Malaysia detains ethnic Indians under security law

Early last month, Hindraf stunned the Government by bringing more than 10,000 ethnic Indians onto the streets of the capital to complain of racial discrimination.

“They can be held for two years for sedition and also for carrying out activities that threaten national security,” Deputy Internal Security Minister Johari Baharom was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama.

One of those detained was a Hindraf leader, lawyer P Uthayakumar, who had already been charged with sedition for alleging that Malaysia practiced “ethnic cleansing” of Indians, who make up about 7 per cent of the population.

“They said they were arresting him under the ISA (Internal Security Act), but they didn’t say where they were taking him,” said Shantha, who answered Uthayakumar’s mobile phone after news of the detentions and said she was his secretary.

The Hindraf website named the other detainees as M Manoharan, R Kengadharan, B Ganabathi Rao and Vasanthan.

“We appeal to all our supporters to remain calm and do not listen to any rumours or untruth that may be spread to break our unity,” said a statement on the website. “We call upon all supporters to organise nationwide prayers in temples, houses etc. for the speedy release of our leaders.”