Uthayakumar's wife says her ‘God is coming out’

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — “My God is coming out…I am speechless.”

These were the words of S. Indradevi, 38, wife of Hindraf founder P. Uthayakumar on hearing today that her husband would be released from detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Besides Uthayakumar, the other Hindraf leaders to be released are DAP assemblyman for Kota Alam Shah M. Manoharan, and former MBSB top official T. Vasantha Kumar.

They are among 13 ISA detainees who are due to be freed, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein announced today.

“I can’t wait to see him. I am speechless…finally what I had hoping for is happening,” she said adding that she was going to the Kamunting Detention Center on Saturday to meet up with Uthayakumar.

Hishammuddin said the release was not politically motivated but political analysts said the sudden unexpected release could be designed to overshadow the mayhem in the Perak state assembly yesterday that has the pubic in an ugly mood against the Barisan Nasional.

“They no longer need to be held,” he said when asked about the timing of the release.

Four other Malaysians, two Indonesians and five Filipinos were also released but no details were provided.

Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam said the sudden release of the three remaining Hindraf leaders has taken the Hindraf movement by surprise.

“This is unexpected but very welcome news,” he said adding they should be released without conditions. “Otherwise it is another form of detention.”

The five were detained on December 13, 2007 after organising a massive demonstration of Indians against alleged marginalisation on Nov 25, 2007 that brought the capital city to a standstill for six hours.

The Makkal Sakthi movement that the protest sparked was a major impetus for the Indian community to vote for opposition in large numbers during the March 8, 2008 general elections.

Their vote helped, with that of Chinese, Malays and others, change the political landscape of the country, giving birth to a formidable and united opposition able to run the country — a situation never seen before since independence.

Malaysian Insider
08/05/09