GUAN ENG'S DEEPAVALI MESSAGE - malaysiakini

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 — The DAP urged Malaysians, particular those from the ethnic Indian community, to hold fast to the Deepavali spirit of “good over evil” despite several incidents which have marred the season’s festivities.

In his Deepavali message, its secretary-general Lim Guan Eng expressed his horror over Thursday’s arrest of several people linked to the outlawed Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) including a six-year-old child.

He noted that they were attempting to hand over a petition to the Prime Minister asking for the release of five Hindraf leaders who have been detained under the “draconian” Internal Security Act (ISA) for almost one year now.

Lim assured them that they were not alone in their struggle.

“Together we shall continue to fight on a moral and ethical ground towards achieving equal opportunities, level playing field and social justice,” he said.

He added: “We must insist that any government should show love for its people based on human dignity, compassion and a caring society.”

The Penang Chief Minister said he empathised with the families of the five Hindraf detainees over their “political persecution.”

“I too have been such a victim of the Barisan Nasional government’s prosecution and persecution,” he said, referring to his detention under the same Act during a federal government operation in 1987.

For many Malaysian Indians, particularly those of the Hindu faith, this year’s festival of lights looks set to be a dim affair.

“I hope our Hindu friends, as well as other Malaysians, persevere and continue to work towards achieving the aim of having a truly fair and non-discriminatory society. It is not easy task but may we be guided by the spirit of Deepavali,” said Lim. -- MI