Thousands of Indian Malaysians are prepared to be arrested and to sacrifice for the sake of future generations, says a reader,

On PM threatens to use ISA against protesters

KS Mugam: In the last few days, the government has been threatening the use of ISA on the Indians who are protesting in a democratic manner. Let me advice the government that thousands of Indians are ready to be arrested.

You should get the detentions camps ready as the Indians are prepared for it. Also remember that the mighty British empire collapsed because of the Indians. We, Indian Malaysians, are ready and prepared to sacrifice for the sake of our future generations.

Maniam Sankar: Bravo, Pak Lah on considering the use of ISA on demonstrators. You say you are PM for all but instead of refuting the issues raised, you prefer to use the ISA. Way to go, Pak Lah!

On Abdullah: I'll continue with my style

Siew Hwa: I did not believe my eyes on reading this Malaysiakini report. I said to myself: "Oh, what a farce, how can this 'half-past-six' prime minister says that he is happy to know that Malaysians are happy with him and his administration"

He ought to have read the heaps and heaps of adverse comments in Malaysiakini to come to the conclusion that his administration is below par and he should have the courage to apologise and step down in favour of someone more qualified to lead the country. In response to his vow to stay in power, the rakyat should vote his administration out in the next general elections.

On Hindraf should not use religion to further cause

PT Tan: I fully agree with Sadirah K's calls not to put religion into the Hindraf issue, but she should direct her comments to those who started it. Hindraf is not the first and will not certainly be the last to.

PAS started it and Umno aped it all along, with no retort from the largely quiet Muslim community. The comments should be directed first at PAS and Umno to rescind the Islamisation drive and return the country to its fully secular roots before any censure or comments on Hindraf Hindu status be made. Else we might also see the sad day for Malaysia with a Christian Democrats and Buddhist Alliance too

On Samy tells Indians to work 'within the system'

Mohd Kamal Abdullah: MIC president S Samy Vellu was reported as saying that he was 'disappointed but not angry with the incident'. The Hindraf rally had created history.

The MIC now fears that if nothing is done, it will have a fatal blow to the party in the coming polls. Claiming that Hindraf members should have approached him to resolve the problem is just an 'eye-wash'. Samy Vellu and his elected representative have been given numerous opportunity to address the plight of Indians.

This rally has given a wake-up call to Samy Vellu and his team. If the Indians have been treated well, why then should they demonstrate and in such an alarming number? The MIC had failed to deliver what they have been entrusted to perform.

On Chemical-laced water won't drown our spirits

Bob Nathan: Certainly this is an outstanding view from letter writer Steve Oh. Your expressions have truly voiced the feelings of the minority ethnic Indian and thank you to Malaysiakini for publishing this letter. Bravo my beloved bros...

MS: It is so sad that the mainstream papers only print condemnation of the recent protests, never giving the other side of the story. Surely, every newsman knows that there are two sides to every story. Protests, like the one we had, are a feature of so many cities. By disallowing all applications for permits except those from Umno, the police are making heroes of splinter groups like Hindraf.

If damage control is an issue then give them routes like Jalan Parlimen and disperse into Lake Gardens, similar to what is done in Jakarta. Organised demonstrations should not be feared. They are part of the democratic process of citizen participation.