We refer to Tanglimara's letter, Kampung Medan: Time to heal, not find scapegoats (March 18).

The writer seems to suggest that one should move on and not keep harping on the Kampung Medan attacks. We would agree with the writer if it was established what really happened in Kampung Medan and the steps taken by the powers-that-be to avert such a tragedy in the future and most importantly an assurance by the government-of-the-day that they would make every effort to avert such a tragedy in the future.

But this was never the case. What was an unprovoked baseless and unfounded racial attacks by a small group of armed criminals from outside Kampung Medan was made out to be "racial clashes" by the government and media.

One year has passed and despite hundreds of calls, pleas and appeals, the responsible and appropriate authorities have failed to:

  • hold a royal commission of inquiry and/or
  • hold an open Suhakam inquiry and/or
  • make public the police findings on the said attacks and/or
  • no inquest initiated by the police, attorney-general or the courts for the six killings
  • no criminal prosecution for the six murders and assaults on a few dozens innocent residents of Kampung Medan

    • Compensation has also been inadequate for the victims. Some of the victims are still unable to return to work. Many promises have not been kept. And we are supposed to be part of not only a proud "caring and sharing society" but also a civilised and progressive society.

    Tanglimara sings praises for Yayasan Strategik Sosial and compares them to the other NGOs such as Parti Reformasi Insan Malaysia (Prim) working on the Kampung Medan issue.

    The difference is YSS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MIC and fully funded by the government whereas members of the NGOs and Prim are social workers who self-support and finance their activities.

    They are also taking great risks because the criminals are still out there but they are carrying on because of their strong convictions for fairness and justice. The "cheap publicity" is certainly not worth their lives.

    This is a struggle which Tanglimara and others have failed to appreciate. They may however think otherwise if they or their families were direct victims of this terrible tragedy.