Unfortunately, its extreme grandstanding is getting quite a number of people down. Will Hindraf be a victim of its own sensationalism? Maybe: but beyond all the spin splashed across our dailies, I think most Malaysians can see past the hogwash and catch a glimpse of the truth: that the Indians in this country have become the new underclass.

It that was Hindraf’s only intention, it has succeeded - and in spades.

@shadowfox: well, that’s an interesting perspective, and it kinda mirrors the whole storm in a teacup when Marina Mahathir used the word “apartheid” in the context of the Bumi/non-Bumi divide. Like with Marina’s use of the word “apartheid”, I think there are some grounds to interpret “ethnic cleansing” in the manner you’ve put it.

I think some people will have trouble with the word, since it conjures up images of Bosnia, Nazi-era Germany and the troubles in some African nations. But you’re right: no blood spilled and no lives lost doesn’t mean there is no marginalization - of Indians being pushed to the periphery.

@Josh: thanks :)I think there will be future rallies - and some in the run up to the elections once it’s been announced, no doubt. The Bar Council is having another “walk” - less a rally and more a gathering, I hope.

You know, I think if Hindraf is able to see that there is a huge groundswell of support for less marginalization, more freedom of expression and a more accountable government, Hindraf just might decide that it is better to ally themselves with civil action groups rather than fighting it out alone.

This is what I hope will happen: coalitions similar to Bersih will get together with Hindraf and present a united front. I think a golden opportunity is there to include Hindraf (and hence, divert its focus away from its more extreme forms of expressions).

The only problem will be Hindraf’s leaders themselves - and the government’s continued demonisation.

What else is there to be done but to weather the storm created by the demonisation of Hindraf in the MSM.

Lets hope our fellow citizens are not too short sighted or fallen to the disease of having short memory.

Short of the actual genocide, this doesn’t mean there’s no ethnic cleansing taking place.

About the media thing, I feel the more they try to publish goody goody news, the more angry I get when I read them because of their continuous state of denial and bare face lies.

I only hope and wish the rest of the population feel that way as well enough to make a change at the polls.

It really is backfiring and I don’t think a rational or sound mind would go that far to achieve attention…

As for gathering the support of India, I believe the petition can’t hold water and basis for further discussion if PM try to counter the fantasy facts blown out of proportion.