Looks like protesting and demonstrating have been the only ways to voice out our concerns and dissatisfactions in this country. It was all started with the Black and White walk, followed by massive Bersih rally and the next one on the list is going to be Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) Rally which is just two days away. This time it’s not about judicial rot or electoral reforms but an expression of dissatisfaction against discrimination and stereotyping over the minority Indians in Malaysia.
According to Malaysiakini, the gathering is expected to attract 10,000 people, with Hindraf to hand over a petition addressed to Queen Elizabeth II of Britain to support a class-action suit against Her Majesty's government for bringing Indians to Malaysia as indentured labourers and exploiting them for 150 years. The police have issued its stern warning that the public should stay away from the illegal rally, as the rally was not granted a police permit. But, Lawyer P.Uthayakumar said Hindraf will go on with peaceful assembly with or without police permit according to Article 10 of the Federal Constitution – Right to assemble peacefully without arms.
The police have started with crackdowns earlier than expected. May be, they have learned their lessons from previous experience few weeks ago. Numerous roadblocks have been erected around the city as early as Thursday to prevent rally participants from entering Kuala Lumpur. Furthermore, one of the Hindraf volunteer, Thanitheran was arrested and detained unlawfully by the police yesterday for taking picture of police roadblocks. Despites the police threats and warnings from MIC President, the rally has started to gain over helming support via fast spreading SMS messages and forums organized by Hindraf throughout the nation for the past two months. In addition, Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has urged Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan to allow the Hindraf gathering to proceed on Sunday.
However, the police have said a big NO. MIC has warned the Indians repeatedly. But, Hindraf has double confirmed that the rally will go on as planned regardless of any obstacles and warnings. Just to clear the air, the rally has not been given a police permit yet. If you have plans to attend the mass gathering this Sunday, make sure you have a look at the provided guidelines beforehand in order to make the rally a successful one. Get yourself familiar with the location and try to use public transport if possible as a large number of police blocks are expected in order to hack the gathering. I am well aware that Indians are very sensitive and highly emotional that it can be used as weak point to provoke the crowd to create discomfort. So, make sure you do not get provoked by the police force as it can ruin the motive of the rally. Always listen to your heart, but follow your mind. Bear in it that you are there NOT to demonstrate or protest but only to lend your support and witness the handing of memorandum. Listen to the instruction and orders from the officials and behave yourselves from being street hooligans. Take note that you are going to reflect the entire Indian community and your ways are going to paint Malaysia's image on international medias.
According to Malaysiakini, the gathering is expected to attract 10,000 people, with Hindraf to hand over a petition addressed to Queen Elizabeth II of Britain to support a class-action suit against Her Majesty's government for bringing Indians to Malaysia as indentured labourers and exploiting them for 150 years. The police have issued its stern warning that the public should stay away from the illegal rally, as the rally was not granted a police permit. But, Lawyer P.Uthayakumar said Hindraf will go on with peaceful assembly with or without police permit according to Article 10 of the Federal Constitution – Right to assemble peacefully without arms.The police have started with crackdowns earlier than expected. May be, they have learned their lessons from previous experience few weeks ago. Numerous roadblocks have been erected around the city as early as Thursday to prevent rally participants from entering Kuala Lumpur. Furthermore, one of the Hindraf volunteer, Thanitheran was arrested and detained unlawfully by the police yesterday for taking picture of police roadblocks. Despites the police threats and warnings from MIC President, the rally has started to gain over helming support via fast spreading SMS messages and forums organized by Hindraf throughout the nation for the past two months. In addition, Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has urged Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan to allow the Hindraf gathering to proceed on Sunday.
However, the police have said a big NO. MIC has warned the Indians repeatedly. But, Hindraf has double confirmed that the rally will go on as planned regardless of any obstacles and warnings. Just to clear the air, the rally has not been given a police permit yet. If you have plans to attend the mass gathering this Sunday, make sure you have a look at the provided guidelines beforehand in order to make the rally a successful one. Get yourself familiar with the location and try to use public transport if possible as a large number of police blocks are expected in order to hack the gathering. I am well aware that Indians are very sensitive and highly emotional that it can be used as weak point to provoke the crowd to create discomfort. So, make sure you do not get provoked by the police force as it can ruin the motive of the rally. Always listen to your heart, but follow your mind. Bear in it that you are there NOT to demonstrate or protest but only to lend your support and witness the handing of memorandum. Listen to the instruction and orders from the officials and behave yourselves from being street hooligans. Take note that you are going to reflect the entire Indian community and your ways are going to paint Malaysia's image on international medias.
For those who not going to attend the rally and planning to catch the updates from wherever you are, don't bother to look at our local medias and newspapers for updates as they will be too busy reporting on roadblocks and traffic jams while thinking a way to downsize the population of the rally. Trust me, it's going to be a real spin. Make sure you obtain genuine information and do not blindly believe rumors spreading through SMS messages sent by irresponsible people. Stay in touch with online medias and weblogs for updates. Bolehland will be providing minute to minute update of the rally based on the happenings at ground zero and any official statements from Hindraf can be obtained from policewatchmalaysia. Stay tuned.
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6 comments to "HINDRAF Rally : Are you ready?"
whAt A LiFe says:
A very detailed post indeed. Will see the updates from 'bolehland'.
Tks for sharing
zewt says:
hey man... if you're going, just be careful. all the best to you my friend.
by the way, not trying to sound morbid but it has my pleasure bumping into blogs like yours, kavilan and ammu. you guys rock!!
puvanan says:
@what a life:
Welcome. As for now, the tree Hindraf leaders have been arrested this morning and released back. Police are having massive roadblocks round the clock.
Anonymous says:
You guys have my full support. God bless you.
Anonymous says:
A petition with 100,000 signatures to be presented to her Royal Highness the Queen of England to appoint her Majesty's Queen Counsels to represent the poor, underclass, oppressed and suppressed Malaysian Indians WOULD NOT be presented at the British High Commission on 25 NOV
puvanan says:
@zewt:
Nice knowing you too dude, keep in touch! :)