Terror Charge: Ethnic Indian sues Malaysian Govt

The latest offensive by Hindraf came despite Malaysian Govt's efforts to seek rapprochement with community leaders.

An ethnic Indian leader, detained by Malaysia for leading a massive anti-government protest, filed a USD 30.5 million defamation suit against the state and its two high-ranking officers for allegedly linking him with terrorist groups.

Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader P Uthayakumar, who is currently in detention under the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA), said allegations by Police Chief Tan Sri Musa Hassan and Attorney General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail that he had terrorist links were ‘fabricated and politically motivated’.

Uthayakumar and four other ethnic Indian leaders are being held at the Kamunting centre since December 13 under ISA, which allows detention without trial, for leading a massive street protest against the alleged marginalisation of the community.

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The government claimed that they were a threat to national security.

Uthayakumar said the officials made the allegations more than 10 days after the Nov 25 protest in 2007 that was organised by Hindraf and alleged that it as an attempt to destroy his credibility and reputation.

He filed a writ of summons and a statement of claim through his lawyers M Manogar and N Surendran at the High Court civil registry in the presence of Uthayakumar’s fiancee,

Indra Devi, 37, and his supporters, the Malaysian Star reported.

The latest offensive by Hindraf came despite government’s efforts to seek rapprochement with community leaders.