'Indians are not going to bow down to the insistence of the Malay NGOs to use the term ‘pariah' in this textbook.'

Malay NGOs to withhold support for Indian leaders

Pemerhati: The more than 100 NGOs under the Malay Consultative Council (MPM) are essentially telling the minority Indians that they are angry with them because they have shown their unhappiness with the use of the book ‘Interlok' as a school text book.

And also they are not bothered with the fact that it gives a negative and distorted view of the Indians and its use in the schools would make the other communities look down on the Indians.

An analogous situation in the United States would be, say if a book like ‘Uncle Tom's Cabin' were introduced as a school textbook and the minority black community protested strongly against it because of its negative portrayal of the blacks.

The chances are, only the people like the Ku Klux Klan would behave like our MPM and a large majority of Americans of all ethnicities would support its withdrawal as a textbook. It would be interesting to see how things turn out in Malaysia.

Changeagent: "More than 100 NGOs under the Malay Consultative Council (MPM) coalition have vowed not to support any ethnic Indian leader from any political party in general elections after this."

Do they even know that they are racists?

Tholu: The irony is, there are a number of parliamentary and state assembly seats that depend largely on Indian votes in determining the electoral outcome. So assuming that there will be no Indian candidates, the Indians will naturally support the candidates whom they believe will champion their cause.

In the past general elections, we all know where the majority of the Indian votes went. So these NGOs' statement is tantamount to denying victory to a lot of BN candidates. So MPM, you have just done a disfavour to BN.

Proarte: Malay morality has struck a new low as they cannot see the reason why Indians object to be referred to as 'pariah' . The word has to be been read in context and not merely seen as referring to a caste.

Dr Suresh Kumar: In this age and time, when countries around the world are aggressively promoting multiculturalism and take pride in that, we have some 'intellectuals', 'teachers', 'students', etc, defending the disparaging remarks against their fellow citizens, especially young school children.

These NGOs are free to do whatever they want. However, the Indian community will still fight for ‘Interlok' to be removed in its entirety. I wonder, if these people who are devoid of decorum can be role models to the young ones.

Amir Muhammad: Their behaviour is as short-sighted and irrational as that of Seman (in Part 1, ‘Interlok'), who refused to be evicted even when it's proven that the house he's living in is not his. Which makes me think that they lacked the intellectual integrity to read the novel in full before 'reacting' to it.

Those of you who would like to comment on aspects of the book (not necessarily the 'controversial' ones) are cordially invited to submit an essay here.

Atan-Toyol: I still believe the book should be withdrawn from the SPM syllabus. But I don't agree that the offending parts be amended, because it is the author's right to express his work the way he likes. It is gross interference with the freedom of expression. If you don't like the book, don't buy, nor read it! Leave the author alone. This is art.

Bangsa Malaysia: Melayu tak tahu asal usul. Sekarang Arab jadi pedoman dan paksi sokongan. Umno bertanggungjawab kepada semua pergolakan yang berlaku sekarang.

Malaysia tidak mungkin menjadi sebuah negara makmur apabila rakyatnya mempratikkan budaya ketuanan macam ini. Kalau begini rupanya watak watak yang kononnya berpendidikan maka pendidikan itu tidak bernilai hanya dengan mempertikaikan satu panggilan yang menghina sesama manusia.

Dalami semula Islam sebenarnya dan bukan mengikut telunjuk politikus yang berkuasa dewasa ini.

Phoenix Star 88: Since they don't like Indians, these Malay NGOs should also stop using any Bahasa Malaysia word that is derived from Indian languages. Putrajaya, Kedah (kadaram), Kelantan (kolaan thana), Terengganu (thilanggana) and Melaka (amalaka) are all names of Indian origin.

‘Perdana menteri' is derived from the Tamil 'pradana manthiri'. And Mahathir? It means ‘great warrior' in Sanskrit. And by the way, the word ‘Melayu' is derived from the Tamil 'malai ur' meaning ‘Land of the Mountains'.

P Dev Anand Pillai: They can't write a proper piece of history which is fit for consumption by our student population and they talk about dignity of the Malays.

Indians are not going to bow down to the insistence of the Malay NGOs to use the term ‘pariah' in this book. If they are talking about dignity, then the Indians too have that right. They had better stop using Indian curry powder for their cooking as well.

Meranti Kepong: Many Malaysians would share my view that this Malay novel is at best portraying racial disunity and at worse, making a slur against the Indian community.

If we believe everyone has a place under the Malaysian sun, then we ought to ensure that we shouldn't criticise nor cast a slur at any race in question. This novel is definitely an affront to the Indian community... period!

Anonymous_408d: It is sad and disappointing to note that these very same NGOs have nothing to say about the many instances when students and others were subjected to racial and religious taunts and insults by school principals and others.

When there was a pointed reference made to "mata sepet" and "kaki botol", there was not a peep from these very vocal NGOs. Could it be that they actually do not care a hoot for the feelings of others?

Black Mamba: Fantastic, for every BN Indian candidates in the next election Pakatan Rakyat just got to field a Malay candidate and Putrajaya is yours for the taking.

Najib meets S'wak BN state reps ahead of polls

Docs: Looks like this ‘pow wow' is for Najib Abdul Razak to gauge first-hand BN's chances for yet another sweeping election victory in Sarawak which to ensure that he, Rosmah Mansor and Abdul Taib Mahmud continue to enjoy a fruitful and bountiful life at the expanse of the rakyat after GE 13.

The other reason for the ‘pow wow' is to gauge the financial costs to ensure a resounding election victory in Sarawak. This cost includes vote-buying, preparing goodies for voters, the usual pre-election road-laying works, etc.

I'm also pretty sure that he will also discuss with the BN reps on which constituencies will benefit most from postal votes hence to direct the postal votes to that area. In short, a ‘devils workshop' is being held in Miri.

Arbee: There are several ways which the ruling elite can hold on to power for as long as they like. But look at Egypt: everything must come to an end; even one's own life. So to those who want to cling to power, there's no need to remind them: Just remember this - power corrupts and corrupted individuals will burn in Hell.

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