IGP: Hindraf out to incite racial unrest
By : Lee Shi-Ian
KUALA LUMPUR: The Hindu Rights Action Force's (Hindraf) actions are aimed at stoking hatred against the government and inciting racial unrest in the country.

This was discovered following intense police investigations in the past six months into the unregistered movement’s activities.

In a statement released by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan yesterday, it was also revealed that the movement is seeking help from terrorists and local gangsters in achieving their goals.

“There have also been signs that the group has been actively canvassing for support and assistance from terrorist groups,” he said.

“They are also lobbying for international support from India, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Nations and Europe.

“They have given a twisted and distorted picture to the international community on the status of Indians in Malaysia.

A Hindraf email sent to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown mentioned “ethnic cleansing” of Indians in Malaysia by an Islamic extremist government. The government has also been accused of sidelining and denying the rights of the Indian community in the economic, education and public sectors.

This has allegedly resulted in the Indian community going backward despite the country celebrating its 50th year of independence.

In describing the allegations as false, baseless and slanderous in nature, Musa said these sentiments have also been spread through forums, books, leaflets, websites and text messages locally.

“They have been actively sowing racial sentiments among the Indians in the country with the aim of inciting hatred and uprising against the government.”

Intelligence also revealed that Hindraf had duped their supporters into raising funds for their cause.

“Hindraf has been monitored by police since July 28. It is an unregistered organisation which was founded by five lawyers and a senior executive from a private firm,” Musa said.

The group is also believed to have been behind violent protests against the local authorities who attempted to demolish temples that had been built illegally.

Those involved in the protests claimed that the destruction of the holy shrines was simply another act by the government of clamping down on freedom of religion in Malaysia.

Investigations have also revealed that the involvement of secret society members to prevent the demolition of shrines and temples in the future.

Hindraf also displayed its stubborn side by insisting on organising an illegal gathering on Nov 25 despite not having a permit to do so.

It allegedly also lied to the Indians who attended the gathering by not handing over a petition to the British High Commission despite having ample opportunity to do so.

“This shows their real intention of causing chaos and mayhem in the capital. They also twisted and distorted the entire incident by accusing police of using excessive force on the demonstrators,” Musa said.

“This situation is very worrying as Malaysia is a multi-racial society and police are not taking this matter lightly. The authorities will not hesitate to take action to protect public order and security in the country.

Musa advised the public not to be influenced by baseless allegations and rumours spread by irresponsible parties through the Internet and text messages as it can cause anxiety and worsen the situation.

Those caught for spreading these text messages or false news can be arrested under Section 28 of the Internal Security Act 1960. If found guilty, they can be fined up to RM10,000 or jailed for three years or both.

Meanwhile, Hindraf founder leader P. Waytha Moorthy warned that Malaysia could become another Sri Lanka, which has been wracked by violence for several decades due to clashes between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Waytha Moorthy was interviewed by Indian newspaper, the Indian Express, which published the report last Saturday. He has been travelling abroad extensively to lobby for support from non-government organisations and politicians.

Waytha Moorthy’s brother, P. Uthayakumar told The New Paper in Singapore that violence was a possibility that the Indian community would consider in order to push their agenda.