Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Front) plans a candlelight solidarity vigil on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur. It will be an evening of candles and flowers, testimonies for peace, songs and silent prayers.

The vigil will be held from 6.45pm at the Dataran Merdeka, according to Hindraf leader in exile P Waythamoorthy, "bearing in mind the times observed by our Muslim brothers and sisters for the breaking of the fast".

The Hindraf leader announced this during a phone call to Malaysiakini from his London headquarters followed by an email and a short text message alert.

He is unable to be present as his passport has been revoked by the Malaysian government without citing specific grounds.

All are equal theme

NONE"The vigil will help remind us, as Malaysians, that we are all equal to one another - no more, no less," said Waythamoorthy, (right) stressing his favourite theme in deploring the infamous "cow head incident" in Shah Alam recently.

"We can co-exist not only as groups but as individuals. But as individuals, we must exercise our rights without infringing on that of others or inciting anyone into acts that benefit no one in the end."

The candlelight solidarity vigil, he added, will help repair the damage to the centuries-long brotherly Hindu-Muslim relations in the wake of the "cow's head incident".

Besides, the vigil is expected to be a reminder to the police on their continued ineffectiveness and inability to conduct themselves as a professional force free from political pressures, he said.

"Hindraf calls upon all peace-loving Malaysians, irrespective of colour, creed and race, and from all walks of life, to come together and join hands at the candlelight solidarity vigil," Waythamoorthy said.

"Let's show the small groups of extremists everywhere that we are not cowed or intimidated by anyone.

"We, the majority, must not allow anyone to create a climate of fear and public insecurity. Our children and grandchildren are looking to us for leadership in these trying times."

Hindraf is also calling on all NGOs to lend a hand to make the candlelight solidarity vigil a memorable evening.

Organisations interested in working together with Hindraf on Sept 5 should call Selvan at 016-3137 840 after 6 pm. Those fasting and who need special arrangements can call Shanti at 019-621 1101.