Dear Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and inspector-general of police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar
I would like to remind Mr PM and the IGP that Malaysia got independence by the mutual understanding of three races. All three races should be treated equally by the Malaysian government. Tunku Abdul Rahman and Abdul Razak Hussein requested and assured the Reid Commission that the Malay special positions would be implemented “only for 15 years, between 1957 and 1972, and after that all citizens shall be treated with equal status”.
The Umno-led government later manipulated and colluded with the British to make the provisions in Article 153, which govern the Malay special position, which are against the submissions and undertakings of the Reid Commission.
The country’s citizens and the world are watching how every case has been manipulated and delayed to act in favour of one race. Favouring wrongdoers is not a religious act nor constitutional law.
The citizens of Malaysia are becoming fed up with the current ruling system. The Umno-led government is funding racist organisations to target the non-Muslims. This has been disclosed by NGOs proudly. Mr PM, please let us know bravely what are you trying to do with this country by funding racist NGOs?
- Recently a road bully woman was given priority on radio channels and an Umno-funded NGO collected funds for the wrongdoer, who was charged in the court. You’ve been watching this and zero action was taken.
- On July 17, 2014 a Nezha deity statue standing more than 10 metres tall at a temple in Kampung Tembioh, Johor, was taken down allegedly because youth members of your party (Umno) weren’t happy, but the temple has existed since before independence.
- On July 10, 2014 an ustaz from SK Port Dickson allegedly hit an eight-year-old girl with a shoe. The teacher been transferred to another school but no arrest was made even though it was a clear child abuse case. Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), where is your action in this case?
- On July 22, 2014 a police investigation officer allegedly wrote on his Facebook that Indians are ‘paria’ and threatened to demolish Hindu temples. The police officer was transferred and PDRM failed to arrest him for making threats and committing sedition.
- On July 28, 2014 an ustaz (Shahul Hamid) allegedly insulted Hindu gods and goddesses, and at the same time he was stirring racial sentiments such as Muslims should not buy Indians product in Malaysia. Responsible citizens have made more than 100 police report around the country. Yet no arrest was made even though you have enough evidence.
Funding and keeping silent on every racist act by individuals and Malays NGOs will not bring harmony or extra support for your ruling government.
We Malaysians need an Anti-Racism Act urgently. If you fail to announce this soon, we will conclude that the whole team of Umno, IGP, AG and racist NGOs are working against peace and harmony and the marginalised communities.
SARAVANAN is a member of the Hindu Human Rights Organisation (Hindhor), Belgium.