After reading an article by Dr Chandra Muzaffar, I am convinced that it is not an article by a so-called ‘political scientist’ but BN’s echo reflecting his master’s voice. How time changes certain personalities who were well-known for their outspoken nature with respect to human rights. Chandra is certainly no exception.

I do not know if Chandra has embarked on a personal mission to demonise Hindraf. My dear Chandra, you have accused the Hindraf leaders of causing hurt and anger to many Malaysians when they used the term ‘ethnic cleansing’. You have also taken the moral high ground by asking ‘Do Hindraf leaders even understand the term and what it implies?’ By the same token, can I ask, are you as a political scientist unaware of the myriad of definitions for ‘ethnic cleansing’ or are you adamant to stick to the definition that includes genocide and elimination of a race? If you claim that Hindraf leaders do not understand the term ‘ethnic cleansing’, then neither do you.

Wikipedia states that this term defies easy definition. It is clearly stated that at one end of the definition, ethnic cleansing is virtually indistinguishable from forced emigration and population exchange while at the other end it merges with deportation and genocide. Another definition even refers to various policies or practices which involve human rights abuse. Some have even used the term to describe situations where poorer ethnic groups are being economically-displaced by other greedy, more affluent ethnic groups.

Even the official UN definition of ethnic cleansing refrains from any genocidal connotations. It merely defines ethnic cleansing as rendering an area ethnically-homogenous by using force or intimidation to remove from a given area persons of another ethnic or religious group.

Statistics, figures and diagrams are wonderful to read but only at the grassroots level can we discern the actual situation. The letter BN propaganda at work wonderfully pointed out that quoting statistics without basis is the way of idiots. BN politicians are quick to point out the percentage of Indian professionals in Malaysia. Dr Chandra has given a figure of 11.5%. Yes, there may be a substantial number of professionals in a community that form a mere 8% of the population.

But it is important for those who relentlessly harp on this to know that these professionals, by and large, are the products of the sweat, tears and help rendered by friends, relatives and other good souls. They are definitely not products of MIC’s or the BN government’s assistance. Prove me wrong if you can. All the BN government and the Umno stooge MIC needs to do is to interview every Indian Malaysian professional and they will tell you what I mean.

Chandra reckons that the existence of Indian Malaysian members of parliament and ministers, the Tamil schools, a Tamil radio channel and Deepavali observed as a national holiday are proof that there is no marginalisation. How naïve. He, however, correctly stated that in the last three decades, Indian Malaysians have provided near unanimous electoral support to the BN. But for your information, Chandra, the drivel you state as proof that Indian Malaysians are not marginalised are merely the crumbs they receive for their unanimous support.

It definitely does not reflect the situation of ordinary Indian Malaysians. Isn’t it a shame for the BN government, the MIC and its stooge leader of 28 years that they cannot even raise the wealth and equity of Indian Malaysians to 1.3%? If there were no marginalisation or discrimination of Indian Malaysians, would there be such a figure?

Chandra has taken so much offence with Hindraf’s usage of certain words and accused Hindraf of communal pronouncements and postures and poisoning the atmosphere. He seems oblivious of the deluge of seditious words and racist communal postures by certain Umno politicians in Parliament and Umno meetings. Much was said in one Umno general assembly when an idiot when to the extent of asking an Umno leader when will the keris be used. Where were you, Chandra, when all this happened?

Hindraf came into existence to voice the displeasure of Hindus when temples, which form their heart and soul, were being demolished indiscriminately. Temples do not refer to tiny shrines under the trees but those which have been in existence for decades. The land in which these temples have been erected have suddenly become private land and thus their demolitions are justified by the powers that be. To the chagrin of MIC and the BN government, Hindraf’s voice has taken a bigger role in voicing the problems of the downtrodden Indian Malaysians.

Of course, this has earned Hindraf all kinds of brickbats including being linked to terrorist organisations. This is one of the most ludicrous, idiotic and absolutely foolish accusations. There was no semblance of violence during the Nov 25 rally, true to Mahatma Gandhi’s satyagraha or non-violent civil disobedience. Ironically, the perpetrators of violence were the law enforcement personnel showing their power by using chemical-laced water cannons and tear gas!

Hindraf is neither racist nor playing communal politics. It is definitely not questioning bumiputera privileges. Although some quarters are trying to make it appear that way, Hindraf are not antagonistic towards any race. As we all know, a lie repeated over and over again may make things appear to be the truth. I am sure our fellow Malaysians, the Malays and Chinese will not fall into the trap some unscrupulous politicians are creating.

Hindraf and its supporters are Malaysians through and through. They will not hesitate to die for the country. Malaysia is their country too. Language is their only link they have with the land of their ancestors, nothing else. If the son of a recent Indonesian immigrant can become a menteri besar and a bumiputera, I cannot understand how Indian Malaysians are lesser Malaysians and can be marginalised. The glaring parameter is the mind-boggling figure of 1.2% of Indian Malaysian equity after 50 years of independence.

Has Hindraf succeeded in its quest? To a certain extent, it has. It has successfully become an eye-opener for the poor and downtrodden Indian Malaysian. There has not been a day since Nov 25 without Hindraf being mentioned in the papers. The Indian community’s discrimination and marginalisation has been continually denied by the prime minister and ministers including the most disliked, Nazri Abdul Aziz. And now ‘Mr Semi Value’ says that Indian Malaysians are actually wallowing ‘in milk and honey’ due to MIC and his relentless efforts. If that were true, why would he need to go on air to say that? Is it due to the morbid fear that Indian Malaysian votes can no longer be taken for granted?

I sincerely and fervently hope that the Indian Malaysian’s awakening will continue unabated bearing in mind that a lot of drama will soon start to place BN in power again. This time around, the Indian Malaysians can hope for the sky and the moon to be promised and delivered.