PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim today urged the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) to direct its grievances towards the 'corrupt' Umno-led Barisan Nasional government.

According to him, Hindraf has incorrectly attributed its grievances to the Constitution, in particular Article 153.

In a press statement, Anwar said it is the Umno-led BN government which is "guilty of serious abuses of power and which continues to marginalise and neglect the plight of poor Indians."

He added that the government has also failed to take into account the problems of all Malaysians, irrespective of race, colour or religion.

"The Hindraf movement is symptomatic of the fundamental problems that remain entrenched in our country and to stoke the flames of racism would only exacerbate racial tensions and animosity between Malaysians," he warned.

On the same note, the former deputy premier expressed support for Hindraf to hold a peaceful demonstration and urged the police to issue a permit.

However, he appealed to the organisation to consider a more balanced and responsible approach to address its grievances.

High Comm denies involvement

In a related development, the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur denied any involvement in the mass rally planned outside its premises on Sunday by Hindraf.

In a brief statement issued this afternoon, the commission said it would like to clarify a number of inaccurate reports regarding the gathering.

The British High Commission has no involvement whatsoever in planning or organising the event.

Responsibility for the organisation lies solely with Hindraf.

All suggestions that the British High Commission is in any way encouraging people to attend the event are false.

The statement ended with the commission saying, "All enquiries about the event should be directed to Hindraf."

Earlier today, the police arrested Hindraf chairperson and lawyer P Waythamoorthy, his brother and Hindraf legal adviser Uthayakumar and another Hindraf lawyer Ganapathy Rao.

The trio are expected to be charged under the Sedition Act.