Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) plans to hold a candlelight vigil for all Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees - including the movement’s top five leaders - on Saturday night at Dataran Merdeka.

According to Hindraf representative W Sambulingam, the vigil is every Indian Malaysians’ responsibility to “fight for their leaders’ freedom”.

“To free the Hindraf heroes is exactly how each and every responsible Indian Malaysian - regardless their backgrounds - should do in return to ‘bayar budi’ (pay back) the sacrifices they have made for us,” he said in a statement.

The five - R Kengadharan, 41, M Manoharan, 47, V Ganabatirau, 35, P Uthayakumar, 47, and K Vasantha Kumar - commonly referred to as the Hindraf Five were arrested on Dec 13 following a mammoth rally in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25.

raja petra and isa internal security act 230908 About 30,000 people turned up to protest the treatment of ethnic Indians in Malaysia and to present a memorandum to the British government.

“The vigil is also to send a strong message to the ruling BN-led government to immediately release unconditionally the Hindraf heroes,” Sambulingam said.

Hindraf is also dedicating Saturday’s vigil to controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin , 58, who was sent yesterday to the Kamunting Detention Centre - where the Hindraf Five are being held - to begin his two-year detention.

‘Bring candles, Hindraf flags, and love...’

hindraf isa detainees 141207 updated Sambulingam urged those participating to hold a peaceful vigil despite the expected heavy police presence in Dataran Merdeka.

“Bring along candles, Hindraf flags and love but please excuse any of our police brothers in the event they have to carry out their duty,” he added. The vigil is to kick off at 7pm.

Earlier this year, an anti-ISA vigil was broken up by the police with chemical-laced water.

Yesterday, MIC president S Samy Vellu said that the prime minister is considering his appeal for the Hindraf Five to be released.

He said Abdullah told him that he would "study the situation and recommend appropriate action".

Samy argued that the release of the five will go a long way to “reduce the tension” within the Indian community.