Malaysia 101: Should The PM Meet Hindraf & Settle The Problem?

25th November 2009 marks the 2nd anniversary of the unprecedented street rally by Indians under the now “banned but not crippled” organization called Hindraf in this country. Image source: Malaysiakini

It is little wonder why Malaysian politicians are laughing stock in and out of Malaysia.

See if you can pick the “180” degree turn in the following statements by the Nazri & Zam guy – Pak Lah’s usual “mouthpiece”:-

“But I personally feel that a meeting should not be held with Hindraf now as it means we are bowing to its threats.

Meanwhile, in Langkawi, Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin said there was no need for the Prime Minister to meet Hindraf.

He said Malaysians, including most Indians, who were upset by the group’s action, would not want Abdullah to meet the group.

Ok, this is the deal – Hindraf wanting to meet the PM to submit their concerns is not a “NEW” story.

They wanted to see the PM way back in August, way back before they decided to do a big rally in KL, way back before the peaceful protest turned “violent” and when temples were being demolished or harshly relocated without any concern. Heck, they even rallied in Putrajaya but the PM was “deaf back” then. The Government may not have agreed on all the 18 points of the memorandum but they should not have shunned these people outright.

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Hindraf also wrote letters to the PM on their concerns and was crying for help in the name of justice and equality but little was revealed to indicate whether the PM responded to the said letters. The “elegant silence” during the protest seems to say that the PM did not and it backed fire on 25th November 2007.

Hindraf rallied and wrote letters but there was no response – perhaps the Government was thinking about how to react and respond to Hindraf. But all hell broke loose when the State Government decided that it was “ok” to demolish a temple just before Deepavali, obvious to the feeling of the Indians who were preparing to celebrate Deepavali (even Samy Vellu seemed powerless to help out). Who are the Indians to protest anyway, or so they thought. The State Government just had to stir up the “hornet’s nest” didn’t they?

So, what’s next? Start a signature petition campaign as some CM from Penang suggested. Go begging MIC to “start preparing another half-yearly report” for the PM to “read” during his dinner time? Whom they are kidding here, right? After Bersih’s peaceful march in KL, a peaceful march by Hindraf seemed to be the next step.

It looks like it was the only way to go if the issues were to be brought to the attention of the public (and to the international community). Perhaps embarrassed or taken surprised by the consecutive street protests, the Government took a very hard stand on the protest. But Hindraf decided to proceed with the peaceful protest rally anyway – the Government indirectly opened a window of opportunity to “publicize” the rally even further – thanks to water cannons and tear gas.

Of course, after the “response” from the Government against the protestors and when more people started to question the Government and MIC’s inactions, the PM said that he was willing to listen to the concerns and put rest to the “lies” from Hindraf. Some said “It is about time” that the PM started to look into the issues and wanted the issue to be settled amicably.

So, Hindraf was back to round one of trying to meet up with the PM and now, 2 of Pak Lah’s ministers say that it is not necessary. Doesn’t it look stupid? You ignored the person in the first place but got a slap on the face when they decided to march up and bring up the issue in public. You try to do damage control by saying that you are willing to listen but keep dragging your feet. In the end, you say it is not necessary to meet up.

Probably that is why we are having street protests lately – The government has become so arrogant that it does not even have the courtesy or time to listen out on the issues from the public. All our “wakil rakyat” (people’s representatives) in the Parliament have ended up as “wakil parti” (party’s representatives). So, where else do the people want to convey their sentiments? The party’s wishes end up coated as “people’s wishes” when it is not!

And in between Kerismudin is looking for scapegoats, elsewhere to blame for the street protest – he should look at himself and his colleagues in the Cabinet.

Pak Lah, you are going to meet Hindraf and settle the issue once and for all or not? If you say no, then what Hindraf did to highlight the issue makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it? The ball is in your court, Pak Lah. Are you the PM for ALL Malaysians?

(By the way Zam, you are dead wrong! Malaysians, including most Indians, are upset about the Government’s actions – they want Abdullah to respond on the real issues and meet the group. Please don’t talk empty and waste the space in the papers. And please don’t misuse the word “Malaysians” for personal shortcomings).

You cannot go on an “ignorance” mode for too long.