YourSay: 'Hindraf, learn from KLSCAH case'

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your say ‘The speed with which Malaysia Makkal Sakti Party was approved reminds me of another attempt to divide a leading NGO. That divide-and-rule attempt appears to have failed. How?'

On Makkal Sakti versus Hindraf

JKS: The speed with which Malaysia Makkal Sakti Party was approved reminds me of another attempt to divide a leading NGO. That divide-and-rule attempt appears to have failed. How?

In late 2003, the KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), a well-respected NGO of the Chinese community with strong civil rights record, got a shock.

This was when the government speedily approved an apparent rival called the ‘KL Chinese Assembly Hall'.

The older KLSCAH had a history of 80 years and had always included KL as it base for membership - since community, culture, and businesses are integrated in KL and Selangor.

In the end, through concerted statements, public debates, appeal to members to unite under an NGO with a proven record, and - most important - continuing to defend civil rights through statements, forums, and activities, KLSCAH managed to clearly differentiate itself from the copycat.

Hindraf may be able to derive some useful reference from the above case.

While Thanenthirran may have good intentions, getting into partisan politics and becoming the apparent cohort of a regime that relies on corruption and oppressive laws is in itself a formula for failure.

Sang Kancil:

This is a typical problem of Indian community. There is no one leader who is sincere in his struggle to uplift the political, social and economic status of the Indian community.

Look at Thanenthirran, how he shows up his self-centredness. He is very ‘kiasu'. His personal ambition comes first. No sincerity.

The rakyat, especially the Indians, are not stupid to believe his empty promises. This Makkal Sakti Party consists of all those who have betrayed the community.

My sincere request to my fellow Indians, refrain from joining this MMSP.

Naragan: History is filled with stories of betrayal of people's movements for petty profit. We have one happening right under our noses.

However, even more significant is the story of the invisible hand behind this betrayal.

Thanenthirran, even while in Hindraf was trying his best to get an appointment to some political position. He failed.

He tried to get nominated as the PR candidate for Bukit Selambau and failed there too. He dragged the whole Hindraf movement along in that petty direction in the meantime.

On the other side, Umno had totally lost support from the Indian citizens in this country and needed very badly to regain that support if they were going to maintain their hold on power.

From their standpoint, MIC was history. Does it take much more to imagine what happenned next?

Umno approves Thanenthiran's new party at lightning speed and voila what do you have - another mirage of the Indians flocking back to Umno - 300,000 of them mind you!

A party with grassroots Indian support back in the fold of Umno. Good work Najib, old boy!

Keep on dreaming. What Umno has got is yet another ‘mandore' and yet another MIC. And one more act to play out more treachery against the Indian people.

Just you wait and see the verdict of the people. It is time that games be stopped and the reality faced

On Makkal Sakthi party denies links to BN

Observer: Thanenthirran's statement that his Makkal Sakthi party will remain independent and work with any coalition that benefits Indians does not make sense.

As an NGO or pressure group, it can choose to work with any coalition or both coalitions simultaneously but as a political party it can only be aligned to one.

He could not very well support BN at a by-election and Pakatan at another by-election.

As an Indian political party which does not have multi-racial appeal, remaining independent is not an option.

Which coalition his party will align with can be predicted from the speed of the ROS approval, the mono-ethnic composition of the party and his previous attacks on Pakatan.

MIC should be worried.



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