Hindraf’s goals, noble but flawed. An Indian Malaysian pleas for solidarity
Art by CHUAN ZUI
By M. NITHIYANANTHAN
Looking out into the cold, damp and gloomy weather of northeastern United States, I fondly recall memories of Deepavali excursions into the homes of jubilant relatives. There were smiles, there were the customary oil lamps, beautiful kolam designs littering the ground, the constant chattering of gossipy aunts, and the jingling of bells that laced the feet of my female kin.
But this gaiety was smeared with tinges of economic strife, and political servitude.
I remember visiting an uncle in a cramped shantytown around the Sunway area, with the posh facade of an Egyptian shopping mall contrasting the rusty tin roof of my uncle’s humble wooden home. I remember the huge longkang we had to cross to reach his place, where piles of rubbish was dumped from the squatter settlement in which he resided, and how the stench of rotting trash and refuse sometimes wafted into his living room.
But on Deepavali nights, his home became an oasis among the forgotten of Malaysia, for he was surrounded by Malay and Chinese brothers and sisters, all struggling to live out the capitalist dream.
My uncle, now deceased, was a rarity. Though receiving no assistance from the powers-that-be, a stable job in the seat of a construction crane later allowed for a brick home to shelter his family, in a nice neighbourhood.
It’s a pity that the uniqueness of his story led to the rally we saw on Nov. 25.
As a privileged Indian Malaysian, I deeply sympathize with the back breaking poverty and marginalisation of the Indian underclass. I strive to understand their frustrations, and soothe their anger, only to be greeted by greater indifference from the powers-that-be. My dear Malaysian friends, the rally simply had to happen; if not now, then sometime in the near future. A traditionally complacent underclass had grown tired of their pathetic state, and bemoaned their powerlessness in their beloved country.
There were scenes of burly men with thick moustaches unabashedly bawling at the hopelessness of their plight and pictures of Indian youth walking defiantly into streams of chemical-laced water. The wanton demolition of their sacred temples had merely lit a long dormant reservoir of pain. But within this “black wave” there arose a truly magnificent sight; the Jalur Gemilang, adding, however imperceptibly, streaks of blue, yellow, white and red, to reaffirm our diversity. I ask my non-Indian friends to look at the rally in this light; of poor Indians desperately reaching out to their Malaysian brothers and sisters for help, realizing the need for a collective change that encompasses all Malaysians.
It was a plea for solidarity in a grand cause to completely remove all forms of marginalisation in our society, regardless of race. Their belief in the unifying philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi was a sign of their hunger for greater support from all races. The Indians were sending out a message: we need you Malaysia.
My principles are diametrically opposed to Hindraf’s modus operandi. I’m terribly skeptical of Uthayakumar’s Hindu-centric approach to not only aid the Indians, but also to transform Malaysia. Instead, a popular groundswell, embracing all faiths and ethnicities is what our country needs for tangible change.
Hindraf’s goals, though noble at first sight, are flawed in their communal thrust. But it would be a grave folly to simply see the Nov. 25 rally as an excess of Hindraf’s activism. I myself know of friends, Christians, even atheists, who took to the streets simply to vent their frustration at the socio-economic impasse in our country.
Many in the crowd did not believe in Uthayakumar, or even Hindraf, but they believed in Malaysia’s capacity for change, if only they showed their dissatisfaction. True, Hindraf has captured the imagination of many Indians, but the social energy that drove the rally in no way owes its origin to Hindraf. Moderate elements, of all races, must seize this opportunity to direct this incredible social energy towards larger ideals. To perceive this sudden explosion of Indian activism as a strengthening of communal divisions would be unfair, and a disservice to Malaysia’s true potential.
Ultimately dear Malaysian friends, people aren’t drawn to the streets, risking all they have, simply to sue the British government. No, that is simply not logical. They are moved to such lengths by deep-seated frustrations, and pent-up humiliation.
We can either choose to dismiss the event as a communal aberration, or we may seize the outstretched hand of the helpless Indian, and pull him into a truly noble cause. The future, my brothers and sisters, is in our hands.
This article was originally published on CEKU.
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M. NITHIYANANTHAN is a contributor for theCICAK.
M. Nithiyananthan is currently an economics student at Princeton University, New Jersey. He yearns deeply for Malaysia’s own Renaissance generation, and values, yet actively contemplates, secular humanist principles.
CHUAN ZUI is a graphic artist for theCICAK.
Zui is almost an Otaku but hates big-chested anime characters. He is a twisted weirdo because of his islander kiasuness, a result of living his early childhood in Singapore. Zui is an artist of few words. Visit his site.
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Comment of the week
I defend my right as a Malaysian to talk about anything that concerns Malaysia.
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Every time I watch this video, the desperation of one of the protesters never fails to move me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpXRCmBeupQ
I hear a lot of Chinese complain about discrimination from the government. I hear a lot of Malays complain about discrimination from the private sector. But if you compare the plight of both communities to that of the Indians, we are really very fortunate. What have the Indians got? Virtually nothing. As someone else has pointed out, if you take Ananda Krishnan out of the picture, 70-80% of the 1.2% equity held by ethnic Indians disappears.
I would not have attended the rally; it was too racialist, too communalist, and its ostensible goal too ludicrous, for me to support it. But the issue it raises - the plight of the most abandoned class of our society - is one we can’t shove under the carpet, as our government has so callously done.
I know people who have often opined that it will take nothing less than another May 13 to make us realise we can’t continue comfortably down the road of the status quo, and that it will be Indian violence which precipitates that May 13. A joke I often tell to explain this view: In Malaysia, a Malay problem is a national problem. A Chinese problem is a racial problem. An Indian problem, however, is not a problem. And as long as things remain that way, we will have simmering Malay anger, simmering Chinese frustration, but boiling Indian desperation.
I pray it does not come to that, but we have to realise that there is no such thing as a Malay problem, a Chinese problem, or an Indian problem. There are only Malaysian problems, and we have to solve them as Malaysians, not as Malays, Chinese, or Indians.
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I will admit to a few facts and state a few facts right here.
I do not support the rally in any way because this one was reasoned with pure BS.
Even BERSIH had the balls to be clear and say they wanted fair elections, whereas the reasoning for this protest was given as “the handing of a memorandum to the Queen”.
Call a spade a spade, folks.
However, there is no denying the fact that the Indian population is the poorest and most downtrodden among the major races of this country.
There is also no denying the fact that when it comes to temple demolitions, it is not religious biasness, but legal rights to land and the word of law that should be argued.
It is also fact that the 9th Malaysian plan caters for Indians, though as usual another race, with far richer people are getting a bigger slice of attention, even when I personally think we deserve less.
Would I want to see it as a “Malaysian” problem?
Yes and no.
Yes, I would like to see it as a Malaysian problem in that we should definitely strive for equal rights without racial prejudice.
No, however, in terms of statistics. To admit that we don’t need a racial breakdown of statistics would mean that the fact that Indians are, as a race, the poorest in the nation would be camouflaged.
I will say this, though.
Don’t blame those not involved for your plight. Don’t blame the King. Don’t blame the entirety of the Malay race, and don’t even think of blaming the police for mob control.
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Dear All reader,
After seeing thing happening in Malaysia it just like ‘there is indian saying’if lay down and spit in the air it will come back to your face,Can we look deep down insight the problem is very simple indeed,do it fair.It is like a story of a man when into jungle to chop wood,he was tried and thirsty he want to take zip of the water his axe felt in the pond.He was waiting for someone to help him? Just like that this our own country problem the rich is getting richer and the poor malaysian still the same place were they started,just like the voter.
If all the cabinet minister would do the job there will be no problem but this minister come into politic to do politrick with in this country.
Look at the Europe country they also do politrick but to other country not to they own.
If this would go on it has happen to saddam hussein it will happen here to we have see all this in own era.Never think a small group cannot do anything becareful.Fullfill the promise u make to the people who vote you everything will be fine don’t take site stand firm and be happy.Think of tommorrow any thing can happen….the ball in in your court.
jxc
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If your principles are diametrically opposed to Hindraf’s Hindu-centric approach, then, you should be also opposed to PAS’ Muslim-centric approach. If not, you are guilty of hypocrisy. Hindraf is very like PAS as both are communal parties, the former is Hindu-based and derives its support mainly from Hindu-Indian community, while the latter is Muslim-based and derives its support mainly from Muslim (Malay) community. Hindraf has rightly called the NEP as “Islamic Imperialism” as this policy is not to help any “race” but rather to help ensure the political, economic and social domination of the Muslims. The definition of “Bangsa Melayu” in our constitution is religious, and so a Chinese Muslim and Indian Muslim are legally Bangsa Melayu and thus given Bumiputra status.
Eventhough I am not a Hindu, I consider Hindraf goals as noble as A MALAYSIAN ISSUE! Any citizen of Malaysia who tries to dismiss Hindraf Nov 25 rally as “an illegal assembly”, “a racist rally”, or “a Hindu faith communal rally” are bigots who hate Hindu community to visible like the Muslim community. Communal politics can be religious. I am amazed that PAS condemns the Hindraf rally (a demonstration by kaafirs and munafiks) but defends the Bersih rally (a demonstration by Muslims and stooges for Islam). Such hypocrisy is typical of supporters of Islamic fascism (both Muslim and non Muslim alike).
I call every citizen of Malaysia to support HIndraf by voting against PAS (and its ally Keadilan) in the next general election. This is how you should vote:
1. BN vs. PAS ( Vote for BN; Never vote PAS as it seeks to murder murtads)
2. BN vs. PKR ( Vote for BN; Never vote for those associated to PAS)
3. BN vs. DAP ( Vote for DAP as we want a strong opposition)
4. BN vs. DAP vs. PKR (In three cornered fights, vote for DAP)
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Malaysia is rich with lot of right thinking people who like liberty and freedom. I like your postings. Having said that, you should know your enemies. The draw back of Malays are they are good at their heart and often fails to understand their enemies. I am an Indian citizen but I have a global perspective on the issue. Because I know who is behind HINDRAF now and how they are going to damage Malaysia’s social fabric.
Currently,the HINDRAF leaders are inspired or remotely controlled by India’s Hindu militant group, RSS. Their office in Jandewalan Street of Delhi is a notorious epic centre of hindu extremism in India.
The traces of their criminal saga didn’t end up with crime of the millennium, the killing of Mahathma Gandhi.
As you know, RSS is the inspirational force behind most of communal riots through out India which regularly target Minorities or other socially excluded hindu communities.
To Tamil Hindus, this leadership will gift more misery than you can expect. In an age were conflicts are solved more peacefully, the militant approach inspired by Hindutva will be disastrous.
Considering the RSS factor, I would say Malaysian police is right in its argument about HINDRAF’s association with global terrorism. Do you know why?
An American research centre has placed India’s ultra-nationalist Rashtrya wayamsewak Sangh (RSS) on its terrorist list. The East Virginia-based Terrorism Research Center (TRC) is closely connected to the American government and many of its directors and researchers have closely worked with US administrations and have taken part in research and planning for the US administration.
In the list of in India, the TRC has placed RSS under no. 21. It appeared on 9 September 2004 on the group’s website under the caption “Known Terrorist Groups Operating in India“.
For God’s sake don’t trust me, trace the movements of HINDRAF leaders through out India. Their actions should be a major concern to Indian immigrants around the world.
The blog has to say more about it.
http://escapefromindia.wordpress.com/
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[…] to the British Monarch” for millions in compensation for the Malaysian Indians. This article beautifully highlights the Indian plight and captured the essence of the issue. Ultimately dear […]
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Hallo Mr Pro-hindraf,
I STRONGLY BEG TO DIFFER WITH YOUR CYBERSPACE LOBBYING BASED ON YOUR STATEMENT AS FOLLOWS ; & MY REBUTS ARE ALL IN CAPITAL LETTERS;
i call every citizen of Malaysia to support HIndraf by voting against PAS (and its ally Keadilan) in the next general election.
comment ;
those who support Hindraf’s ideology should by right support oppostion parties irrespective whether the candidates are from Keadilan, DAP, PAS, PKR etc as the Hindraf’s mondus operandi is celarly against the principles of the ruling elite.
This is how you should vote:
1. BN vs. PAS ( Vote for BN; Never vote PAS as it seeks to murder murtads)
IN THE MALAY DOMINATED STATES, MALAYS GENERALLY SUPPORT PAS AS THE LOCAL THERE ARE QUITE REGIOCENTRIC IN THEIR MINDS & OPINIONS.
THE NON-MALAYS VOTERS SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID OF PAS GOVERNING POLICIES AS THEY DISPLAYED GOOD TRACK RECORD IN RUNNING KELANTAN SINCE 1990. ASK THE NON=MALAYS KELANTANESE THEMSELVES WHETHER NIN AZIZ & HIS CHARGES ARE AS BAD AS OTHER PARTIES USED TO POTRAY THEM. ARU U SURE THAT THEY R GOING TO MURDER THE MURTADS ??? THEY WOULD RATHER USE COUNSELING AS TO INSTILL CONFIDENCE TO THOSE WHO WANTED TO DEVIATE OUT OF THE ISLAM PATHWAYS.
2. BN vs. PKR ( Vote for BN; Never vote for those associated to PAS)
WHY NOT TRY TO VOTE FOR THE OPPOSTION. U NEVER KNOW UNTIL U TRY.? if election is held by today, Pas would win in Kelantan, trengganu, Kedah, Perlis and DAP in Penang.
Even if the oppostion were destined not to form the government, they could at least deny at least 2/3 majority. otherwise the ruling elite could steamroll any opposistion & resistance easily.
3. BN vs. DAP ( Vote for DAP as we want a strong opposition)
To vote for strong oppsition . vote for Pas, PKR and the rest.
4. BN vs. DAP vs. PKR (In three cornered fights, vote for DAP)
They should not be three conered fights, Opposition should not pit against one another and as the ruling elite would away as the clean winner & they are having the last laugh……if PKR were to square up with the DAP…..
Good attempt to conduct cybernet campaign, Mr PRO-HINDRAF…KEEP IT UP…
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Is the plight of the Indians(read Tamils) really that dire?
Can anyone give me reliable statistics of poverty and income level to let me form a conclusion? From what I see and experience the Indian Community is thriving economically, culturally and socially.
On what really is situation of the Indian Tamils in Malaysia today , in the words of the late Eusoffe Abdoolcader, are we just 4 visually impaired sages trying to describe a pachyderm?
I have lived amongst Tamils from my teenage years to living with one in blissful matrimony and apart from some of my neighbours and friends who used to lived in urban poverty, most are members of a thriving tamil middle class of professionals, blue collar workers and businessman. Even those whom I knew were poor then are now owning homes, cars and businesses.
At independence, 90% of the Indian Tamils were plantation labourers, what is the position today? Why are we concentrating on the percentage of Indians in prisons and other forms of detention vis-à-vis their make-up in M’sia’s population and not their percentage in the legal, medical and other professional and merchant community?
This Hindraf thing is nothing more than just a bunch of self appointed sages, blinded by ethno-heroism a la Sivaji, trying to pass off the derriere of the elephant as the whole beast and miss completely the majestic animal that consists the sums of all its parts.
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The author absolutely has a valid point when he claimes this rally was bound to happen some day. People can only take frustrations for a limited period of time and then they have to have their say.
What worries me most is the reaction of the government on this rally. It against human rights as they are accepted all over the world to deny people a podium to vent their frustrations. There is no real democracy without it.
I would like to ask all free spirits to have a look at the website and do something about it…
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