DAP Selangor has found a novel way to increase awareness on the continued detention of the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders and to add pressure on the government to free them.

freedom run anti isa pandamaran to kamunting 121108 The party is organising a two-day run - dubbed the 'Makkal Sakthi 5 Freedom Run' - over this weekend.

Organising chairperson Dr Wong Ang Peng said he expects some 5,000 people to participate in the 350km run, which will kick off in Klang and end at the gates of the Kamunting Detention Centre in Perak.

makkal sakthi 5 freedom run pandamaran to kamunting route 121108 He said there will also be a 'special flag' which will be passed from one runner to another during the entire journey.

The last runner will hand the flag as well as ‘three larger banners’ to Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming in Kamunting.

DAP Selangor will also canvass for signatures from the public in support of the cause.

Later in the night, an anti-ISA candlelight vigil will be held to call for the release of the five and protest against the Internal Security Act.

Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai will be the first runner when things get off the ground at 8am on Saturday in Klang.

The run will be suspended at 7pm in Sabak Bernam and will resume the next morning.

Hindraf leaders P Uthayakumar, M Manoharan, R Kenghadharan, V Ganabatirau and T Vasantha Kumar were arrested on Dec 13 soon after the movement, which is now banned, had organised a mammoth street protest.

Pakatan leaders to take part

Meanwhile, various Pakatan Rakyat leaders are expected to take part in the run.

hindraf isa detainees 290808 PKR’s Manikavasagam will run through his Kapar parliamentary constituency as will PAS’ Dzulkefly Ahmad through his Kuala Selangor seat.

Also figuring in the run will be DAP Selangor chairperson and Selangor exco Ean Yong Hian Wah, Puchong MP Gobind Singh, Selangor exco Ronnie Liu, Klang MP Charles Santiago and Selangor state speaker Teng Chang Khim.

Controversial blogger and just released ISA detainee Raja Petra Kamaruddin will be present at the start of the run in Klang.

The 'freedom run' will pass through Kapar, Kuala Selangor, Sekinchan, Sg Besar, Hutan Melintang, Setiawan, Pantai Remis, Simpang and Taiping before reaching Kamunting.

“Traffic will not be obstructed as there will only be one runner at a time on the road,” explained Wong.

Those interested in participating can contact Wong at 012-6644432.