Yes, Waytha Moorthy was desperate for the post, but for whom?

 

From the onset of it, Hindraf never promised that it will remain loyal to PR under all circumstances. Hindraf had always maintained that loyalty is issue-based, one that will be determined by mutual agreement and respect. As a result of PR’s ditching of Hindraf, Hindraf was left with no other choice but to collaborate with those that Hindraf had previously condemned. 

Suguman Narayanan Ph.D 

Since my arrival in Malaysia for a short summer assignment, I read many political articles and had many interesting political conversations with voters about Hindraf and Attorney Waytha Moorthy.

A fair share of them scorned at Hindraf’s collaboration with the Barisan Nasional (BN). Others disagreed with Waytha Moorthy’ s acceptance of his appointment as a Deputy Minister in the PM’s department. Some depicted him as a traitor or even worse, as someone who deserted his original ideals for position. Such disagreements and criticisms are understandable. I have great respect for freedom of speech. Such bold opinions are definitely welcome especially with Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and Bersih in recent days seeking the right to free speech.

While I admire these individuals for their courage and am sure they speak out of care for the country I must disagree with sophism. The failure to understand Waytha Moorthy and the Hindraf struggle resulted in specious arguments and nothing more than a series of allegations thrown at a noble individual.

Attorney Waytha Moorthy’s ideas are original, far ahead of our time. He is a sort of a maverick, with unconventional and nonconforming ideas. Therefore it is difficult for some to understand the steps he took and the decisions he made.

Some of the accusations against him were strongly influenced by ideology while others were loyalty-based. Yes, Hindraf was at one time fiercely against the BN. That is the reason the organization held numerous meetings with Pakatan Rakyat (PR), with one goal, among others, to oust the BN.

The crucial question to answer here is why did Hindraf plot with PR to oust the BN? Hindraf had a single goal—to install a government that will instantly implement the Hindraf blueprint because the BN failed to do its share for the Indian community for more than 55 years. Waytha Moorthy had that one goal in mind—the improvement of the socio-economic status of ethnic Indians through implementation of the blueprint. After numerous meetings however, PR refused to sign the blueprint dumping Hindraf into a completely unexpected dilemma.

From the onset of it, Hindraf never promised that it will remain loyal to PR under all circumstances. Hindraf had always maintained that loyalty is issue-based, one that will be determined by mutual agreement and respect. As a result of PR’s ditching of Hindraf, Hindraf was left with no other choice but to collaborate with those that Hindraf had previously condemned. Again this is issue-based, the original goal of improving the shattered lives of ethnic Indians.

The BN, unlike PR was willing to sign the blueprint. Hindraf agreed, and reluctantly threw its support behind the BN. Why didn’t Hindraf push for seats with the BN? Again it is because the organization adopted a wait-and-see attitude before forging a long-term alliance with the BN. If the issues stipulated in the blueprint are not fulfilled, I believe Hindraf will leave the BN.

I mentioned earlier that many allegations made against Hindraf and Waytha Moorthy were influenced by ideology and loyalty. For these accusers, bond and devotion to a party is sacred. They loved Hindraf when Hindraf was with PR. As soon as Hindraf made a 180-degree turn, they began to show disdain for Hindraf.

Others failed to appreciate Hindraf’s unique ideology-free stand. Both ideology and loyalty are important but there are things that are equally significant, such as issues. Some political issues deal with life and death matters including the survival of a community. In fact loyalty itself should be to the people we represent not the party.

PR promised to implement the blueprint but refused to sign it in writing. What do you expect Hindraf to tell the hundreds of thousands of struggling ethnic Indians if PR comes to power and not implement a verbal promise? These people waited patiently since 2008 for PR’s help with little delivered in states run by PR. Don’t you see that it will be the greatest disservice to the community if Hindraf relied on a verbal promise for the next 5 years?

Hindraf cannot take that chance. Sleeping with the enemy therefore naturally became the better option. Try telling a starving person to wait another 5 years because a strategic error occurred. Should any responsible organization end up in such a predicament?

Attorney Moorthy devoted the last 7 years of his life for the Indian cause. Therefore the cause is supreme, not loyalty to a party or ideology. This man sacrificed his livelihood. Additionally, he was prepared to sacrifice his life too as evidenced by his hunger strike that lasted 3 weeks. The cause took precedence. He is the best available choice for heading the unit within the PM’s department to solve ethnic Indian problems in Malaysia. I cannot think of a more suitable candidate. Moorthy’s perseverance, resilience, and altruism earned him the right to spearhead and steer the government’s renewed efforts to improve the Indian lot in this country.

For those who hold on to the false dogma that Attorney Moorthy accepted the Deputy Minister post for selfish reasons, I can say one thing—he could have secured that a long time back if he wished.

If you are still unconvinced about the person, at least support what he stands for. Let us leave bitter feelings behind and move on. There is so much he can do for you as Minister rather than as Hindraf Chair.