CPPS’ Statement on Banning of HINDRAF

The Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS) is disappointed with the decision taken by the Home Minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar to declare the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) an illegal organisation. This move by the Ministry of Home Affairs is an infringement on the basic human right to expression and contradicts the Prime Minister’s previous commitment to opening up the democratic space and allowing more open discussion in the country. This decision is telling of the dismal state of civil liberties in Malaysia, and sends these signals to the domestic and international community.

The CPPS finds ludicrous that HINDRAF, in trying to voice out very legitimate grievances of the consistent socio-economic marginalisation of the Indian community, has been labelled as a threat to “public order, peace, security and morality” (The Star, Thursday 16 October 2008). According to the Minister, HINDRAF would also pose a threat to the prevailing racial harmony enjoyed in Malaysia presently. This spells caution that any interest group speaking on behalf of the economic marginalisation of their particular community would be considered as a threat.

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