Since the previous 'Hindraf' rally in 2007 failed to resolve the Indian community's woes, a NGO is organising the 'Indraf' 2.0 rally to send a message to the powers-that-be.
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Organised by NGO Malaysian Indian-Voice (MI-V), the rally would be held on May 27.
Announcing this in Parliament today, Penang Deputy Chief Minister P Ramasamy said it would be an avenue to express the community’s disenchantment with the Barisan Nasional government.
“For 54 years, Indians have been isolated from mainstream development. In 2007, we had Hindraf but still the community is marginalised politically, economically, socially and religion,” he added.
Also present at the press conference were Indraf pro-tem committee members – V Ganabatirao, R Kengadharan and Thasleem Mohd Ibrahim.
Ganabatirao and Kengadharan were part of the Hindraf five who were arrested under the Internal Security Act in the aftermath of the 2007 rally.
Whereas Thasleem was a key figure in galvanising NGOs to oppose the usage of the Interlok novel in secondary schools as the book contained offensive terms against the Indians.
10-point resolution
Kengadharan underlined three objectives that led to the coming rally, themed “Unity – Road to Putrajaya.”
“Malaysian Indians have no competitive edge. They have no influence in policy making and they don’t want piecemeal measures but want pro-active measures to uplift society that are done genuinely in the best interest of the country,” he said.
A 10-point resolution was also expected to be submitted to the government. These are:
1) Fundamental liberties
2) Freedom to profess religion
3) Right to education
4) Automatic citizenship for post-Merdeka babies
5) A replica of the NEP for Indians
6) Equitable approach to employment recruitment
7) Ration card system to eradicate poverty
8) All Tamil schools to be made fully aided schools
9) Pension scheme for the private sector
10) Enacting a Minority Protection Act and Inter Race Relations Act
Asked if other key leaders of the Hindraf 2007 rally would be invited, Kengadharan confirmed that an invitation would be extended to all.
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