The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Malaysia imbroglio

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Saturday, Dec 08, 2007
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Malaysia imbroglio

This refers to the editorial Malaysia in the wrong" (Dec. 7). Political dissent is not tolerated in Malaysia. The same political party or alliance) has been running the show in the country ever since its independence. Many leaders have advised the people of non-Malay origin not to look elsewhere for solutions to their problems. The U.S. which seeks to thrust its ideas on all third world countries has accepted Malaysia and Singapore on their terms and is doing business with them. India would do well to take up the problem of Malaysians of Indian origin through diplomatic channels and not via public debates. A show of valour may be counterproductive in a situation where discretion may serve better.

I.S. Kanthimathinathan,
Tirunelveli

* * *

The Hindraf's political demonstrations are against the historical wrongs perpetrated during the colonial era. The Malaysian government cannot undo them. It is only dealing with the problem strictly under the Malaysian law and its leaders are quite right in asking India to lay off. Secular India should not interfere in disputes which are of religious nature. The Malaysians of Indian origin would do well to follow the example of the Chinese and reconcile themselves to a subordinate status in political life. They can instead excel in trade and industry to become indispensable to Malaysia's development, just as the Chinese have done.

Col. C.V. Venugopalan (retd.),
Palakkad

* * *

Malaysia shares good ties with India and must act conscientiously to uphold them. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh too should handle the sensitive issue of Malaysian Tamils in such a way that it does not affect the bilateral relations. Amit Goyal, New Delhi

* * *

The issue is the attack on Hindu temples and difficulties faced by numerous Malaysian Indian estate workers. Their marginalisation has forced some of them to resort to gangsterism. No doubt there are Malaysians of Indian origin who have struggled hard and climbed the social ladder. But a majority of them have suffered and it is their suffering that made them take to the streets in spite of the threats of crackdown. Whether it is Hindraf the MIC that is working for the interests of Indians, I wish their agony is addressed.

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