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Hindraf, change we must but in the right direction
Published:  Feb 22, 2013 10:09 AM
Updated: 3:27 AM

YOURSAY ‘We don't need to be an Indian party or Chinese party... we just need a Malaysian party that serves all Malaysians.'

Hindraf is on the wrong track

your say Haveagreatday: This is a voice of reason amidst the extreme position taken by Hindraf chief P Waythamoorthy.

I remember the names of the two authors from the 2007 Internal Security Act (ISA) sweep, and they have shown themselves to be worthy of the Hindraf mantle of leadership.

Will Waytha take the middle path or be waylaid by the Umnoputras? The rakyat will know soon enough, but Waytha ought to realise he cannot hold the Pakatan to ransom.

Boonpou: Yes, more real Hindraf leaders should speak out like the duo - V Ganabatirau and K Vasantha Kumar. It is high time for Malaysia to get rid of race- or ethnicity-based politics if we ever want to transcend beyond the colonial mindset.

A true social democracy should always be based on need-based entitlements regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion or ideological persuasions. If some of the Hindraf leaders insist on affirmative action only for the poor Indians, Pakatan should steer clear of their colonial-type agenda.

Change we must, but in the right direction. That means getting rid of all the recipes we have inherited from our colonial masters.

Malaysian_1st: I am speechless after reading responses from obvious Hindraf and/or BN supporters. They are frustrated for lack of counterpoints to the article's authors, and resorted to name calling, personal attacks and whatnot.

The only Indian Malaysian problem, to be candid, was to believe in their leaders' rhetoric of "we fight for Indians".

Come to think of it, it was the same thing for the Chinese (MCA), Malays (Umno) and the East Malaysian.s Wake up my friends, we should march on as one ‘colourful' Malaysia from now on.

RR: There is no denying that Hindraf was the eye-opener in Malaysian political history. I do not know whether there is a true Gandhi in the Malaysian scene.

Gandhi, after getting independence for India, did not wish to take any political position. But man is normally for self first and selflessness comes along later.

So if Ganabatirau has taken a state government company job, will others in Hindraf not take up ministerial jobs if Pakatan wins the general election?

If Anwar Ibrahim can keep the promise of implementing the Hindraf blueprint for the poor Indians and others who are equally poor, then that is a great step forward for all the poor.

I hope Pakatan will keep this promise, otherwise we will throw them out at the 14th general election (GE14)!

Gongming: Thank God, we have former Hindraf leaders who see the misery of the people devoid of colour or creed. The writers are absolutely right.

Policies based on needs cuts through race and religion. We don't need to be an Indian party or Chinese party... we just need a Malaysian party that serves all Malaysians.

Granted, Indians are lagging, but so are millions of all races. It will be difficult for racist minds like Hindraf to accept that, so my suggestion is to bite the bullet, ignore them and time will tell.

Most importantly, Pakatan must not fool the people. Promises need to be kept, but then again which politician keeps promises?

Tim'sTime: With or without the Hindraf blueprint, I believe Pakatan will take care of Indian Malaysians' interests if given the mandate to be the ruling government.

At least they are bold enough to make promises. Does removing tolls, free education through university, subsidised hospitalisation, a reduction of excise duties by 20 percent every year for the next five years not benefit the Indians? Pakatan are trying to make sure that all who need help get helped.

Okay, so you rock the boat and BN gets another mandate to rule after GE13, does it benefit Hindraf's cause? This is not the time to demand, but to work for the interest of all, be they Indians, Chinese, Kadazan, Iban or Malays.

What happens if there is another group like Hindraf that insists the Chinese also want similar blueprints before working with Pakatan. It will not stop and the rakyat will suffer more if BN continues to rule after GE13.

YF: Poverty afflicts all races. Hindraf's tactics will not bode well with anyone. Already the rakyat no longer trusts Hindraf because they seem not to care for all Malaysians, just themselves.

And they are more like Umno than the all-inclusive spirit of Pakatan. Wise up, Hindraf, and think like a Malaysian, not like racist Umno.

BTN: I don't believe all Indians are in agreement with Hindraf's demands. If the country is to go on to change and move away from race-based politics, then we have to say a big ‘no' to Hindraf even if we have to lose in the next GE.

What is the use of dismantling years of Umno's racial politics and come into another one with a new party. This is a sacrifice, not for any one race, but for all Malaysians to make.


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