Ethnic Indian issue: Abdullah steps up attack

Stepping up his attack on a Hindu rights outfit which has alleged discrimination against ethnic Indians in Malaysia, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi on Monday said the government will not allow it to create chaos in the multi-racial country with its "baseless accusations".

"The government's success in developing Malaysia is a key element in efforts to counter baseless accusations levelled by Hindraf which are aimed at creating chaos in the country," Badawi said here as Kuala Lumpur showed no signs of relenting on the issue which has caused furore in India.

Addressing the monthly assembly for Prime Minister's Department staff, he said the non-government organisation was spreading "blatant lies" with the intention of arousing hatred among multiracial Malaysians.

Abdullah said Hindraf had gone overboard in making wild accusations and causing chaos to further their narrow political interests, adding that the government would not allow lies to spread among the people.

Adding to the tough comments emanating from Kuala Lumpur, Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar again warned against any foreign interference over the issue saying it was an internal matter and aggrieved citizens should approach the government and not seek outside help.

"Our success in developing the country will be an important factor as it allows the people to see what's happening around them...it's the most influential factor for the people,"


"They're not stupid, and they have not allowed themselves to be hoodwinked for the past 50 years," said Abdullah, adding that many were unhappy with Hindraf's actions.

The prime minister said efforts to bring about greater progress to the country would continue despite the fact that the poor made up only 5.7 per cent of the population. The government aims to eradicate hardcore poverty by 2010.

Abdullah said Hindraf had gone overboard in making wild accusations and causing chaos to further their narrow political interests.

He said that while police were tasked to maintain public order in the country, the government would not allow lies to spread among the people.

According to him, some people were ignorant of what the government was doing for them, prompting them to act based on their emotions.

Abdullah stressed that the government would continue efforts to bring further progress to the country and its people regardless of race and religion.