We refer to the media reports in almost all the dailies yesterday where Tamil newspaper Makkal Osai expressed regret for using an offensive picture of Jesus Christ. It is regretted that despite this sincere and unreserved apology by Makkal Osai and the relevant staff having been suspended indefinitely, the MIC is still harping on this matter. The MIC-owned Tamil Nesan yesterday gave negative headlines coverage against Makkal Osai.

Their double standard is so glaring when Tamil Nesan has never given headline coverage (they have given only non-headline coverage) for the many Hindu temples which were unlawfully demolished by the government of Malaysia. This is at least 1,000 times more serious merely publishing a photo or a cartoon.

We are taken aback by this double standard as the MIC has never asked for the prosecution of the various local authorities responsible for the Hindu temples demolished, an act contrary to Sections 295 (defiling a place of worship), Section 296 (disturbing a religious assembly), 298A (causing racial disharmony) and Section 441 (criminal trespass) of the Malaysian Penal Code and a violation of Article 11 of the federal constitution.

Similarly, the MIC Youth has never lodged a single police report against any Hindu temple demolishment. At best, they put up a show and merely defer the temple demolishment exercise by a few weeks.

It is plain and obvious that the MIC sees Makkal Osai as a 'soft' target. MIC is acting in bad faith and has a political agenda in wanting Makkal Osai closed down. In having Makkal Osai closed down, MIC hopes to silence the people's voice and their very serious grievances.

Makkal Osai is currently the leading people's paper in Tamil and any attempt to close it down would go against the principles of a free press which is in turn one of the main pillars of democracy, justice and a free society.

The writer is legal adviser, Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf).