PEMBELA labelled HINDRAF as treacherous and hits out against Anwar Ibrahim

PEMBELA, a group of Muslim lawyers headed by renowned defense lawyer Zainur Zakaria hit out against Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) for causing a ruckus with their blatant lies, racism attacks, manipulation of facts and history, attempting to drag Malaysia into an international row and attempted to incite and instigate racial and religious hatred which tantamount to treason.

The media conference was conducted at the Kuala Lumpur Syariah Court.

MEDIA STATEMENT BY PEMBELA

6th DECEMBER 2007

PEMBELA refers to the recent street protest held on the 25th of November
2007 by a movement called Hindraf or Hindu Rights Action Force in support of
their demands.

While PEMBELA acknowledges the fundamental right of every citizen to gather
peacefully and their right to free speech within the ambit of the law,
PEMBELA deplores the actions carried out by Hindraf in the pursuit of their
demands.

Among the steps taken by Hindraf was to send a letter to the Prime Minister
of the United Kingdom.

In this letter dated the 15th of November 2007, written by P. Uthayakumar as
the legal adviser to Hindraf, Hindraf made several accusations and
allegations against the Malaysian Government, and the Muslim community of
committing atrocities against Malaysians of Indian origin. These accusations
are not only malicious and untrue but highly inflammatory and calculated to
incite racial and religious discord among Malaysians.

In the said letter Hindraf appealed to the UK Government to move an
emergency resolution in the United Nations to condemn Malaysian Government
for committing ethnic cleansing and genocide against Malaysian Indians with
the backing of Islamic extremist and terrorist.

Such accusations by Hindraf are not only baseless and untrue but malicious
and highly inflammatory with the objective of arousing racial and religious
discord particularly between the Malays and Indians and also between the
Muslims and the Hindus in this country.

Hindraf has also issued a veiled threat that the Indians in Malaysia may
resort to armed terrorist insurrection like that being carried out in Sri
Lanka if the Malaysian government do not give in to their demands, the
principal one being the rejection of certain fundamental provisions of the
Federal Constitution.

PEMBELA views the actions of Hindraf and especially their leaders with grave
concern as their actions and threat to resort to armed revolt are not only
seditious but can be regarded as acts of treason.

Hindraf now seeks to use these malicious and baseless allegations to garner
international support for their cause and have despatched one P. Warya
Moorthy to undertake this campaign.

Hindraf has also threatened the Malaysian Government, in particular the
Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, that they will
relentlessly pursue such campaign unless the Malaysian government meet their
leaders to discuss their demands. PEMBELA condemns such attempts at
blackmail and intimidation as totally unacceptable.

The events behind HINDRAF’s actions are reminiscent of the events which led
to the May 13 tragedy in 1969. PEMBELA therefore condemns the highly
irresponsible actions of Hindraf, especially their leaders for fanning the
fires of racial and religious emotions and urges the Malaysian government to
act firmly, before racial and religious sentiments become uncontrollable.

PEMBELA therefore urges the Malaysian Government to:

1. Ban the movement called Hindraf;
2. Take firm legal action against the leaders of Hindraf; and
3. Not to entertain any demands by Hindraf for any discussion or
meeting with the Malaysian Government.

PEMBELA also views with concern statements issued by other organizations
echoing the threat by Hindraf that the Indians may have to resort to armed
terrorist insurrection if their demands are not listened to by the Malaysian
Government.

PEMBELA considers such statements as irresponsible, more so coming from
organizations that demand others to act within the ambit of the law.

Zainur Zakaria
Spokesperson for PEMBELA

6th December 2007, Kuala Lumpur

Zainur Zakaria likened HINDRAF as extremist militants, suh as the infamous Al Maunah for attempting to disrupt stability, create pandimonium and massive social unrest through racial and religious hatred amongst Malaysians. Al Maunah was charged for trying to wage a war against HM SPB YDP Agong and deemed an act of treason. Three of Al Maunah leaders were found guilty and sentenced to death.

On the same note, The Star reported that IGP Tan Sri Musa Hassan said HINDRAF had linkages with terrorists and militant organisations and now canvassing donations for their cause. The Police would consider using ISA against their leaders, for sowing hatred:

Friday December 7, 2007

IGP: Hindraf trying to garner support from terrorist groups

By LOURDES CHARLES and ANDREW SAGAYAM

KUALA LUMPUR: There are signs lately that the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) is trying to garner support from terrorist groups, the police charged yesterday.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said Hindraf has also set up a fund by misleading the public into believing that the money is to finance its activities.

“We view such matters very seriously. It is also very worrying especially when we live in a multi-racial society.

Ominous words: The front page of Monday’s edition of Singapore’s The New Paper which interviewed P. Uthayakumar and quoted him as saying that Hindraf will not rule out violence.

“The police will not hesitate to take stern action against anyone to ensure that peace and security prevails in this country,” he said.

Musa also said the group was trying to sow hatred towards the Government and that its actions could spark racial clashes.

He said such dangerous sentiments were being widely spread via Hindraf forums, distribution of books and leaflets, on websites as well as through the short messaging service.

“It is also trying to rope in gangsters to prevent local authorities from demolishing illegal temples in the near future.

“The fanning of such racial sentiments among the Indians is very unhealthy and dangerous,” Musa said, adding that the police would not hesitate to invoke the Internal Security Act (ISA) against those who abused technology to stoke racial hatred or unrest.

The IGP said those found guilty of spreading such messages through SMS or e-mail could be jailed up to three years, fined RM10,000, or both, under Section 28 of the ISA.

One of Hindraf’s leaders, P. Uthayakumar, was reported as saying in an interview in Monday’s edition of Singapore’s New Paper that that he would not rule out using violence.

He was quoted as saying that the protest by monks in Myanmar last September inspired Hindraf’s public protest.

“The monks were prepared to die for their cause. I’ve shown slides of monks getting shot and killed during my roadshows and I think it struck a chord with the people.

“I think it’s quite unlikely we’ll head down that path towards a civil war but there’s always that possibility. Some of the uneducated may resort to violence,” Uthayakumar was quoted as saying by the paper.

He also allegedly made similar statements in an interview with Indian national television in a programme called Times Now, where he warned of serious consequences.

Amongst the questions were asked was about Anwar Ibrahim’s statement on HINDRAF and later a subsequent statement deemed as ‘damage control’. For one of Anwar’s trial lawyers in the much talked about high profile case between 1998-2001, it is very clear that Zainur Zakaria expressed his utmost resentment against Anwar. He quipped that Anwar being a former Deputy Prime Minister ought to know better and should not made the statement, capitalising on taking full advantage of the situation.

The DAMAI MALAYSIA Declaration 6 December 2007

 

Over 395 NGOs, which include 95 non Malay NGOs, representing all the major ethnic groups and interests from all over the country converged in Kelab Sultan Sulaiman, Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur this morning for the same cause, called ‘DAMAI MALAYSIA: Gabungan NGO Prihatin Malaysia’; to give support for the initiative to reject and urge the Government to take stern and decisive action against illegal assemblies and street demonstrations.

Former Court of Appeal Judge Dato’ Mohd. Nor Abdullah addressed the attendees of this one day conference non-partisan on the importance and significance of understanding Constitution of Federation of Malaysia and laws enacted, through Parliament by democratically elected representatives, is actually to protect the interests of the majority and it should be adhered to, unconditionally.

This was Bernama.coms report:

December 06, 2007 23:28 PM

395 NGOs Condemn Street Demonstrations

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 6 (Bernama) — Almost 400 non- governmental organisations (NGO), representing various races from throughout the country, gathered at the Sultan Sulaiman Club in Kampung Baru here to condemn street demonstrations that could disrupt order. The 395 NGOs described certain quarters as being insolent when they accused the government of ethnic cleansing when in fact, all races are treated fairly. Over 600 NGO leaders who called themselves the “Damai Malaysia” (Peace Malaysia) movement, gathered for over three hours before coming up with a joint statement on their strong stand against street demonstrations, to be handed over to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Damai Malaysia coordinating secretary, Mohd Nardin Awang said the movement wished to remind all that the right of expression, as provided for under the Federal Constitution, should be exercised in accordance with the law and through permissible channels, and not through illegal demonstrations. “The gathering today is to voice out the wish of the people who want peace and are against street demonstrations which have created many problems for the nation,” he told reporters. The joint statement said the NGOs, among other things, opposed the use of race and religion to sow hatred among the people. They also condemned individuals or organisations who/which deceive, slander, and incite or perpetrate racial feelings, and drag in outsiders to interfere in the country’s domestic affairs. “Damai Malaysia is committed to strengthening tolerance and cooperation among the races for the sake of the country’s future,” said Mohd Nardin. Among the NGOs present were the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (Macma), Selangor 4B Youth Movement and Ampang Indian Association. Macma president Ridhuan Tee Abdullah said the people should know how to exercise their rights under the law and not to go overboard to the extent of creating tension among the people. Jimmy Mesir Mohamad Yusof, who represented Selangor 4B Youth Movement, said the people should voice out in defence of the government and to stand solidly behind the prime minister in tackling the issue. — BERNAMA

A declaration was unanimously formed, signed and adopted, with their respective organizations’ stamps, to show their united commitment on:

MUKADIMAH

Kebebasan, kemakmuran dan kestabilan yang kita kecapi selama ini adalah aset terpenting hasil perjuangan pemimpin terdahulu yang diasaskan kepada dasar tolak-ansur, hormat-menghormati berlandaskan kepada budaya Melayu diikat oleh Kontrak Sosial yang telah dipersetujui bersama oleh semua kaum sebagaimana termaktub di dalam Perlembagaan Negara.

Dasar tolak-ansur, muafakat dan perkongsian kuasa antara kaum yang telah terbukti berjaya menyatupadukan semua kaum merupakan teras utama yang wajib dipertahankan. Sebarang tindakan yang boleh menjejaskan kestabilan Negara merupakan satu ancaman yang wajib dihentikan segera.

Sebagai sebuah Negara yang mengamalkan sistem Demokrasi Berparlimen ;

· Hak bersuara semua golongan perlu dihormati tetapi perlulah berlandaskan kepada undang-undang dan saluran yang dibenarkan

 

· Rakyat boleh menentukan kepimpinan Negara melalui pilihan raya di mana setiap individu mempunyai hak mengundi. Penggunaan kekerasan serta tindakan mengundang campur tangan kuasa luar merupakan satu pengkhianatan kepada Negara.

 

· Setiap rakyat Malaysia mempunyai kebebasan untuk mencari kekayaan dan pendidikan tanpa sebarang diskriminasi dan sistem kasta yang membezakan mereka dari segi keturunan dan fahaman agama serta bebas menjalankan kehidupan tanpa sekatan

Atas keyakinan ini maka,

 

‘DAMAI MALAYSIA’ sebagai sebuah gerakan massa rentas fahaman politik, rentas perkauman, rentas sempadan dan rentas kepentingan diri mengambil ketetapan :

 

1. Terus memperjuangkan hak kebebasan bersuara mengikut lunas-lunas perundangan yang telah diperuntukkan sebagaimana yang diamalkan selama ini

 

2. Bertekad memperkasakan semula semangat perpaduan dan kerjasama antara kaum

 

3. Komited kepada usaha menolak sebarang budaya dan amalan yang mampu merosakkan suasana harmoni antara kaum

 

4. Memastikan Malaysia kekal sebagai sebuah Negara yang aman dan progresif

 

5. Mempertahankan kestabilan politik dan semangat perpaduan yang terus membawa Malaysia ke arah kegemilangan pada masa akan datang

 

6. Menolak sebarang usaha untuk membincangkan isu sensitif yang melibatkan kaum dan agama secara terbuka termasuk melalui demonstrasi politik jalanan

 

7. Memastikan Malaysia yang kita cintai akan terus hidup subur

 

DEKLARASI / KOMITMEN

 

 

“DAMAI MALAYSIA”

• Akan terus komited meneguhkan amalan toleransi dan kerjasama antara kaum untuk masa hadapan Negara

 

• Akan terus menjadi pendokong kepada budaya ‘demokrasi yang bertanggungjawab’ khasnya di kalangan generasi muda Malaysia

 

• Akan terus bersama kepimpinan Negara untuk bersama sama menyumbang kepada pembinaan Negara

 

Kami atas nama “DAMAI MALAYSIA” dengan ini bersepakat

1. Terus menjunjung Keluhuran Perlembagaan

2. Menolak sebarang Demonstrasi Politik Jalanan

3. Menentang penggunaan isu agama dan perkauman sebagai alat untuk menambah kebencian sesama sendiri

4. Mengutuk mana-mana individu/persatuan yang menggunakan penipuan, fitnah, hasutan dan mengheret kuasa luar untuk mencampuri urusan dalaman Negara

5. Mengutuk perbuatan biadap yang menuduh kepimpinan Negara yang dipimpin oleh orang Melayu sebagai melakukan ‘penghapusan kaum’ sedangkan semua kaum mendapat layanan yang sama rata

 

Some significant community leaders attended which include the CEUPACS President and Muslim Converts Association renowed preacher Ridhuan Tee. It is expected that this declaration and resolution, would be forwarded to the Prime Minister, the soonest opportunity available for actions to be taken.

It is good and progressive effort for a Malaysian civil society that the rakyat themselves, through these non partisan NGOs, came out and expressed their deep dissatisfaction for the illegal assemblies and street demonstrations, which affected their daily lives directly and indirectly and unanimously adopt a call to adhere the laws enshrined in the Constitution of the Federation of Malaysia and the practice of the rule of law.

This is indeed a significant moment in Malaysian history.

Zainur Zakaria dan peguam Muslim membidas HINDRAF dan Anwar Ibrahim

Peguambela terkemuka Zainur Zakaria dan tujuh peguam Muslim akan mengadakan satu sidang media petang Khamis, 6 Disember 2007 diKuala Lumpur untuk menegaskan pandangan ketidak puasan hati mereka mengenai Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF).

Dalam satu pertemuan bersama beberapa Ahli Parlimen PAS hari ini, mereka mengecam pembabitan dan kenyataan Anwar Ibrahim yang cuba menangguk diair keruh terhadap gerakan yang dilihat sebagai berbaur perkauman, menimbulkan kemarahan orang orang Melayu dan Muslim Malaysia serta memburukan nama Malaysia diperada antarabangsa, dengan dakwaan pembohongan yang berniat jahat.

Beberapa ahli PKR juga melauhkan kemarahan mereka terhadap HINDRAF dan kenyataan Anwar Ibrahim ini, walaupun pemimpin PKR seperti Gopala Krishnan terlibat dalam proses perhimpunan haram dan demonstrasi jalanan anjuran HINDRAF ini. Difahamkan perasaan marah ini bermula selepas kenyataan asal Anwar Ibrahim mengenai isu ini dan apa apa kenyataan selepas itu dilihat sebagai ‘cuba memperbetulkan keadaan’ (damage control).