Tuesday, 15 February 2011

Interlok Issue: MIC new President speaketh

This is a very sensible statement coming from the MIC President Palanivel, a bit late in the day after the troubles by Hindraf but then again better late than never:

Palanivel: No sensitive statements before Interlok panel meeting
2011/02/15


MIC president Datuk G. Palanivel today urged all parties to refrain from issuing statements with regard to the sensitivity of the Interlok novel.


Palanivel said since a panel has been set up by the Education Ministry to study the Interlok novel used as a Form Five literature textbook, and consider the appropriate amendments, and submit its recommendations, issuing sensitive statements would only aggravate the situation.


The independent panel of eight people comprises linguists, academicians, literary experts and representatives from the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and the Indian community.


The novel, written by national laureate Datuk Abdullah Hussain, sparked controversy following the Education Ministry''s decision to use it as a literature textbook as it allegedly contained text regarded as sensitive to the Indian community in the country.


Interlok has also become a focal point for protests and demonstrations as recent as last weekend when 59 Hindraf and Human Rights Party members were detained by police in four states, namely Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Perak and Kuala Lumpur. -- Bernama

Read more: Palanivel: No sensitive statements before Interlok panel meeting

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