Groups to continue Interlok protest in Tenang
Hafiz YatimPublished: Jan 28, 2011 4:24 PM | Updated: Jan 28, 2011 4:36 PM
Several Indian non-governmental organisations will organise a nationwide protest over the government’s adamant move to use the Interlok book for Form Five students, despite protests made by the community.
Federation of Indian NGO Associations Malaysia information chief AP Raja Retinam said the Indian community is saddened by the decision taken by the government and Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
Several Indian NGOs are disappointed at the government’s adamant move to use the book for Form Five students.
Several Indian non-governmental organisations will organise a nationwide protest over the government’s adamant move to use the Interlok book for Form Five students, despite protests made by the community.
Federation of Indian NGO Associations Malaysia information chief AP Raja Retinam (left) said the Indian community is saddened by the decision taken by the government and Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
“We are also angry with calls made by Gapena and Pena who called on the government not to edit or amend the book and use it as it is, as it would offend national laureate Abdullah Hussein. I want to question if is all right not to offend a single writer but it is all right to offend two million plus Indians from the community,” he asked.
“Is it Melayu didahulukan, India dihinakan (Malays first, Indians are degraded)? Our stand and call is clear, we want the book withdrawn from being used among Form Five students. It is only supposed to be used in Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Putrajaya. Hence, there are other literary books which can be used in these states, as others are being used in other zones.”
Raja Retinam had earlier called Muhyiddin a liar and traitor over claims the ministry had reached a consensus with the Indian community on the use of the Malay literature textbook Interlok.
This followed Muhyiddin’s announcement of possible solutions which included preparing glossaries, footnotes or teaching guides as a way to allay the concerns.
Groups to burn Interlok and go on fast
Raja Retinam said despite Muhyiddin’s decision yesterday to use Interlok, the Indian NGOs will continue to protest until it is withdrawn, starting with the burning of the book following the Bohgi festival at the Subramaniam temple in Tenang, Labis today at 6pm.
“Vote BN if Indians want to continue to be slaves. On Sunday, there will be a protest fast by NGOs and students at Brickfields. This will be followed by nationwide protests,” he warned.
“We will not rest until the book is withdrawn,” he said.
Initially Raja Retinam had warned of bringing the Interlok issue to Tenang by having an independent to contest there as a protest against BN. The Indian NGOs has also called MIC leaders as traitors.
This was to be followed by mass police reports lodged in Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, and Penang.
Federation of Indian NGO Associations Malaysia information chief AP Raja Retinam (left) said the Indian community is saddened by the decision taken by the government and Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.“We are also angry with calls made by Gapena and Pena who called on the government not to edit or amend the book and use it as it is, as it would offend national laureate Abdullah Hussein. I want to question if is all right not to offend a single writer but it is all right to offend two million plus Indians from the community,” he asked.
“Is it Melayu didahulukan, India dihinakan (Malays first, Indians are degraded)? Our stand and call is clear, we want the book withdrawn from being used among Form Five students. It is only supposed to be used in Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Putrajaya. Hence, there are other literary books which can be used in these states, as others are being used in other zones.”
Raja Retinam had earlier called Muhyiddin a liar and traitor over claims the ministry had reached a consensus with the Indian community on the use of the Malay literature textbook Interlok.
This followed Muhyiddin’s announcement of possible solutions which included preparing glossaries, footnotes or teaching guides as a way to allay the concerns.
Groups to burn Interlok and go on fast
Raja Retinam said despite Muhyiddin’s decision yesterday to use Interlok, the Indian NGOs will continue to protest until it is withdrawn, starting with the burning of the book following the Bohgi festival at the Subramaniam temple in Tenang, Labis today at 6pm.
“Vote BN if Indians want to continue to be slaves. On Sunday, there will be a protest fast by NGOs and students at Brickfields. This will be followed by nationwide protests,” he warned.
“We will not rest until the book is withdrawn,” he said.
Initially Raja Retinam had warned of bringing the Interlok issue to Tenang by having an independent to contest there as a protest against BN. The Indian NGOs has also called MIC leaders as traitors.
This was to be followed by mass police reports lodged in Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, and Penang.
View Comments0