Hindraf Rally Report
(Malaysiakini down at time of writing. They should get better backup servers)
I just got back home.
The police were horrible.
The police and whoever is pulling their accursed strings.
I’m a little too agitated to either write fully about what happened or upload all my pictures right now. But I’ll try to asap.
In the meantime, let me relate the core of my experience.
When I arrived near the Ampang LRT station on foot, things were very subdued. The crowds had been dispersed violently earlier.
I waited for quite a while, before some Hindraf leaders finally showed up.
They spoke to the crowd for a while, signalling their peaceful intentions to hand over the memorandum.
Then they decided to move on towards the British High Comm.
Only a few field force police were standing in the line separating the marchers from the building.
I think everyone was caught unprepared, especially after the cops had been just chilling for so long.
Confusion ensued, and our ever nervous cops suddenly got really scared and trigger happy.
That’s when they fired volley after volley of tear gas.
I was near the front, and inexperienced with tear gas, so it caught me a little unawares.
Oh by God it hurt.
I thought I was going to suffocate.
It was all I could do to walk slowly away with the fleeing crowd. I wasn’t sure if there’d be FRU beating us from behind as we left.
A summary of what followed: the cops successfully divided the crowd into various parts of the city.
They allowed the part of the crowds I was with to just hang around for a while. We weren’t doing anything, just sitting there feeling angry and pretty helpless.
Soon after though, they started sending in cops.
They sent in two types. The FRU with their tear gas, and these plainclothes guys (who knows if there were even cops), who were these real arrogant bastards that were screaming at everyone in their “Kau nak kurang ajar hah?! Aku tunjuk kau nanti!” kind of attitude.
Like they were such bad asses. Really getting in your face with their self-righteous anger.
The situation could have gotten very tense and very racial very fast.
To their credit, the many insulted Indians in the crowd did not take to violence. They could only vent through the occasional shouting and cursing.
When they really wanted to move us, they started firing tear gas.
I have to say that I ran.
That shit really, really burnt.
What was happening was this: they’d push us back aggressively with their tear gas and rabid barking strangers, then once we were gathered some distance away, they’d leave us be for a while.
Then, pretty much without warning, they would repeat the process.
It was really infuriating.
We weren’t doing jack shit, but they insisted on gassing us half to death and screaming and yelling.
It was really, really depressing, that all we could do was fall back and try to regroup.
They repeated this process at intervals until they had pushed us all the way to about the National Library.
I think it was about there that the cops seemed to have laid off. I hung around for a while, but it looks like they had succeeded in dispersing most of us.
I took a cab home.
*
They pushed, we fell back, they pushed, we fell back.
One day, this will have to stop.
I’ll do the rest of the pictures and everything else when I can. There’s a lot to tell.
Hi Y&A and my fave aplidrome:
I just came from Haris Ibrahim’s, and since this is linked to your topic of yesterday, I reprise my comment there with one amendment:
____________________________
“ylchong Says: Your comment is awaiting moderation.
November 25, 2007 at 1:37 pm
haris: well articulated.
Nat Tan: salute thee for counterpart, both truly progressive Malaysians in the vein of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King as proponents of Civil Disobedience when the ruling government turns oppressive.
Both you too are fine examples of what discourse and agents for change should be,in the fine tradition espoused by VOLTAIRE: “I may disagree with what you say but I will defend, to the death, your right to say it.”
And just as the tets of the pudding is in the eating, BOTH nat and Haris were there — though in different capacities (I’m commenting at 1.33pm Sunday), Nat as Y&A Malaysian individual full of ideals and gumption, and Haris as responsile Bar Council member observer. Desi was there in spirit with thee, with a prayer too. I was there in Person on Nov 10, and it was a milestone for civil society promoters, above race, creed and colour, also gender and age.
p
e
A
c
e”
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Cheers, GBless:)
saw the whole thing on aljazeera. it looked pretty ugly. honestly i think there is a better way of handling this. the police should have just granted them the permit, marshalled the whole event and get it out nicely and cleanly. geez….
Hi Nat … thanks for the report on the situation on the ground … am halfway around the world … and the reports I am getting on the internet just makes me so damn angry!
The crackdown was VICIOUS! Worst I have ever seen by the M’sian police. It was insane!
Makes me so helpless witnessing it from so far away. I have family and friends that were tear gassed.
And I’m asking WHY? It was a peaceful gathering. Indians were marching for our rights – all we wanted to do was to call attention to the discrimination of our community by the government – unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, religious oppression. We’re citizens of this country too – and all we want are our rights as CITIZENS that the goverment has been denying us for far too many years.
The police did not have to resort to such violence – tear gas was fired 30 times! – we live in a police state.
I read the reasons you went for the march – as one Malaysian to another – thank you.
Nat,
Next time bring a towel, soak with water and cover your mouth and nose. Also bring some salt. That helps… :)
Was watching the news on Al-Jazeera early in the morning with an increasing sense of horror and outrage. Bravo for your courage and for being there – and reporting, especially for those of us who couldn’t be there for one reason or another.
Thank god no one lost their lives in this incident. In the face of such a brutal crackdown by the police, all of you who were there are heroes in my books. All heroes.
If Mkini’s figure 30000 is believable then the new Mlaysia is in the horizon.
the next time we don need for soap or towel [deleted]…………………………. police r suppose to lead the marchers!
[...] You should also read Nat’s encounter with tear gas. It pretty much sums up my first experience with tear gas and water cannons the last time around. Hindraf Rally Report [...]
Glad to know that you’re safe Nat.
10,000 demonstrators v 1000 police
I’m wondering if we could restrain those plainclothes policemen next time? hahaha….. that’ll teach them = )
glad to hear ur safe
[...] is having a peaceful assembly in town. There were reported at least ten thousands people gathered there. Most likely the newspaper will not bore you with all the pictures of police brutality and use of [...]
[...] Hindraf Rally Report [...]
When we were fighting for our independence from the British, I really doubt the British treated Tunku Abdul Rahman & co with police brutality and tear gas. After 50 years of independence, it is indeed sad to see our fellow Malaysians being subjected to such brutality.
50 years … were we ever free???
OMG, hope you’re all right Nat. At least you’re safe tho.
[...] got updates from Nat. He got tear-gassed. Read his account here. I headed straight home to catch up on news. Al Jazeera tried their best to present a balanced [...]
Hi Nat, It was good to read your report from the other side of the Twin towers.
We wanted to leave early morning at 6 am by LRT but we tried our luck to go to KLCC at 3 am instead, and the only police block near jln ampang only questioned why so many Indians gathered together in This area.
But the sight of FRU trucks by the dozens put a fear in our hearts but we stayed in a restaurant nearby KLCC.
We heard stories of FRU blocking the gates of Batu Caves and causing problems there..
(can they do that? since the court order is for the British Embassy)
We walked at 6 am and moved to KLCC park, people were gathered but reluctant to move forward.
The next thing you know There is tear gas in KLCC park and the FRU canon being placed at the far end that leads towards jalan ampang, blocking the way.
It even sprayed the water towards people. A police car menacingly drove past the crowd..
By this time, we were very sure there was no way ahead so we went to the opposite entrace of the Twin towers. A very big group gathered here.
The lawyers arrived about 7.30 and gave some speeches, explained about the memorandum.
They said we will move at 9 am sharp to the embassy.
Meanwhile we took photo’s and more speeches were made.Mahatma Gandhi’s posters were distributed and everyone was encouraged to be peaceful as it was a peaceful assembly. The memorandums were collected during this time.
at 8.45 the FRU started to spray the canon towards the crowd but it was too far away to reach them, so people were asked to sit down and stay calm, the next moment tear gas cannisters started flying into the crowd. Its my 1st experience too, so I was taking video but didnt realise it would sting so much! everyone started screaming and running towards the opposite direction.
2 of my friends who were girls got trampled by the crowd. I thought I was choking and dying and running with the crowd with no idea! I was looking for a source of water and before I knew it the pain was reduced in my lungs and my nose, the tears washed away the irritant in the eyes.
The crowd pulled back, asking people not to leave and everyone was angry and we turned back towards the trucks. after a few more trial runs, we got more confident on facing the gas cannisters but I tried my best not to get hit by the water cannons.
The lawyers gathered the group, waved a white flag and walked again towards jln ampang, a big group marched behind them.
The FRU seemed to let them pass until the junction and without warning they attacked the group with water cannon and the whole group split into 2 with most of them into jln ampang! We had to run and hide behind cars and high pavements to avoid being hit!
when we moved to jln ampang, The FRU truck moved into KLCC and pushed the crowd further back and stopped in the middle. The group in front of KLCC had to retreat with no way out!
We were pushed back from public bank to BSN and further back to The Zouk within the next one hour..
We never started the offensive, I was angry but I could only run!! The lawyers started having a series of talks while the FRU kept pushing us back making us run helter skelter!!
The crowd got bigger and bigger and jalan ampang towards Jln Raja Chulan was full of people. after another hour of various attempts. I think the FRU must have fired in total about 150 cannisters of tear gas with 5 to 6 in each round!
at 11.30 The helicopter hovering above started to come closer to the groud but thanks to the trees it was only able to stop the talks with the noise it made. People were jeering at the helicopter.
The lawyers intructed the people to disperce peacefully as it only causes more trouble on the people by staying there and inviting more trouble from the FRU & Their Cannons and tear gases..
even as we were dispersing, the FRU truck chased after us all the way to Jln Raja Chulan.
We had to make a big turn towarsds KLCC before returning home.
With regards
Salute to all Indians who have bravely marched out there today. Mr.Samy it is time for you to come out from your dream world and step down for good…people do not need you anymore to represent the indian community.
I am very shocked and upset by police bruitality. We have not done anything wrong.Why is the government threatened by the action of the innocent poor Indians?
Good Question .. Bad Answer…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlWmafBG1Mo&feature=user
the biggest cowards are those who beat those who are already down. my heart goes out to the hindraf movement , esp when i realised they had to call attention to their plight by going the whole attention-getting way.
deiiiiiiiiiiii…..SAMY VELU…..(HINDRAF)….pere kettale summma athurudhelle…….ape?sudah takut ah…? salute macha…..indians VALGE….THIS IS THE TIME FOR US TO FIGHT FOR OUT RIGTHS……MALAYSIAN INDIANS ARE ALWAYS THE GREAT……
I was there witnessing the whole event unfold. Never in my life i have seen Indians unite to voice unjustice to the community. Indians always have been law abiding and reserved ones, even been so bloody loyal to the Barisan lead government! This whole police brutality is uncalled for… could be avoided if they just allowed the organisers to hand in the petition to the British Embassy. Is this 50 years of independence stands for????? Today, i felt the indians have been awarded with brutality for 50 years of loyality and hard labour they have done for this country! The most disheartening of all, our own kind i.e MP Devamany (Cameron Highland) & the so called champion of indian community Samy Vellu, spoke against the very own people who brought them to power!!!!!!!!! Disgusting! As for my fellow malaysian (chinese & Malay)… don’t be fooled by racial slanders…. this is not about racial thing, its about some elite keeping the majority in poverty. Unite to make every malay, chinese and indian equal, united and respected. We stand united for independence… lets unite again to stand for ONE MALAYSIA! As far as i am concerned, Malaysia is only truly MERDEKA when each one of us dicard our racial divide and unite as MALAYSIAN and stand for equality! sorry for being emotional, I love this country can’t stand doing nothing when few in power are turning it another Myanmar!!!
What will be, will be. It was expected. The air around Zouk still had bits of lacremator in it… I was walking at about 2:30pm from Dang Wangi LRT to KLCC.
S.K Devamany….i neva eva think that those words can come out from mouth…seriously….we all hurt deeply by ur words….i m ur formal smc student…..i tot u can really stand for indian community……no respect for u starting from this point….inimelum vesyam pottu pavepatte inthe samutayatai ematre vendam…!!!!plzzzzzzz
tamilan endru sollada talai nimirthu nillada….!!!! now i proud to be a tamilachi….finally they had unite …..this prove that indians can do anything if they unite….valge tamil…!!!! vidiyal vegu thuram illai…..!!!!!!!
mannil naam sinthiye oru sottu rattam kude vinage poovatillai……kadavule innum un nenjin oru ooratil eeram irukumanal enggalai kai vidathe….believe me….something going to change….evry changes started from a revolusion…now its ur turn…..thamizha vidiyal vegu thuram illai…kothitu elu….mare tamilan ethai kandum anjatavan endru sangge mulanggatum….!!!!!!!!
what was horrible when the FRU just sprayed the chemical laced water canon in full force at the crowds, how the heck were they supposed to disperse, when there was no LRT either from Ampang Park or KLCC!! Police too should use their brains, no buses, no trains, how to disperse!!
TV 3 showed police hurt, while we pray for their speedy recovery, what about those people who suffered asthma attacks and breathing difficulties from the chemicals?? why only one sided coverage we ask?
Ofcourse as Nat earlier said, definitely Semi (of absolutely no value) has his panties in a twist!!
sure he did not realise that his garners hardly any support now.
Nat, that was a great report from ground zero.
All the elements for Malaysia to be classified as a “Police State” were displayed by the fascist Malaysian Police, and others with them wearing plain clothes who could have been Plain Clothed Police, hired thugs, gangsters, or whatever.
The Malaysian Police do not deserve to be addressed with the honorific prefix “Royal” after their brutality today.
Now the whole world know the true face of the government of Malaysia.
Power to all the people of Malaysia.
Defeat the fascist BN in the next election.
Free and fair elections, equality and justice for each and every citizen, full human rights, freedom and true democracy must be the goal.
Thank you for bearing witness. On one hand the brutality of the police and the FRU was totally unneccessary but in truth it was needed to show the depths that the authorities will descend to to assert their power and arrogance. The mainstream news bulletins showed footage of bloodied demonstrators and the damage at Batu Caves. Since no mainstream media will carry the truth of the march, eyewitness accounts like yours of the peacable intentions of the demonstrators should be disemminated. I only hope and pray that the callousness shown to fellow Malaysians will not spark off any racially inspired incidents in retaliation. . There are many Malays out there who have great respect for their fellow citizens regardless of ethnic origin and we do feel that the days of affirmative action policies are numbered. Let us all work collectively for the benefit of all groups. PEACE
good show, well done! perfect display of democracy the malaysian way. the world now sees you for what you are – imbeciles! and what a lot of waffling from the pahang MP. next time round, bring him and nazri along, hand them a microphone and all would be incapacitated – ROTFL, with tears and all. no need for muscle, chemicals or tear gas canisters.
Tsk tsk. In their blind arrogant panic BN are making every WRONG MOVE possible! I’m proud of all Malaysians who walk in open defiance of a corrupt and false authority. Reclaim our beloved country from samseng rule!
it seems that hindraf did not prepare the participants well. Bersih did by reminding us to go with towel, water and salt. But Bersih was safe by rain. Yes, rain. The rain make the gas less painful.
keep up the good work. but make it a peaceful one. n do not go to racial slur like ketuanan melayu etc, it is more of the BN issue.
rgd
Big salute to all indians marched out there today!!! It was awesome and truly courageous. The government and police feared the rally will become violent but the whole world know now who was violent out there. Police came out to defend “public safety” with water cannons, tear gases, batons and shields to prevent violence against “fully armed” public who came with banners and MALAYSIAN FLAGs!!!. Hats of to all the 30,000 brave indians out there today and to all Malaysians who supported it.
50 years of Merdeka. Well, we had a great celebration today with chemical water and tear gases thrown at Malaysians who just wanted to voice out. This is the Merdeka that we Malaysians have now. Clearly shows the extend of our BN led government can do to keep us as their slaves.
I guess its time for us, all Malaysians, to be unite and throw BN out in the next general election. May be its impossible as BN already has “perfect and fair” election system in place. At least deprieve them the 2/3 majority.
I am proud to be an indian for the way we unite today. Let us keep this unity as long as possible. We really need it.
ask bloody najib, whats their problem?
Totally support your position on why u attended – proud of Malaysians like u! When oppressed minorities are trying to speak for themselves they surely deserve support.
50 years ago..we did it from British…
Now after 50 years..we need to do it again but from UMNO led goverment…
[...] read more about this here: sagaladoola harisibrahim nat [...]
Brave unite indians thanks a lot. ACHAM ILLAI ACHAM ILLAI UCCHI MEEDU VANAM ULUNTHA PODILUM, ACHAM ANPATHU ILLAIYEL. GREAT WORK TODAY.
HINDRAF Rally of the Marginalised (Videos and Pics)
I salute those who were there….
I hope more to come…
bravo to the lawyers… u guys r gr8…
mr.samy vellu(black japanese grass head)… its alredi time for u either step down or better dissapear….
[DELETED]
[...] http://jelas.info/2007/11/25/hindraf-rally-report/ [...]
It’s the absolute Truth on wastage of fund
In 2004, Morgan Stanley issued a report that estimated that over USD 100 Billion
(360 Billion Ringgit) had been lost to Malay patronage in the 20 years preceding 2003.
(1984 to 2003) One economist estimates that in the 36 years of its’ existence, the NEP
has been used to channel over ONE TRILLION RINGGIT to the Malay community
through ASN, ASB and other related Govt policies.
Since 1970, the Govt has used the NEP to divert education, employment and every
other conceivable benefit to the Malays. These measures have largely been successful
with all the top posts in GLCs, Government, Universities, Public listed companies and
practically every single area that the Govt has any control over being reserved for one
race. No company may be listed with a lower than 30% Bumiputra equity but there is
absolutely no problem if it is otherwise. Some industries have a mandatory 51% Bumi
ownership and some industries are reserved exclusively for them. Petronas for example
only employs Malays for it’s top managerial and executive positions and awards
contracts only to Malays.
ALL Govt and Municipal contracts are reserved to class “F” Bumi contractors. All the
proposed projects under the 9th Malaysia Plan thus far are reserved for 100% Bumi
owned companies. Even open tender projects are awarded to Malays even if their
prices are higher with blatantly inferior materials. Micro business loans, business
licenses, discounts on property purchases, new Govt employment, EVEN LICENSES
FOR HAWKER STALLS are reserved for one race. The list goes on and on but the
summary is that the Malays now believes undoubtedly that he is racially privileged and
it is their right ASLI’s figures of 45% are opposed to the Govt’s 18.9% because, firstly,
equity value is calculated at par value. For example, if you hold 1,000 Maxis shares of
RM 5.00 market value each, the Govt says that it is only worth RM 250.00 as these
shares have a par value of 25 cents each. If you owned a company with a paid up
value of RM 2/- but conducted business worth millions of Ringgit worth of transactions,
the Govt values that company at RM 2/-.
The chief setbacks of the abuses of the NEP are rampant corruption and cronyism,
worsening racial polarization, unrelenting brain drains, warped educational system,
thwarted economic competitiveness, ineffectual bureaucracy, retarded economic
growth and perverted social values. Such anachronistic and regressive policy has no
place in the present globalizing world, and for that matter, in any civilized society.
PM Badawi recently intensified the imprint of the perverted NEP philosophy by
prohibiting inter-religious and inter-racial discourse which would otherwise have
contributed to g reater understanding and harmony among the races. Consider the
hegemony this has created….
The Jasin MP’s saga of cheating millions from Customs over timber imports went
unpunished. APs are reserved for Bumis only and despite the millions that each of
them make year after year, a senator’s son has the audacity to clone the APs several
times and the whole thing gets swept under the carpet.
A Port Klang councilor buys a 43,000 sq ft plot of land set aside for low cost housing
valued at RM1.8 million for180k and builds a palace without any approval. He gets
fined RM 5,000 and still has 30 days from today to submit his building plans. Despite
all the bad press this issue got, the Selangor state Govt confirms his position and that
of his son and daughter in law as councilors. The message is clear. Power has shifted
from the people to the executive.
The whole issue of Bumi chauvinism started at last year’s UMNO assembly when the
very very vocal UMNO Youth leaders stated in short that “It’s our turn to be rich.”
This greed is not going to end. We, as a nation of loyal citizens have to put a dent into
this rubbish for the sake of our children.
We don’t need a change in Govt. We need a stronger opposition. We need to send a
message to the powers-that-be that we will not accept second class status for our
children.
THINK CAREFULLY. VOTE WISELY.
So, are all Malays going to be automatically deemed as ‘racist’ in our own country? What about the ‘Malay’ men and women in the street who are just trying to get by, trying to raise a family and earn a living peacefully? Are our rights to lead a decent life going to be taken away from us because we are ‘Malays’? But then again, why am I even asking these questions? It’s quite pointless in the face of all these ‘intellectuals’ who have hidden agendas and self-absorbing objectives…hey, let us all unite and destroy this beloved country. I’m sure all of us would be welcomed with open arms elsewhere.
Dear Anak Malaysia Tulin,
If what you commented were only the truths, I have no objection, none so whatever, to the trillion well spend on uplifting the welfare of the poorer Malays. If what you commented were true, we would not have so many problems today. What you commented are only half-truths because the bulk of the trillions only lined the pockets of a few politicians, their friends and families. Even worse, the present crops of warlords are not even from the families of the humble Malays who fought for Merdeka without any thot of economical returns. These warlords are simply carpet baggers who capitalised on a posthumous condition after M13. Please do no insult Malays with a jejune generalisation. We need each other for the future. Get real please.
Excellent write out and Photos.
We must have truth of what the Present Government doing.
They is marginaliase of minority people in today senero. We must have change of government.
Stanley
hi … i was really suprised with what happened yesterday (sunday)…. whereby i saw how cruelly the innocents was treated. i was there around 8.10 am standing with the crowd waiting for the crowd to gather and march from klcc towards british embassy. The protester was just waiting patiently in the crowd til the fru and the police starts to fire the tear gas and water towards us. we who were innocents been treated like ‘dogs’ by chasing us. what we wanted to do was just to give support to show our commitment towards the petition raised. was it wrong? if the authorised did not starts to fire the teargas and water and let the crowd to go in peace definitely all would have turn smoothly. since they are the one who started to attack and now they are blaming the group for goin again authorised… is it fair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The whole world had now seen the ugly side of our country, so my dear leaders don’t ever claim that we are living peacfully in a multi racial country….the whole now knows it is a mere lies……
[...] http://jelas.info/2007/11/25/hindraf-rally-report/ [...]
[...] http://jelas.info/2007/11/25/hindraf-rally-report/ [...]
Dear all,
Firstly, i’m not an indian, but a truly Malaysian. I have been keeping myself well informed of BERSIH and HINDRAF rally. Gov actions have just made things worst. It sad to see the police and FRU over-reacting over this march since last week with the police block and all that. Wat a nuisance!!!
I hope my brothers and sisters who has marched are in good health. Special thanks to Nat for relating his story to us. I’m sorrry, i was not there, but certaily wished to be.
We need to spread the word. Tell ppl, especially the educated or computer literates to visit this blogs. Lots of interesting articles or reads are written. The truth i would say and not the crap that is written in the news paper. Then it’s our duty to tell the ppl in rural areas about the situation here. Advise them. They are easily manipulated with the BN sweet talks and the our NO GOOD news paper.
I dont own a blog, cause i know jack shit about writting but i certainly enjoy reading it. I’m not attached to any political party either, but the remark made by MIC that this is a political agenda makes me sick. If you cant support your own ppl, atleast dont make remarks like that. Well, i do!! I think we all should vote them out and give the other party a chance. We may be wrong, but i think our present govt is no better.
TIME TO CHANGE
Guys, i’m still recovering from yesterday. Got back lastnight. I’m really proud of the brave people and it was AWESOME.
I left at 6 am by LRT. There was police block near Jln Ampang. Never saw so many Indians gathered together in one area. Had teh tarik at a restaurant nearby KLCC.
At 7am I moved to KLCC park, there were a lot of people gathered here. Suddenly there was tear gas in KLCC park and the FRU canon had moved and was placed at the far end that leads towards Jalan Ampang and thus blocking the way.
There was was no way ahead so I went to the opposite entrace of the Twin towers. A very big group had gathered here by then.
I got a Mahatma Gandhi’s poster by someone I dont know. This was nice because a sense of a peaceful assembly was encouraged.
At 9 the FRU started to spray insecticide towards the crowd , people just sat down and were very calm, the next moment tear gas cannisters started flying into the crowd and all hell broke lose and people started screaming and running towards the opposite direction.
I saw some people got trampled by the crowd. I myself was choking and was looking for water to wash my eyes and luckily someone gave me a bottle of mineral water to wash my eyes. By now the crowd had pulled back. I was telling the crowd not to leave and I could see people were getting angry and were throwing back at the police the gas cannisters.
I walked again towards Jln Ampang with some lawyers, I think, and behind us was a big group marching.
The FRU allowed us to pass until the junction, but suddenly, without warning they attacked us again with water cannon with insecticide laced. By now the whole group had split into 2 with most of them in Jln Ampang.
In Jln Ampang, the FRU truck moved into KLCC and pushed the crowd further back and stopped in the middle. The group in front of KLCC had to retreat.
I was pushed back from public bank to BSN and further back to The Zouk by about 10.
By now the crowd had got bigger and bigger all around Jalan Ampang towards Jln Raja Chulan . There was full of people here. The FRU was getting trigger happy and was firing cannisters after cannisters.
By 11.30 a helicopter was hovering above us and it was impossible to hear anything as the helicoperter was so close to the ground. People were jeering at the helicopter.
By 12.30 we dispersed and while dispersing, the FRU still continued to chase the peaceful crowd all the way to Jln Raja Chulan.
The Malaysian govt (BN) is not even Middle class.. they are a class below that… and yet we claim we want to be World class… esp look at point no. 24 (they not only drive fear but try to drive terror)….
25 Differences Between World Class & Middle Class
1. The Middle Class competes . . . the World Class creates.
2. The Middle Class avoids risk . . . the World Class manages risk.
3. The Middle Class lives in delusion . . . the World Class lives in objective reality.
4. The Middle Class loves to be comfortable . . . the World Class is comfortable being uncomfortable.
5. The Middle Class has a lottery mentality . . . the World Class has an abundance mentality.
6. The Middle Class hungers for security . . . the World Class doesn’t believe that security exists.
7. The Middle Class sacrifices growth for safety . . . the World Class sacrifices safety for growth.
8. The Middle Class operates out of fear and scarcity . . . the World Class operates from love and abundance.
9. The Middle Class focuses on having . . . the World Class focuses on being.]
10. The Middle Class sees themselves as victims . . . the World Class sees themselves as responsible.
11. The Middle Class slows down . . . the World Class calms down.
12. The Middle Class is frustrated . . . the World Class is grateful.
13. The Middle Class has pipedreams . . . the World Class has vision.
14. The Middle Class is ego-driven . . . the World Class is spirit driven.
15. The Middle Class is problem oriented . . . the World Class is solution oriented.
16. The Middle Class thinks they know enough . . . the World Class is eager to learn.
17. The Middle Class chooses fear . . . the World Class chooses growth.
18. The Middle Class is boastful . . . the World Class is humble.
19. The Middle Class trades time for money . . . the World Class trades ideas for money.
20. The Middle Class denies their intuition . . . the World Class embraces their intuition.
21. The Middle Class seeks riches . . . the World Class seeks wealth.
22. The Middle Class believes their vision only when they see it . . . the World Class knows they will see their vision when they believe it.
23. The Middle Class coaches through logic . . . the World Class coaches through emotion.
24. The Middle Class speaks the language of fear . . . the World Class speaks the language of love.
25. The Middle Class believes problem solving stems from knowledge . . . the World Class believes problem solving stems from will.
I am proud that my brothers and sisters took to the streets to fight for something they believe in. My only regret was that I was not there with them during what I believe is their greatest hour.
The street demonstration was indeed reminiscent of the great Mahatma’s movement, where the concept of ahimsa was immortalised and swayed the British on their high horses. If indeed 50 yrs ago the alliance of multi-racial people in Malaya were permitted to protest peacefully against colonial rule, a historical event that lay the very foundations of what we call Malaysia today, then why this street demonstration failed to obtain a permit by the police is beyond my faculties of reasoning.
If scores of FRU can be deployed to disperse the crowd then why not use the same number to control a peaceful rally instead of deeming an illegal street demonstration. I have refused to believe until now that the Government was lacking in democratic processes to uphold the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, my naivete may stun many but allow me to convince you that that foolishness has seeped away with the tear gars and chemicals that were sprayed so unmercifully at the many people who were gathered to ask rightfully for an equal chance of livelihood.
But I am equally confused by claims of the IGP that Indians were caught breaking into Batu Caves and damaging temple property.
What kind of God-fearing Hindu will risk damnation by committing such acts of sacrilege?
Why spread such malicious lies?
Who was it that torched the tourist bus with a Molotov cocktail?
I say seek out the turncoat and surrender him to the police, he deserves no less. His actions have brought disrepute to Indians and discredited the good people who came together peacefully and show that we are capable of being civil and respectful.
On the flipside, if those lies were being spread by the propaganda machinery within the Government, then these are the end of days for those perpetrators who will sell out their own kin to secure their advancement and promotion.
I hope there’s someone out there who can disprove all these claims of arson, mischief and vandalism. One mammoth task is done, let’s be sure to clear our names from these preposterous accusations. Let history speak the truth and not be manipulated to serve some politician’s pipedream.
To the elected representatives of the Indian community, and the members of the party that claims to hold the trust of the Indians, your time is nigh.
Where were you when your brothers & sisters were being abused and treated violently?
Where were you when you were supposed to mediate and bring calm to the authorities?
Who are you to criticise when you do not have the courage to speak up?
Why are you there in those high-backed chairs of Parliament in the first place?
Please don’t tuck tail and cower in the presence of those who are no more powerful than you deem them to be. You have the voice of the Indian community to back you, but only if you can prove that you are worthy of such support.
I also ask the Indians out there who have reached a position of financial freedom and comfort, speak out or at least stand out and show your support. There are many ways to do so. Ignoring the issue will not make it disappear as the seeds have been sown and like it or not you are also on the pointed end of the finger. The cause is just. The reaction was excessive and undeserved. The conclusion… it’s up to us, since there’s nobody out there who gives a damn.
What started out as a rally to hand over a petition to the British Government, an act which has no bearing on Malaysia as it is, has now snowballed into an international debate about the human rights and fundamental freedoms granted to the minorities in this country.
There are those who worry about the view investors will form when reading/viewing such demonstrations but they forget the concerns that are being raised about how an elected government looks after its minority people.
Nat, rest assure the sweat, tears and blood that was spilled on this day will not go unnoticed. The world is watching how “democratic” our government is and how Malaysian’s are seeking for better leaderships and fairer policy in nation building.
Good job bro!
Syabas HINDRaff.U had done a great job.I would always pray to god adn meditate for your success.Keep it up.
Valga Tamilan.
MIC sucks.Samy Vellu sucks.Demolish BN and UMNO.
Badawi useless.
[...] Nat’s eye-witness coverage on the event. You might weep after reading this one, due to the amount of tear gas used in the story… [...]
Smelled the gas, ran with them, roast under the sun with them, talked with them, did it all and proud of it :)
Can anybody confirm if a bus was really torched in Batu Caves? Cos didn’t see any photos even from the mainstream media on the torched bus.
If i can go, i will.
Syabas Hindraf and all the tamil makkal and non tamils who joined the rally . Yes , like many , my regret is that i was not there …
syabas Hindraf leaders and all joined rally on sunday. I proud when see a big growd there. I believe utaya, wethamoorthy, ganabathy rao, seevanesan, and all lawyers “sivanin maru avatharam.” Congratulate but take care becouse we afraid that some looking closesly to do treat your people. We always pray for your people life. May good siva bless Hindraf and there supportest…..
SYABAS HINDRAF! And kudos to all who were THERE!! If the BN government don’t as yet realize what PEOPLE POWER will achieve at the next general elections – God help them!
Malaysians may finally wake up! Badawi has been absolutely useless! He has failed the Rakyat. It was our hope that he would quickly clear up the social, economic and political wreckage left by his predecessor. But alas that was NOT to be so! Instead he took the easy route – in what he must have imagined was the only way to keep himself in office. It is obvious that this will backfire – it is what will – surely – throw him and the great BN pretenders out of office. HURRAH to Malaysians!
[...] blogger describes his first experience with tear gas on Jalan Ampang: I was near the front, and inexperienced with tear gas, so it caught me a little [...]
The Malaysian government has all along used the ISA to oppress the minority. History will confirm that opposition politicians having been tortured. Why would they want to stop that game now when it favours the Bumiputras? It will take the international community to halt this oppression and torture. The government uses ISA for the so called sedition charges and yet deploys police to supervise demolition of Hindu temples and other places of worship. We know your ulterior motives but please stop telling the world your half cooked lies. The MIC dummy, Samy Sallah should be a goner by now. Slowly but surely he made his wealth and betrayed the Indians. There are his cronies who all should be kicked out. Finally, good on you guys for standing for your rights- we are with you.
When the people rose up, people who are not afraid to be shot at, beaten, people weo are not afraid to go to jail, no tyrant can remain standing for long.
The people of India, led by a non-violent Ghandi were able to prevail over the mighty British Empire.
The people in Manila drove the dictator out of the country.
May you, the people and HINDRAF prevail
It is my hope that all you people out there will be able to keep the momentum up at least until the next general elections. The 3 recent rallies were not just about race, religion, human rights or election rules – it was about PEOPLE POWER! It was to show that we can make a difference if we stick together. We really cannot allow the BN morons that run this country to continue swindling us. From the Prime Minister down – they need to be removed. From the despot Mahathir to the lame-duck Abdullah – from the frying pan into the fire!!
One thing is for sure- this morning, Dollah threatened to use the ISA to shut the RAKYAT up – that can only mean one thing – these guys are shittin in their pants! They are threatening to do what the despots in Burma did to their people and what Musharaff is doing to the Pakistanis. And yet our government claims they are a democratic one! What a load of codswallop!
KEEP IT UP MALAYSIANS – Lets show these monkeys who’s BOSS!!
Hey, all this while Malaysia was peaeceful because its citizens were tolerant. No one spoke up thingking that someday this will all go away and everything would become OK. There was a plan in the 80s to provide Extra benefits to the then backward natives of this country. But at the end of that 20 year time, the achievement was 0. The reason = poor management. Else, our Malay brother’s and sisters would have elevated sosial and economic status . Only god knows where all the money went. Has anyone ever thought of this : Each and every vehicle in Malaysia is charged exorbitant tax. Where did this money go ? No clue? Off course ! We’ve all been brainwashed to think that this is normal. In Australia a new BMW 325 costs about 45K AUD ~RM 130K. What does it cost here ? 300-400 K RM. Some Malaysian feel proud purchasing these so called expensive cars here. Actually, the value is far less and in Europe,US and the rest of the world STUDENTS drive those cars. U don’t have to be a Dato or VIP. VIPs drive Maybach, Bentleys and Lambos. This cannot go on. Are we so stupid or what ? By purchasing with such high tax u are just contributing to the government coffers, not payin fo the car. U can see that the depreciation is evident. If Proton was managed well it would be on par with BMW/VW/GM. Cummon, u own a design superhouse – Lotus. I never support racism or violence. Period. But when will this oppresion on general Malaysians end? The government only has to provide excuses for their mistakes. Sorry, MV Augusta was a wrong purchase. Sorry the waterfront City in JB was a wrong decision. We just fanchy sending someone to the moon. did we have any hand in the RnD and research ? No. just visiting….Just because you want to ensure growth of Proton you enslave all Malaysian to only National cars within their budget which you are very well aware of…that’s viscious….
Ppl, these are only a gist of thoughts running on each and every Malaysians mind…..
Why won’t they feel suppresed…..
I’m an Indian…but I feel for everyone…..in other countries PRs and Citizens get EQUAL rights. that’s justice. Everyone feels that the belong to the country and would like to contribute…..here….they only feel Oppressed….no doubt we are peaceful…this is only be cause we are tolerant and nice people who would rather sacrifice comfort for safety and peace…
Malaysian
Today, there’s alot of rubbish in the papers. They are telling us things. Nothing shows. The papers are all controlled. We are not stupid – We are experiencing all the non-privilages for the non malays. We have nothing against our Malay brothers and sisters. The governments policies are creating this rift. Why should there be MIC,MCA and BN. There should be no divide. Make it Parti Malaysia for all Malaysians. There is such a huge divide in the benifits and privilages and that’s why we are divided and ruled. Not united. The government set this bad precedence impeding racial unity. Whatca think ?
To Raja Petra: Education on the Malaysian Constitution.
With reference to your suggestion about instructing our school going children and the public at large on the Constitution of the country – I really cannot imagine why you keep coming up with these excellent suggestions and expect the powers that be to adopt them. You don’t seem to get it – good suggestions/programs and the BN government is an antithesis.
Any suggestion from the Rakyat that stands even a remote chance of being implemented must satisfy very specific criteria. For future reference I outline some of the criteria here:-
1) The first question that must be answered is “what’s in it for me?” And “me” here means the person with the power to implement any such suggestion and his/her cronies. If there is no avenue in the suggestion for the personal material gratification of those people, than any such suggestion won’t even receive a cursory consideration.
2) Very important : – You must find a way to make any good suggestion that you have, seem like it was the BN politician’s idea. In fact, you must quietly put the suggestion to him/her and let him/her announce it as if it was his/her brilliance that conjured the idea up. You putting these ideas on the net with your name on it serves only to guarantee that the idea will be consigned to the rubbish dump even faster than you could post it on the internet.
3) Then you must ask – will implementing the plan make him/her popular? Why bother if it isn’t going to further his/her political support? It is preferable if the plan or suggestion will benefit mostly the people of one particular ethnic group. If it benefits the Rakyat as a whole – then the political mileage to the politician in charge is less significant.
4) A very important consideration is also – will the plan/suggestion make the Rakyat more informed and therefore enable them to make better decisions? If the answer is “yes” then the plan/suggestion is doomed. How can the BN government continue to remain in power if we start educating the Rakyat?!! So don’t make such ridiculous suggestions please!
5) It will be a bonus if the suggestion or plan instills fear in the Rakyat. You must couch the plan in such a way as to suggest that if it is NOT adopted, then some imagined bogeyman will somehow harm the people or take their rights away or colonize them etc. That way, it is sure to have the support of the “majority”.
I hope that you will bear in mind the necessary criteria outlined above for future suggestions. If they do not fall within these parameters – don’t bother making the suggestion. Stop wasting your time and everybody else’s. Thank you. Have a nice day.
I would very appreciate if somebody can send me the original memorandum/petition (or its address link) by Hindraf. I just want to see by my own eyes the original version. send to my email yahuu_mailer@yahoo.com.my
Hi, I’m not sure about others of my religious, but Im proud to be Malaysian Indian. If we are being treated unequal, why there are many doctors, lawyers among our races?? any 1 can answer.?? I feel stupid after Hindraf do such thgs.
hi everybody…..
I’m a Malaysian Indian student studying in overseas as I have the money to study abroad….But what will those with not enough money do?? Only a small amount of Indian in m’sia are capable of spending money on their children’s education as they have the money…
To mention majority of Indians are still poor…they make their children study until secondary school…to pursue their higher studies, they highly depend on the government institution as they cant afford private education institutions…This is a known fact..
“Irmila”…What do u know about Indians is m’sia???….Don’t tell me the Malays have any problem in gaining good education… I know a lot of my Indian friends who highly depend on the government university after their STPM…when they list down a list of course they are interested in….Do know what is the result…”They’ll get a course which was the last on their list”..This is what they obtain..This is what normally happens..People who wanted to study acc..Will get some other course which is not at all related…All we need is education to bring up ourselves….when that education is not properly provided what else the Indians can do…A Malay student with lesser mark than a Chinese or Indian can easily enter the university without any doubt…”CAN U SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THIS?”
CAN ANYONE JUSTIFY THIS? WE WANT PROPER RIGHTS FOR GAINING EDUCATION…now only the Indian have been awaken to ask their rights
Thanks to HINDRAF for leading them …hope the government to appropriate action on this…
Next is about the police….How can they do so. Mixing chemical in the water to disperse the crowd… (DONT U HAVE A HEART?)….I don’t think it is necessary for the police to do so….even though it was said that it was an illegal rally….How can the police do so…?? Y no action on the police…
“The most important thing just ask yourselves what’s are your contribution to govt?” This is ur statement irmila…For ur information it’s the governments duty to look after the ‘rakyat’..not the rakyat’s job to look after the government….its the government duty to solve if there’s any problem in any of the community let it be Chinese ,Indian or Malay..
…irmila u don’t know the full story about what’s going on in the Indian community. so I guess u know what im trying to say…
dah org suruh bersurai ko taknak bersurai mmg la die kena berkeras…dok msia tau undang2x a mane bley buat perhimpunan haram…bukan aku nk bias ke ape tp tula realiti undang2x kat msia…pihak pembangkang pon kena camtu gak kalu diorang buat perhimpuanan haram ak bersurai, tak kisahla melayu, cina, india. let me tell u sth…ananda krishna and tony fernandes are among the two richest people in msia…how come u r saying that u indians r being oppressed? ur claims are mere lies and exaggerations…if u dont like it msia, wy dont we give u tickets to go back to india and never come back here (since u want the trillion pound compensation from the british..we might as well send u “back”). by doing tht u can compare which is one better then. thanks and goodbye!
Ever since the HINDRAF rally our ‘Beloved” gov leaders has been talking non stop regarding how this country is being fair to all of us, regardless of race. And they show some spineless chinese and indians giving interviews saying that we are betteroff than Malays and our same kind in India or China.
Yes Malaysia is equal and fair to everyone.. Indians and chinese can become police…but not Ketua polis Negara or ketua police negeri..can become doctor but not pengarah Hospital…..can become soldier but not more than colonel….can become lawyer but not Attorney general…can become municipal worker but not District officer…can become teacher but not headmaster in public school….can do business but not with the ir own licence….can buy house but not with 10% discount….can become minister but cannot voice out for their community in parliament…can become goverment servant but only to see bumi’s who joined after them with lesser qualification and lazy, to get promoted to higher post them…can become excellent students but only to the bumi’s getting professional courses with much lower qualifications. So our country is fair and equal to everyone… Malays who read this would know how true it is and please dont give me the crap that ‘dont spread hatred’. It is the goverment spreading hatred with all their biased policies. Tepuk dada tanya selera la ! Please dont go on and show some chinese, indians and Asli people dancing together to promote this country as in some of the Visit Malaysia ads. Also Please take note that in most of te ads , the chiongsam and saree worn women are Malays too. Being FAIR huh!!!
Come on lah..don’t gaduh2 lah..
let live in peace like before..
i don’t know what really happened, but just so you know; sabahans always kena PRANK of the kl-ians like, “does sabahans still live on trees?” and i`ll say YES! WE LIVE ON TREES WITH ELEVATORS.
indians, dont go around saying how sad you are or how good you are how you can make roti canai better than anyone else, cause people just dont care! are you saying that sabahans are stupid?
yeah we might not score the highest grades in history of orang pandai malaysia, but you`re putting Malaysia at risk. perhimpunan orang orang india kuat kunun, skali kna halau trip internet sebar yg tateda pla? what the hell man?
at least get a warrant before doing it, and if you cant face the time, dont do the crime? YEAH YOU GUYS DID NOT DO ANYTHING THAT INVOLVES CRIME, BUT THINK OF THE PUBLIC’S SAFETY, YOU MAY NOT BE KILLING OTHER PEOPLE, BUT YOU MAY NEVER KNOW WHAT YOUR INDIAN COUSINS MIGHT DO?
oh yeah and p/s im not an indian, im just saying cause you guys say bumi’s sucks, and me behalf of the sabahans, are not malays but we are still bumi’s.
and so, how come theres many indian doctors? and there are many sabahans as nurses and other jobs, but weee did not make any riots right?
just face it, you may not accomplish what others can, but are you expecting the government to give all of you the cool jobs? indians are smart, count how many degree holders in this country? jobless, i say; many . yeah hindraf, i thought that you guys are amongst lawyers ? i mean the big tauke tauke on top of hindraf
India stays clear of Hindraf
NEW DELHI: India, which has been courted by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), has somewhat distanced itself from the group after the Government said it had links with terrorist organisations.
India’s External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, when asked by reporters on an announcement by the Malaysian police that Hindraf was suspected of having links with foreign terrorist organisations, said yesterday that every government had its own way to fight terrorism.
I’m a Malay guy. i feel ver sad of what is happening now. c’mon guys…even USA has their own policies like our government. ive got a lot of indian friends who are well educated. they disagree of what the hindraf is doing..i think they are not educated…sorry to say this
I have not known any organizations in Malaysia as racist as Hindraf. They are good at stoking hatred an alienating bumiputras towards them. Because of Hindraf, I have started looking at all my Indian friends and neighbours with suspicions. Hindraf only fights for the Hindus, not for all the poor Malaysian. It couldn’t careless whether there are poor Sikhs, Mamaks and the rural bumiputras in Kelantan, Kedah, Sabah and Sarawak. Only the Hindus should be helped. I suggest that the government of Malaysia give all supporters of Hindraf RM50,000 to migrate and surrender their citizenship. Those citizenships could then be sold to all those who wanted to live in Malaysia for RM60,000. If 30,000 supporters surrender their citizenship, the government could make RM300 million profit. That money then could be used to help poor Indians to build their temples and to further their studies. It is a very fair, democratic and humanitarian scheme. And I wish the very best to those Indians who want to leave Malaysia. Who knows that the Queen of England might entertain them in her Garden party.
I note that very often it is questioned that since Indians are poor, how come that there are so many Indian doctors and lawyers. I know of many Indian parents who worked in plantations and used the EPF savings or even sell whatever small property they had to send them to India where it was cheaper to study. That means Malaysian Indians, studied at the expense of Indian tax payers and returned to Malaysia to offer their professional services. The Indian authorities rightly have slowly tightened admissions for noncitizens due to high local demads. It is the duty of the Malaysian Government to provide equal opportunities for all its citizens and the UMNO led government instead of rectifing the Apartheid policies, continues to threaten the use of ISA which ultimately is not good for Malaysia.
Dear brothers Khairul and Ismail, I’m your indian brother trying to enlighten u a little on our country’s racial status. Imagine we all are from the same family. If u dont want to consider i’m ur brother just imagine that we all staying under the same roof. Every day u, me and another chinese brother wake up to find that u r getting briyani and we get mary biscuit for food. or just imagine its your own family and try treating your kids in a biased ways for 2 weeks. Your children will start grumbling. but when chinese brother and me make some noise for being treated in a same way for 50 years u threaten me with ISA.Is this fair my brother…? How long this country’s peacefulness will last, if all of us living ill feelings and suspicion towards one another. Ihave had my open minded and hardworking malay frens complaining to me that this system is not fair. One of them who is gov. servant told me that She does more work than her colleagues but she got rewarded just like her other lazy collegues, just because they all are Malays. She actually resigned her job after that. If people of similar race feel this unfair how would we feel??? If u r a rational person please think.. put yourself in our shoes. Educated Malays should come forward and start the revolution of rights for everyone and show the world we have a mature and thinking society who does not condone any form of injustice to the society. They should fight to throw away all those unqualifieds who are sitting in high, higher and at highest posts just because they are bumi’s. They should write back our nations history which has been severely manipulated.
Dont keep asking us to pack up and go..just because the manipulated history u learned said that we all pendatang. Read the true history and dont live in DENIAL… Malays are pendatang too but came earlier than us.. Minangkabau..Bugis..Parameswara… whats their origin my dear brother. Tepuk dada tanya selera la….Some bumi putras came later than us just 30 -40 years ago … U know selangor chiefs father… Its ok just lets forget everything and fight for Bangsa Malaysia. Stop asking people to pack up.. Lets compete in a equal ground. Dont keep saying why so many Indian doctors… Majority of seats 95% given to Malays but half of them dont practice or quit early or join politics.. why?? The competent Malays are becoming endangered species due to all the privilige.
wake up malaysians why do you have to support liars and thieves who ripped off your freedom . if you want to lift up such people all the best to your future genaration . nabi saw says people who dont live up for the truth are KAFIR . UMNO its your iresponsibility that cause the problems the country is facing today. dont blame the people . you been entrusted for the well being of all malaysians . you fucked up by breaking the temples . no idiot will do that . if you wil allow imorals to govern this country then there s no bigger moron than YOU.
HIndraf rally is an example of the failing policy of the present BN in alleviating the poorer segment of Indian population, they have reached their breaking point in the injustice they face daily in Malaysia. Temple are destroyed every week in rubber estate settlement village to give way for big commecial interests,racist quota given to a particular race only in employment, education and housing, after all these years of living in poverty, they do not have much to lose now,
This IGP spreading lies about hindu protesters are violent and connected to terrorist among malaysian chineses and malay, we all know that our hindu brothers are peaceful and God fearing Malaysians, they are hoding Ghandi portrait and Malaysia flag to signify non-violence protest to have equal rights like other races and religious groups, why police have to brutalize them with tear gas and chemical lace water?
Pak Lah the time has come for you to walk the talk, since you claimed to be the P.M of all Malaysians.Now the Malaysian hindu demand equal and fair treatment, are you willing to listen and take corrective action?
This is an article i got from Malaysian Indian View
Please all u people who accuse Hindraf for falsely claiming there is ethnic cleansing in Malaysia, read this article and try to understand it. Then if u r a Malay ask yourself ‘is this a fair country’ and non malays wake up. No ‘final solution’ ethnic cleansing but…
A Keen Observer | Dec 7, 07 5:24pm
I write in response to the vigorous denials by ruling politicians and some Malaysiakini readers towards Hindraf’s claims of ‘ethnic cleansing’.
Societies do not leap from being non-discriminatory and egalitarian to the outright killing and extermination of ethnic minorities overnight. It is an evolutionary process that starts in small steps.
The initial phase is usually innocuous. It starts off with seemingly “noble” intentions including positive discrimination in favour of the group in power on various justifications such as socio-economic restructuring. However, the rule of unintended consequences usually means that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Once the perpetrators are allowed to get away with the initial measures, they can take it to the next level, including:
1. Restrictions on educational, employment and business opportunities for minority groups
2. Restrictions on language, cultural and religious freedoms on minority groups (including restrictions on the building of places of worship and recent calls to remove crosses from Christian schools by a local politician pandering to his religious constituency)
3. Encouraging the migration or destruction of the intelligentsia, including independent media, who are usually the first to oppose such policies
4. Ethnic or race tagging when dealing with government agencies for example, the insistence that citizens must declare their race in government forms and policies
In more advanced phases of this virulent condition, symptoms can include:
1. Ethnic or religious profiling in law enforcement
2. Complete domination of the government civil service and armed forces by the dominant power’s group, beyond its population proportions in the general community
3. The creation of underclasses and ‘ghetto-ed’ minorities
4. Outright religious persecution
5. Forced religious conversions
6. Vilification and demonisation of ethnic and religious minorities
7. The destruction of minority groups’ places of worship
8. Destruction of minority groups’ businesses
The Hitler- or Balkan-style “final solution” of outright killing and ethnic extermination usually takes years if not decades to happen. Ethnic cleansing does not require conscious planning by its perpetrators. The baser human tendency to divide our world view into “us” and “them” is enough to do the job. All it needs are populist or demagogue politicians who appeal to our false sense of racial patriotism (such as keris-waving politicians) and superiority.
Many ordinary German survivors of the Second World War struggled to come to terms with how they were foolishly-led by the Nazi regime into perpetrating some of the worst crimes against their fellow citizens. The ordinary German citizenry certainly did not start the 1930s with the outright ambition to rid the world of inferior races including Gypsies, same-sex couples and Jews. But by the end of 1945, over 20 million people perished as a result of the war, of which six to eight million were victims of race-hatred killings).
Yes, there is no ethnic cleansing of the Indian community in the sense of a “final solution” where outright killing occurs, as some of Malaysiakini readers have correctly pointed out.
However, no one rules out that the current and previous administrations’ policies, unwittingly or not, can become precursors to more advanced phases of ethnic cleansing. In fact, the political power base of the past and present administrations are based on the toxic twin ideologies of ‘Ketuanan Melayu’ and Islam ideology. It is extremely unlikely that the present administration can undo any of these policies without undermining its very own political power.
Hence, it is understandable why Hindraf has made these “outrageous” claims. When the final solution arrives, it is too late. Just ask the surviving African Sudanese refugees in Darfur or the Tibetan exiles today. It is too late to ask the hundreds of thousands of Tutsis who were killed in the Rwandan genocide, and the Bosnian and Croats killed in the Balkan wars. It is certainly too late to ask the millions of Jews, Gypsies and other minority groups killed by the Nazis in the Second World War.
MINDA become handy man for Samy. Boikot Minda.
All NGO agree to submit memo together but Minda playback all. Minda members – GO against them!!!!
Minda no minda.
hindraf,….tunjuk kuasa di pilihanraya. Bukan di Jalanraya.
[...] blogger describes his first experience with tear gas on Jalan Ampang: I was near the front, and inexperienced with tear gas, so it caught me a little [...]
[...] think my first full on experience of this was at Hindraf. I’ll never forget the feelings I had, being bullied by rabid cops over the course of a whole [...]