Concern for Uthayakumar’s health

His wife, S Indra Devi, claims Kajang prison officials are paying scant attention to his severe back problem despite doctors' advise to get him proper medical attention.

PETALING JAYA: S Indra Devi, 41 is worried over the deteriorating health condition of her husband, Human Rights Party’s protem secretary general and Hindraf activist, P Uthayakumar who is serving time in Kajang prison for sedition.

“He is suffering from a prolapse disc and the prison authorities are paying scant attention to his condition, save for providing him with painkillers. I’m really concerned for his well being and safety,” said Indra.

“Everyday when he wakes up, he has to lean against the wall for about 20 minutes to help alleviate the pain in back before he can move around,” added Indra.

“Three doctors from the Kajang prison had recommended that Uthaya be provided with a chair in his cell to help ease the excruciating pain in his back but it has fallen on the deaf ears of prison officials.

“I’m very concerned that the overuse of painkillers may lead to my husband suffering from kidney problems. I want the prison authorities to send him to HUKM in Cheras for a thorough and proper medical review of his condition.”

Uthayakumar, 51, was jailed for two years and six months after he was found guilty under the Sedition Act on June 6 and according to Indra, he was placed in a common block before being moved to a hardcore criminal block.

Indra also questioned the prison authorities’ motives for transferring her husband to the hardcore criminal block.

“Why move him there when political prisoners like Lim Guan Eng, Mat Sabu and ex-PM Dr Mahathir’s aide, Matthias Chang, were shielded from hardcore criminals when they were incarcerated,” she asked.

Uthayakumar found himself in trouble with the authorities for having written a letter to former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2007 claiming Malaysia was indulging in the ethnic cleansing of minority Indians.

He was charged in 2007 under the Sedition Act 1948 and found guilty this year.