The 31 Hindraf protesters who were denied bail by the Shah Alam Magistrates’ Court on the application of attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail clearly reflects how the Barisan Nasional government treats poor and weak rakyat.

It is very clear that these 31 protesters comprised of lorry drivers, students and labourers who merely wanted to participate in the peaceful assembly to support it and make the government realise that Indian Malaysians have been marginalised. Despite empty promises made at each election, they have faithfully voted the ruling party to power.

The fabricated charge of causing hurt to the police officer seems really absurd. The government and attorney-general has stooped so low in prosecuting these innocent people just to prove that they are strong, powerful and can do anything. From this episode, it is clear that there is no justice for the poor, ordinary rakyat. The rich and powerful can create any situation to cause harm to these poor souls.

Since meeting with Indian NGOs on Friday, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has agreed to advise the attorney-general to review the case and drop all charges against these innocent victims.

It is very clear that the rakyat need to investigate the grounds on which the attorney-general himself had to attend to these simple matters. He has many capable assistants but chose to champion an unwanted cause himself and gave the wrong picture to the rakyat. The presiding judge must have been surprised by the presence of the AG and consented to the request out of fear of reprimand.

These poor 31 Hindraf protesters have been victims of this unjust system. There is no compensation for the ill-feelings and hatred these victims, their families and supporters have for our “crook” system.