HINDRAF BANNED!

The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) has been banned by the Malaysian government.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar yesterday issued a statement declaring Hindraf, which has been championing Indian rights and trying to prevent the demolition of Hindu temples in the country, an illegal organisation.

In a statement yesterday, Syed Hamid said the decision to declare Hindraf illegal was made as a result of investigations by the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

“The ministry found the organisation’s activities contravened the Societies Act 1966 and if left unchecked, the organisation could pose a threat to public order, peace, security and morality in Malaysia,” he said, adding that even the sovereignty of the country and prevailing racial harmony would be jeopardised.

He made the declaration based on powers vested under Section 5(1) of the Societies Act.

Five top Hindraf leaders are being detained under the Internal Security Act and chairman P.Waythamoorthy is in self-imposed exile in London where he has been lobbying international organisations on the plight of Indians in Malaysia.

Coalition of Indian NGOs secretary-general Gunaraj George said that by banning Hindraf, Syed Hamid had rendered the Indian community voiceless, but said it would not dampen the spirit of its supporters.

“I know that their struggle will go on especially to free all those detained under the ISA.”

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