Malaysia IGP warns of crackdown

Top cop accuses Hindraf of soliciting terror aid

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s top police official has accused leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) of seeking help from “terrorist groups” — an unmistakable allusion to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam — amidst signs that authorities were preparing to arrest Hindraf leaders under the draconian Internal Security Act.

In a statement issued late on Thursday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan further said Hindraf was inciting racial hatred, a serious charge in a country where great store is set on the preservation of racial harmony among Malay Muslims and ethnic Indians and Chinese.

Musa said police investigations over the past six months had established that Hindraf was working to stoke racial unrest. “There have also been signs that the group has been actively canvassing for support and assistance from terrorist groups,” he said.

‘Dangerous sentiments’ were being  spread through Hindraf forums, distribution of books and leaflets, on websites and through SMS services, Musa said.

Hindraf was also lobbying for international support from India, the UK, the US, the UN and Europe, Musa noted, and added that “they have given a twisted and distorted picture to the international community.”

Musa said Hindraf had set up a fund by misleading the public into believing the money was to finance its activities. “The fanning of such racial sentiments among the Indians is very dangerous,” Musa said.