Date:06/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/06/stories/2007120660301400.htm

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More ethnic Indians charged in Malaysia

P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE: The question of Malaysian Indian “unrest” on Wednesday shifted from the political arena to the legal domain, even as the Government was still assessing whether “sedition” charges should be laid against P. Uthayakumar, a leader of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf).

Five ethnic Indians, all believed to be Hindraf members or supporters, were charged with having attempted to murder a police official on November 25, shortly before the group organised a protest rally in Kuala Lumpur. The total number of persons produced before the Sessions Court at Shah Alam in the case rose to 31, with 26 ethnic Indians having been similarly charged on Tuesday.

Sessions Judge Azimah Omar was later reported to have ruled that “the charges have basis and are not defective.”

Illegal assembly

The accused were alleged to have not only joined an “illegal assembly” but also resorted to rioting outside a temple. They were said to be among those waiting to join others for the rally that took place under the leadership of Mr. Uthayakumar, P. Waytha Moorty, and V. Ganapati Rao.

The case attracted unusual attention on two counts — the Government’s pledge to punish those responsible for disturbing public peace, and the appearance of Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail on the side of prosecution before the Sessions Judge. This reflected the Government’s “priorities” in regard to even a case that involved only some members or supporters of Hindraf, according to political observers.

Mr. Uthayakumar, who is also Hindraf’s legal adviser, remained under political fire as the authorities continued to explore the possibility of moving against him.