Press Statement by Karpal Singh in Kuala Lumpur on
Thursday, 16th October 2008:
Hindraf 'illegal' - wrong move
The declaration of Hindraf as an illegal
organization is not a step in the right direction. Home Minister, Datuk
Seri Syed Hamid Albar says that the declaration was a result of
monitoring an investigation by the Registrar of Societies since Hindraf
was formed. As a result of this investigation, the Home Ministry acted
under sections 3 and 5 of the Society Act, 1966. Declaring Hindraf an
illegal organization without giving it an opportunity to be heard goes
against the grain of natural justice. The Home Minister has made serious
allegations against Hindraf. He says Hindraf was detrimental to peace,
public order, security and the moral values of Malaysia, adding if the
activities of Hindraf were not reined in, they would continue to
jeopardise security and public order and the country's sovereignty as
well as upset the harmony among the races.
Hindraf had an legitimate expectation to be heard to counter the serious
allegations made against it including the claim that Hindraf was linked
to the Sri Lankan terrorist movement, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil
Elam (LTTE). This has been vehemently denied by Hindraf leaders. The
Government is opening itself to be sued for defamation of a very serious
nature.
I call upon the Government to review its ban on Hindraf and release M.
Manoharan, P. Uthayakumar, R. Kengadharan, V. Ganabatirau and K.
Vasantha Kumar detained under the ISA immediately so as to give them an
opportunity to defend themselves against the serious allegations made
against them as leaders of Hindraf.
* Karpal Singh, DAP National Chairman & MP for Bukit
Gelugor
http://dapmalaysia.org