The relentless media and political attacks on the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) for the past two weeks have only hurt and embarrassed the nation, said a human rights watchdog today.

“Instead of addressing and resolving the essence of Hindraf's grievances, the government has instead used all its available resources and state functionaries to demonise and vilify Hiindraf and Malaysian citizens of Indian descent,” said Suaram in a statement.

The watchdog said this reflects badly on the government of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who rode into power in 2004 on the promise that he would listen and act on the people's grievances.

“However when citizens march on the streets wanting to be heard, the prime minister, who is also the internal security minister, turns a deaf ear and instead throws chemically-laced water and tear gas canisters at them,” it added.

Suaram also called for the immediate and unconditional release of demonstrators arrested during the Nov 25 Hindraf rally in Kuala Lumpur.

Thirty-one demonstrators have been charged with the attempted murder of a policeman in Batu Caves and have been denied bail pending trial. They have also been charged with causing mischief and for participating in an illegal gathering.

The rally was organised by Hindraf to support a class action suit filed by the movement against the British government for bringing Indians to Malaysia as indentured labourers.

In a memorandum to the British government, the movement also accused the Malaysian government of marginalising Indians and subjecting them to ethnic cleansing.

The allegations have ruffled feathers and Hindraf has come under intense criticism from various quarters, including the prime minister.

End racial discrimination

“The might of the state, which had come down on Hindraf demonstrators is unprecedented and ironically justifies their claims that Malaysian-Indians are indeed oppressed,” said Suaram.

“The pleadings of the poor, marginalised and underprivileged cannot be resolved through hotlines, statistics and the MIC. The root of the problem lies in the wanton manner in which the country's resources have been plundered by Umno and its cohorts for its own benefit, leaving crumbs for the rest to fight over,” it added.

Suaram also called for an end to racial discrimination in Malaysia and an end to the New Economic Policy, saying it has served only to enrich the privileged few.

“After 50 years of Independence, it is imperative to move from a race-based affirmative action policy to one that is class-based and focused on those in need, regardless of ethnic backgrounds.

“Only then can there be distributive justice and genuine progress to a truly multicultural and prosperous society, free from want and free from fear,” it said.

'Way out of line'

In a related development, MCA today dismissed the allegation that Indians were victims of state-sanctioned ethnic cleansing.

In a statement, party secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan said the allegation is “baseless, untrue and way out of line.”

He said in a multiracial country like Malaysia, it is normal for every community to have grievances.

“But to accuse the government of practising ethnic cleansing is something very serious. The leaders of Hindraf should have been more careful and responsible,” he added.

Ong also said Hindraf should not have turned to the British and Indian governments for help as this is tantamount to foreign intervention into the domestic affairs of a sovereign nation.

The MCA leader also took a swipe at PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.

“MCA condemns the action of Anwar who travelled all the way to Mumbai, India, to seek foreign support to interfere with the domestic affairs of our country.

“It is obvious Anwar is going all out to exploit the issue for his political gain. It is a desperate attempt to revive his waning political strength,” said Ong.