'For some Indians to resort to book burning shows the extent to which they are hurt not only by the novel but by society's attitude towards them.'

Nine arrested at 'Interlok' demo at Batu Caves

‘Ranjau Sepanjang Jalan' would make non-Malays understand the sufferings of the poor Malays in the early post colonial days and they would be more appreciative and understanding of the NEP and affirmative action taken by the government to help bring the Malays to the mainstream of development.

The NEP is one source of discontent among non-Malays who feel that they are being short changed and Shahnon's novel would help them realise that without institutional intervention many Malays would continue to be as Lahuma and Jeha (the two key characters in the book). Understanding and appreciation of the spirit of NEP would work wonders in fostering unity.

For some Indians to resort to extreme measures such as burning the book shows the extent to which they are hurt not only by the content of the novel but by society's attitude in ridiculing their feelings and labeling them as ignorant of the merits of the novel.

While I do not condone the burning of the book, I can understand the hurt that they felt as much as I understand why peace-loving Muslims took to the streets over the Maria Hertogh court decision a generation ago.

Louisg: Literature is a thinking subject you cannot copy or memorise from textbooks. You have to intellectualise and understand the writers' mindset based on the situation and the culture at that time.

As a student, you would be encouraged to criticise the book in as constructive a manner as possible. Varying views are always encouraged and sometimes you can disagree with the author by justifying your reason.

But in our education system, critical thinking is never encourage. When students raise critical questions, the teachers will just shut them up. That's the kind of Malay literature that will be taught, and rightly it should not be allowed.

Good literature books usually address the social causes of society but this book does not. Till and unless the government education system is open and encourages intellectualisation, people will always be on guard about such books like ‘Interlok'.

Md Imraz Ikhbal: HRP (Human Rights Party) thinks they are invincible and requires no partners in their battle against injustice. It's high time they re-evaluate their position and seriously consider being less racist, less greedy for power and more cooperative with Pakatan Rakyat, the only formidable force currently to stand up against Umno and their political cohorts.

Like it or not, Malay votes are crucial to win in any nationwide election in this country and that is a mathematical certainty. And verily, no Malay or even Chinese in their right minds will support a racist party that fights for Indians only. Twenty people at yesterday's protest in Batu Caves is a pathetic number and are mere ants to be squashed and silenced by a draconian government.

Anonymous_4076: HRP have the guts to take on the PM at Batu Caves. That is why they have always been different from others who talk but fear action. I just received calls from my friends who saw the action by HRP and Hindraf. They were impressed by the spirit of those guys. Huge crowd were chanting and booing the police and Najib Razak. The police immediately panicked and began arresting them.

Rolls-Royce: Hindraf is "popular" and can easily galvanise the support from among the Indian community for a simple reason that most Indians are desperate, ignorant and easily manipulated.

Having said that, I do not mean at all that Hindraf has no right to demonstrate or make demands. I was an ardent supporter of Hindraf (and in my own little way probably have done more to help the Indians than some your leaders), and I have written countless postings petitioned the Pakatan leaders to pressure the government to release those detained under ISA.

Hindraf has a right cause, but the wrong strategy. The country was completely screwed up over the last 50 years and just when there is some gleam of hope, Hindraf must destroy everything. Why must Hindraf be so impatient with Pakatan? It has been more than 50 years, why can't you just wait a little longer and fight along side with Pakatan?

Well, Hindraf leaders think their heads are too big for their hats now.

Temenggong: Hindraf exists because all the other parties have failed the Indians. Is this so hard to comprehend? Why Hindraf cannot wait a few years for Pakatan Rakyat to perform?

Hindraf saw right away that Pakatan only want their votes but have no intention to resolve their problems, some of which could have been accomplished by the Pakatan state governments in a matter of days. They can even do this now in a week if they really wanted to. Indians are not going to wait for decades before switching parties again.

Anonymous_3e4b: HRP by itself is nothing. Work with Pakatan and Malaysia will be a better place for all. Pakatan on its own will get majority support of Indians as most Indians know BN can't help them.

I was at the Thaipusam celebration in Penang and I chanced upon a banner put up by the Kampung Buah Pala's residents acknowledging and thanking the Penang government for helping them secure a just deal after being forced to vacate by a developer who is very close to BN.

Dr Suresh Kumar: Friends, since the arrogance of Pakatan is rearing its ugly head, HRP/Hindraf has no choice but to go it alone in the 13th GE. Well, as many of you believe that they will be a casualty in the polls, even losing their deposits, I believe they might win at most two seats. This may sound insignificant but it will go a long way.

Even if they don't win at all, so what? HRP's struggle has just begun. It will only pick up momentum. They will emerge even stronger the next time around. However, the real losers will be Pakatan. Pakatan has everything to lose, so they must be magnanimous and engage HRP.

Pemerhati: A lot of the energy of the politicians is focused on trying to get as many votes as possible to get elected. In Malaysia, they put in a lot of effort to please the Malay and Chinese communities because they constitute around 80 percent of the population and pay very little attention to the smaller minorities like the Indians, Orang Asli and Penans.

That explains why Lim Guan Eng got very excited when one Malay girl in Malacca got raped but no important BN or Pakatan leaders have taken any serious interest in the large number of Penan women raped by the loggers or the mistreatment of the Orang Asli.

Hindraf was born as a result of the atrocities committed against the Indians by the police and BN and their anger translated into votes for Pakatan in 2008. Even though Pakatan has treated them badly so far, they should again vote for Pakatan because BN is a much greater evil.

After Pakatan comes into power and if it does not change, then they could rethink their strategy.

Adha: Hey folks, stop the squabbles. Like it or not, everyone is entitled to air their opinions. People are subscribing Malaysiakini with their own money and not someone else's. So let common sense prevail.

While I agree with some of the commentators in a certain extent, however reality tells us we need a formidable coalition to oust the mighty Umno/BN machinery. Like it or not, in the current scenario, Pakatan is the only alternative to bring down BN.

Yes, I agree, Pakatan have its weaknesses. But BN has been ruling this country for 50 over years and Pakatan a mere three years. So let's give Pakatan a chance to rule the country.

Docs: Did Najib Razak request that all Indian religious artefacts be removed at the Batu Caves temple site prior to his visit, similar to his request before visiting the Christmas party held at Archbishop Murphy Pakiam's residence recently?

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