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Monday 15 August 2011

"They Want To Suppress That Information."

If any of you had any misgivings about HINDRAF's claims, this should put rest to them. The fact that the Malaysian authorities act in such a way shows that they have something big to hide.

From AFP: Malaysia deports British lawyer for Indian activists

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia Saturday deported a British lawyer for a group of ethnic Indian activists who allege discrimination of their minority community in the Southeast Asian country, officials said.

British lawyer Imran Khan arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Friday but immigration authorities prevented him from entering the country and instead sent him back to London 12 hours later.

Immigration Department director general Alias Ahmad confirmed Khan was deported early Saturday as he was a "prohibited immigrant" but declined to comment further.

S. Jayathas, a coordinator for Hindraf, which lobbies for more rights for Malaysia's ethnic Indian minority, said Khan had planned to stay a week to meet community members who have faced difficulties, such as getting identity cards or being forced to convert to Islam.

"They deported him," Jayathas told AFP, adding that officials only told Khan they were following police instructions "from higher authorities" without being given any other reason.

"(His visit) will bring awareness that the Indian minority has been cheated for the past 54 years of their rights... They want to suppress that information," Jayathas said.

Frankly, I had my doubts on what HINDRAF was up to. A lot of people claim that HINDRAF is a barrier to a united Malaysia.

But the Indians have legitimate issues which both sides of the divide - Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat - ignore.

I actually feel quite encouraged that someone from the UK is willing to listen to their grievances.

If I've got it right, this Imran Khan is an experienced lawyer in the field of human rights and his take on this case would be very valuable.

3 comments:

Pat said...

'The senior partner, Imran Khan, is one of the best-known human rights and criminal lawyers in the UK.' - that's what it says about him in the link you provide.

If someone like him is interested in this, it surely speaks volumes.

I must confess that, like you, I too was in a muddle about HINDRAF. It is now blatantly clear that they know what they're talking about, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

fyi : saifool's supports with their banner :
* ....blah ....blah ....*
(Justice delay Justice Deny)

SIGHS !

btw : malay ministers oso tak tau the difference antara 'kita & kami' !

SIGHS !

Crankster said...

Pat - it sure looks like it.

Anon - most non-Malays speak better Malay than the Malays themselves.