A former MIC branch leader Balakrishnan Appala Naidu has placed his life in the hands of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Balakrishnan Appala Naidu , who has been on hunger strike since yesterday, has vowed to remain on strike until Abdullah visits him in Kuala Balah, Kelantan, where he has been put under a restricted residence order under the Emergency Ordinance.

"I risk my life solely for justice," said Balakrishnan when contacted by malaysiakini. He claims that his continued detention by the police under the EO is unfair and he has exhausted all avenues to seek freedom or be charged in open court for his alleged crimes.

"As a MIC branch leader, I have contributed to my community and to the country. And in the newspapers and on television, I have heard the prime minister say that he would help any citizen in need," he said.

"I know that the PM will take attention on my case," said Balakrishnan.

A memorandum detailing Balakrishnan's plight, was delivered by hand to Abdullah this morning by Balakrishnan's relative while the former was on the campaign trial in Pasir Mas for the upcoming Pengkalan Pasir by-election.

Balakrishnan's wife, M Rukumani Devi, joined him in his hunger strike last night. "She told me, if I were to die, what is the point in her living?" said Balakrishnan who is a father of two daughters, aged two and four.

Balakrishnan sounded extremely weak over the telephone, but was able to talk cohesively. His brother, A Thirumoorthy, said that Balakrishnan's tongue and lips were cracking due to dryness, and that his family was very worried.

In hospital

Balakrishnan had led the MIC branch in Sungai Dua Tambahan, Rawang, for 11 years. He claimed that in early 2004, a political rival in his village became jealous and decided to frame him for various offences.

A chain of events led to his arrest under the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969 and he was sent to the Simpang Renggam detention centre on April 29, 2004.

The Emergency Ordinance allows the authorities to detain suspected criminals without trial for two years, after which the Internal Security Minister can decide on an extension.

This is Balakrishnan's second hunger strike. His first hunger strike to protest his detention, which he deems unlawful, lasted 16 days. He was warded for several weeks due to the strike.

Earlier this year, the Johor High Court ruled Balakrishnan's detention invalid and ordered his release. He was rearrested immediately ( video footage ) on the same charges.

Double standards

He claims that his immediate re-arrest shows that the Internal Security Minister and the police had no respect for the court's decision.

He referred to the release by the courts of alleged underworld kingpin Koo Tee Yam, who is a millionaire businessman. Noh had before this said publicly that the police should respect the court's decision to release Koo.

"What is the difference between me and Koo? Is it because he has more influence?" said Balakrishnan over his re-arrest and his subsequent restricted residence order.

Under the order, Balakrishnan is unable to leave the district and must report to the Jeli police station weekly.

Presently, Balakrishnan resides in a house, erected by villagers in the area, situated by the road side on Jalan Kuala Balah. Posters highlighting his plight are plastered around the house.

"I may be the only Indian in this village, but people here are very worried for me. They are also supportive of my intention," said Balakrishnan.

He is not losing hope in Abdullah, and said he believes that the premier will not let him 'die in vain'.