We are writing this letter in the capacity of local and grassroots leaders, especially from the Indian community and also as members of a Barisan Nasional component party. Many things have been said and done about the ongoing issue of A Kugan, who died in police custody.

Many political parties are now trying to gain publicity out of the issue, instead of focusing on the real problems Kugan’s death has presented. Authorities and politicians are making the situation worse with irresponsible and childish statements.

It all started when the Selangor Chief of Police made a statement saying two deputy ministers ‘barged’ into the mortuary. Well, the statement is clear that the CPO was not fully aware of the situation.

The dailies have proved that the crowd only entered the mortuary after the hospital authorities opened the door after repeated requests from Kugan’s family members. The arrival of the deputy ministers, about an hour later, showed that they did not ‘barge’ into the mortuary.

We salute the deputy ministers who had gone to the mortuary to handle and control the issue professionally, especially T Murugiah. I’m sure he was just doing his job as Public Complaints Bureau chief.

For the CPO to make press statements without first consulting the parties concerned is just an indication that he is not doing his job professionally and according to protocol and procedure.

Than, came the issue of the second post-mortem. Why were Kugan’s family members given so much grief when they insisted on one? They had every right to request for the second post- mortem.

There was a ray of light when the AG classified the case as murder. But even then, the police were denying the family’s rights for the post-mortem. Finally, the second post-mortem was carried out last Sunday morning.

To make the situation worse, the Home Minister made a most shocking statement that the two deputy ministers could be charged for going to the mortuary. Are Umno ministers trying to say that if the Indian community has any problems and issues, no leaders have the right to come to the ground to help them?

Should these people then be left to their own devices, to find their own solutions to their problems? Syed Hamid Albar should be more practical and realistic. This is something basic all politicians will do.

When a community has a problem, it’s the duty of the deputy ministers concerned to go to the ground and solve the problem. Syed Hamid’s statement has certainly made the situation worse.

With the wide circulation of photographs of Kugan’s injuries, the people cannot help but be disappointed with the attitude of the police officers who have allegedly beaten this youth to death.

Syed Hamid should have made statements that would appease and calm the Indian community instead of further stoking their anger. Like the Indian proverbs says, "He is pouring oil into a burning fire".

Certainly he has made the community hate the Barisan Nasional government more. We as local leaders have been receiving continuous criticism from the community on the brutal act of the police and also the irresponsible statement by the Home Minister.

Syed Hamid should realise that there are thousands of grassroots leaders who now have to answer to the community on his behalf. Has he forgotten the March 8 General Election and the huge losses suffered by the BN?

He should work towards regaining the five states and the two-third majority in Parliament, instead of making irresponsible statements that only inflame people’s anger.

We also wonder if the minister has seen the pictures of the victim. Even if the detainee did commit a crime, that was not the way to interrogate him. The injuries on Kugan are an act of pure evil.

Murugiah is doing a good job and is certainly helping BN regain the support of not only the Indian community but also the Malays and Chinese. Let him do his job.

The top BN leaders should always realise that any reckless statements will always backfire and those at the grassroot level will be left to do the unsavoury job of appeasing angry people. As for this issue, we believe the two deputy ministers were just doing their job and undertaking their responsibilities for the community and BN. We should support them for their efforts.

May Kugan rest in peace.

This letter is also signed by P Velaendan, M Sivabalan, V Morali,

J Partha Sarathi, S Praphagaran and P Annbusellian.