Statement by BJP National President Shri Rajnath Singh
on the Persecution of Indians in Malaysia

The Bharatiya Janata Party has taken a serious note about yesterday's incidents in Malaysia. The Indians peacefully protesting against the injustice meted out to them by the Malaysian government, became victims of police atrocities in Kuala Lumpur. Some of the protestors were brutally beaten and hundreds of them were detained by the police.

The BJP expresses its concern over the plight of Indians facing discrimination and marginalization in Malaysia, which has forced them to take to the streets. Ethnic Indians constitute about 7 percent of the population. Although Indians are the third largest ethnic group in Malaysia yet they are apparently living a life of poverty and deprivation in the country.

When Malaysia became independent in 1957 there was a ray of hope for people of Indian origin that they would be able to gain some respect and dignity in the country. Their dreams appear to have been shattered. Trepidation and frustration is taking its toll on the Malaysian Indian, given the lack of job opportunities in the government or the private sector. Even their places of worship have not been spared by the Government. A policy of indiscriminate and unlawful demolition of Hindu temples has further hurt the religious sentiments of the Indian people. According to media reports three Hindu temples have been pulled down since February this year.

The BJP seeks immediate diplomatic intervention from the UPA Government on this issue. The government should register its protest with the Malaysian envoy in New Delhi and also convey its displeasure on the developments in Malaysia. The BJP expresses its solidarity with the people of Indian origin in Malaysia and hopes that their struggle against the injustice and inequality would reach to a logical conclusion.

(Shyam Jaju)
Office Incharge