All Malaysians irrespective of race, colour and creed who believe in freedom of speech and expression must salute, respect and honour the sacrifices made by the Hindraf 5 who are being detained unjustly and unfairly under the draconian ISA for daring to voice to the world the deplorable plight of the Indian Malaysian citizens living in Malaysia.

Common sense dictates us it is cruel, unethical, unfair, unjust and unacceptable to charge them under Internal Security Act when we know pretty well that they are not a threat to our national security. It is also clear now that they do not have any link whatsoever to any terrorist organisation as recently confirmed by the MIC leader on his visit to Tamil Nadu. Therefore, it is not right to still have them detained under the ISA.

Any right-thinking and sound-minded Malaysian will agree and accept that what Hindraf highlighted through the historical rally on Nov 25 is the actual truth and nothing but the whole undeniable truth. I am referring to the prevalent deplorable state of the Indians, particularly in segments of the community who are uneducated, less educated, less fortunate and unfortunate, less connected and unconnected.

We all must understand and endorse that Hindraf, in principle, is also the voice for all ordinary Malaysian folk of all communities and religions who have been ignored and left out by the current regime’s policy of enriching the rich.

Hindraf chose to mobilise their movement under a religious banner mainly because the pressing issues and problems faced by Indians are religion-oriented. For instances, the increasing number of Hindu temples being demolished throughout the country and the growing number of unscrupulous verdicts given by the courts when dealing with inter-faith issues.

The true and real Indian dilemma is actually the very dilemma and problem faced by all minorities living in Malaysia. The dilemma and problem will exist and grow as long as the government denies and refuses to confront and deal with it. Unless and until the ruling government enacts a policy to not only listen but also to act on the grouses raised by minorities, the nation might be heading for a most uncertain future.

However, we must applaud our prime minister for having engaged in an open dialogue with Malaysian Indian NGOs as a first step towards understanding the depth and severity of the real and true Indian Malaysian dilemma rather than listening solely to the MIC which has lost all credibility with the majority of Indians.

If the prime minister and the Umno-led Barisan Nasional government are truly interested in the welfare, well-being and sentiments of the Indians and if they truly want their support in the coming general elections, then the prime minister, who is also the internal security minister, should release the Hindraf 5 from ISA without any conditions on the noble grounds of goodwill, forgiveness and reconciliation.

If this happens, the Umno-led Barisan Nasional government has more to gain at the ballot box than any other opposition party. The very thing which has been regarded as a threat to Barisan Nasional’s governance might turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the ruling government.

Rather than mobilising thousands of supporters to Cheras to demonstrate Indian support for the PM and BN, the MIC should spend their time, effort and energy on lobbying the prime minister and the government for the immediate release of the Hindraf 5 in order to regain their (the MIC’s) lost respect, support and dignity from the various segments of the marginalised Indian community.