Hindraf is dead set against the National Civics Bureau (BTN) courses as it demonises the movement’s chairperson P Waythamoorthy in its modules as Public Enemy No 1.
It’s political wing, the Human Rights Party’s pro-tem secretary-general P Uthayakumar alleged that the Nov 25, 2007 Hindraf protests are screened at BTN courses, and an image of Waythamoorthy is shown, captioned as ‘musuh utama negara’ (public enemy number one).
Meanwhile, DAP’s Kota Alam Shah assemblyperson, M Manoharan said he feared for Indian Malaysians as BTN trainees have systematically implemented Umno’s racist, religious and supremacist policies.
“The standard operating procedure is to implement (what is) taught at BTN courses. They are attemping to portray Indians as dangerous and violent people,” said Manoharan.
He said he “now understood” why a backlog in citizenship applications exists, alleging it was for the “for the benefit of the Malays”.
He suggested that to undo the damage by BTN, an alternative course be held which reflects a fair and accurate picture.
‘Khalid has repented’
When asked Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim’s speeches for the BTN, Manoharan said that Khalid has realised his mistake and has regretted since.
Uthayakumar called for formation of a truth and reconciliation commission, which he said “would allow us to undo the past and move on.”
BTN courses have been under scrutiny following revelations that the courses promote racial supremacy instead of national unity. The bureau comes under the preview of the Prime Minister’s Department.
Pakatan Rakyat-ruled state have banned their staff from attending the courses. Selangor is holding a public forum to discuss the ban tomorrow.
The heated debates over the matter prompted Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to instruct all parties, ministers included, to halt the polemics as he plans to review the BTN modules.
HRP
16/12/09
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