Hindraf leaders split over 'marriage' with ABU

Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders are apparently split over their supporters’ involvement in Anything But Umno (ABU) movement following the disruption of its ceramah by a rowdy mob in Shah Alam last Saturday.

While Hindraf de facto leader and legal advisor P Uthayakumar (right)is calling on members to avoid any future ABU forums, the group’s chairperson P Waytha Moorthy wants the members to continue supporting ABU instead.

In a statement today, Waythamoorthy said Hindraf, at its annual convention on Dec 4, had decided to work with any opposition force, and dismissed his elder brother, Uthayakumar’s statement.

“The recent statement issued on the instructions of Uthayakumar, the secretary-general of Human Rights Party with regards to our involvement with ABU was purely his personal view, and we in Hindraf respect his views, though collectively, we differ from his personal opinions.

“Hindraf’s voice is a mix and marriage of the grassroots supporters, not one based on an individual,” said the self-exiled leader.

Waythamoorthy(left) was responding to a statement issued by Hindraf information chief S Jayathas, which said Hindraf had decided not to support ABU. This was decided during a supreme council meeting chaired by Uthayakumar yesterday.

“Hindraf does not support ABU, but supports ABUR that is Anything But Umno and Pakatan Rakyat Racism.

“Hindraf supporters nationwide are advised not to attend any future ABU forums planned nationwide, especially in the light of the violent attack on Hindraf supporters at Jalan Kebun, Shah Alam, last Saturday where at least one Hindraf supporter was hospitalised and many others physically attacked,” the statement read.

In yesterday’s statement, Hindraf also admonished ABU and Pakatan Rakyat leaders for failing to provide sufficient security at the rally.

“Hindraf will never allow itself to become blind supporters of both Umno/BN or Pakatan Rakyat,” it added.