After nine days of enduring a hunger strike in protest of her husband's restricted residence order, M Rukumani Devi was admitted to a hospital in Jeli, Kelantan yesterday.

She is said to be severely dehydrated and her condition could become life threatening if she does not eat or consume water.

The 35-year-old housewife was taken to the hospital in an ambulance, called by the Kuala Balah police after learning that she had fainted earlier, at about 1pm.

When contacted, her brother-in-law A Thirumoorthy said Rukumani had previously resisted attempts to take her to the hospital.

Serious condition

A hospital official, via a letter, which was also made available to malaysiakini, called on the family to urge Rukumani, who is currently on drips, to eat and consume water as her condition is serious.

Rukumani and her husband Balakrishnan Appala Naidu, 36, who is under a restricted residence order, have been on a hunger strike since last Wednesday. The couple have two daughters aged four and one.

Several relatives and friends have been on vigil by the roadside hut (left) where the couple have been staying since they started the strike.

Balakrishnan, a two-time Emergency Ordinance detainee and MIC branch chairperson, wants to be tried in court.

In a banner outside the hut, Balakrishnan (right) has expressed hope that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would give him a chance to prove his innocence and vows not to eat or drink until the premier 'knows the truth'.

The MIC leader was arrested in Kuala Lumpur under the Emergency Ordinance in 2004 for gang-related charges and sent to the Simpang Renggam detention centre in Johor.

On Feb 28 this year, the Johor High Court ruled that his detention was invalid and freed him. However, he was re-arrested on the same day and banished to Kelantan.

The Emergency Ordinance allows authorities to detain suspected criminals without trial for two years, after which the internal security minister (a post held by Abdullah as well) can decide on an extension.

Brain, kidney damage

Meanwhile, Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Dr Lee Boon Chye, who visited the couple on Sunday, warned that the prolonged hunger strike could prove fatal.

"My medical advice would be for them both to receive treatment. They need to stop the hunger strike soon to avoid damages to the kidney and brain," said Lee, who is a medical doctor.

Lee, who examined (right) Rukumani and chatted with Balakrishnan, said the couple were dehydrated, tired and drowsy.

Contacted yesterday, he said that Rukumani must consume food soon as a drip would not sustain her in the long run.

"The authorities need to at least listen to their demands. Otherwise, there would be a potential loss of life," he added.

Pictures courtesy of Suaram