Why did bank not advise us?

Former mutton seller A Muthu Krishnan has given Standard Chartered Bank 48 hours to own up to their mistake failing which he will place his furniture at their doorstep in protest.

PETALING JAYA: A group of about 50 people gathered in front of a double-storey house in Taman Selayang Baru yesterday, showing support for a man who is now homeless after being evicted from the same property.

Those who picketed outside former mutton seller Muthu Krishnan’s “house” were members of his family, friends, neighbours and supporters from two NGOs – Peniaga Pasar Harian Selayang and Tamilian Helping Hands.

The small crowd did not shout slogans but held up several placards pleading for justice for the man, who was allegedly cheated by a licensed money-lender company and wronged by Standard Chartered bank.

The placards also chided the numerous authorities that had failed to act.

The supporters also chatted and encouraged Muthu Krishnan, who sat in front of the empty house. The house is now padlocked and chained with furniture piled up at the driveway.

For about 10 minutes, they gathered in silence in front of the house for the media to photograph them. A handful of police watched from a distance but did not approach the group.

Muthu Krishnan’s wife, S Kanagamah, 43, said that on Friday several men came to their house and threw out their furniture, without any legal notices.

“They broke into the house and took out all of our things. We could not be here because my husband’s grandmother passed away and we were in Perak for the funeral,” she said.

On Sept 1, FMT had reported Muthu Krishnan’s plight. Muthu Krishnan claimed he was conned by licensed money lenders into signing away his double-storey house in Selayang Baru.

The 44-year-old man had also blamed Standard Chartered bank when it allegedly failed to properly inform him and to protect him from having his house transferred to the same money lenders.

The situation was all the more tragic as he is now officially a disabled man after he was slashed by parang wielding-men believed to have been sent by the same group. He lost his right thumb and has limited use of both hands.

For the past few years, Muthu Krishnan has been lobbying for help from numerous parties, including Standard Chartered, the police, Bank Negara, and Malaysian Licensed Moneylender Association but to no avail.

Good hardworking man

Last week, Muthu Krishnan and his family of three children were evicted from their home when the group of money lenders came with a large contingent of people, including police and lawyers.

“We’ve pleaded and complained to so many parties, but it’s just no use,” Kanagamah told FMT.

“My whole family is now living from day to day. How can these… animals (money lenders) treat us this way? And how can the police not take action against anyone even if they have the suspect’s name?

“How can the bank allow such injustice to happen to their clients and close their eyes. They didn’t inform us and even helped the illegal transfer. And the courts seem to be helping their side. Are they all taking money from these people?”

A quick FMT survey of those who turned up found that many had high regards for Muthu Krishnan.

“It’s very strange that this should happen to him. He is a very good man, very hardworking, a good family. It’s so sad to see them go through this,” said next door neighbour of over 10 years, who wished only to say her surname, Seow.

Security guard T Segaran, 60, who has known Muthu Krishnan for 30 years, said the latter was a straightforward man who was fair to everyone.

“As a businessman, he does not cheat people, but he was cheated, what has been done to him was unfair. These people bypassed the law, took laws into their own hands and kicked him out on the streets,” he said.

Vegetables seller Ahmad Sabry Zainol Abidin, 36, and next door neighbour businessman Ameer Batcha Sulaiman, 38, both said Muthu Krishnan was a helpful man.

“After all he has been through, the government does nothing. The life of us ordinary people seems to mean nothing to them,” said retiree K Kali Muthu, 60.

Meanwhile, Muthu Krishnan said that he would give Standard Chartered 48 hours to respond to him and admit to its alleged negligence.

“I have nowhere to place my furniture so maybe I should put all of these in front of the bank’s and stay outside of their office,” he said.