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Abdullah's Valentine's 'gift' from Hindraf: Red and yellow roses
Tue, Jan 08, 2008 The Straits Times
KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIAN Indians staged a violent protest in Kuala Lumpur in November to highlight their economic and social plight. Now, they are planning a softer approach. Protest leaders announced yesterday that they would present Valentine's Day roses from 10,000 people to the Malaysian Prime Minister next month to drive home their demands for racial equality. The move is dubbed the 'Valentine Roses Campaign' and follows the Nov 25 demonstration in Kuala Lumpur by thousands of Indians backed by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf). The rally was dispersed by police using tear gas and water cannon.

Hindraf chairman P. Waytha Moorthy, who fled to London last month fearing arrest, said Hindraf plans to gather at least 10,000 supporters outside Parliament on Feb 16 to hand red and yellow roses to Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.

A Hindraf activist in Kuala Lumpur, who declined to be identified, said that although Valentine's Day is Feb 14, the event is planned for two days later - a Saturday - because it is easier to gather people during the weekend.

'Red roses will signify Hindraf's love and peaceful struggle, while yellow roses will signify the demand for justice for the five Hindraf leaders held under the draconian laws,' Mr Moorthy said in a statement.

He said it would be 'purely a peaceful gathering...to enlighten (Datuk Seri Abdullah) on the predicament and cry for justice of the minority Indian community', which claims the Malay-dominated government practises discriminatory policies in economic and religious matters.

Datuk Seri Abdullah's aides could not immediately be contacted.

The planned rally will likely face opposition from police, who have barred virtually all public demonstrations in recent months.

ASSOCIATED PRESS