of the ISA on the 5.
And on every other person who continues to be detained under this most oppressive law.
This post, though, is not about protesting the use of the ISA. I will do that with a candle and a silent prayer with other Malaysians this Saturday.
Malaysiakini reports today that Malaysian Hindu Sangam president A Vaithilingam and 70 other organisations are compiling reports previously sent to the government over the years in relation to the problems faced by the Indian community. Vaithilingam is also reported to have appealed to the PM to ‘reconsider the ISA detention of the five Hindraf leaders’.
Reports sent over the years to the government about problems the Indian community faced, and nothing happened, right?
Now suddenly you have the attention of the PM, right?
Why scant regard previously and all ears now?
Not because of the efforts of you and your friends.
And, no, not because of the Hindraf 5.
Because 30,000 Indians went to the streets to register their grievance with the authorities!
What the Hindraf 5 may have done is to motivate these 30,000 to go and do what Hindu Sangam has failed to for years.
And today, you and your friends rush to retrieve your old reports from dusty shelves to make the most of the moment.
Strike whilst the iron is hot!
Well for the sake of the marginalised Indians, why not?
Surely, though, you can do better than to appeal for a reconsideration of the use of the ISA on the 5?
The government now is bending over backwards to appear to be so, so concerned about the Indian community.
Why will you not make it a condition for discussions between the government and the NGOs that the ISA not be used and instead the Hindraf 5 be charged if the authorities have evidence of wrongdoing?
Tell the PM that where you and your friends failed over the years, these 5, and through them, the 30,000, have succeeded in bringing optimum attention to the plight of the Indian community and forcing the government to sit up and take notice.
Tell the PM that for this alone, you and your friends will not enter into discussions with the government until the ISA orders against the 5 are withdrawn.
Or is this simply too much to hope of you?
