Saravanan dwarfs other MIC leaders

Politics is the art of seizing an opportunity on the prevailing issues to outclass others in the same profession. Not many are good at it. Among the mundane political figures of MIC, one leader recently proved that he has the political shrewdness and ability to overshadow his fellow leaders in MIC and, at the same time, taking on the opposition face to face on a sensitive issue – the Effingham Tamil school land.

That leader is M Saravanan, MIC vice-president, and Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Deputy Minister. Key MIC leaders, including party president G Palanivel, avoided direct debate with the opposition leaders on the Effingham Tamil school land issue, which had been widely published.

The land issue was highlighted and persistently pursued by Subang MP R Sivarasa (PKR), who alleged that three acres of land originally allocated to the Effingham Tamil school by the developers had been “hijacked” or “stolen” by MIC for its own purposes during the time of former president S Samy Vellu. Sivarasa produced documents to back his claim and called on the party to return the land on moral grounds.

In retaliation, Palanivel announced that the land legally and rightfully belongs to MIC and that the party will build educational facilities on the land benefiting the Indian community, including a student hostel, similar to the old PPN hostel established by the NUPW (National Union of Plantation Workers), which was demolished several years ago to pave the way for a condominium development.

MAS’ first A380 to land in KLIA Wednesday

TOULOUSE (France), May 29 — The world’s largest and most eco-efficient aircraft, the Airbus A380, is now in the hands of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and will touch down on Malaysian soil tomorrow at around 3pm.

 
MAS took delivery of its first A380 out of the six ordered yesterday and is the eighth operator of the passenger aircraft.Airbus Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Brégier handed over the plane to MAS Group Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya in Toulouse.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, the aircraft features a premium three-class layout, with accommodation for a total of 494 passengers. Features include fully flat beds in First and Business Class, plus new wider seats in Economy.

Seats in all classes are equipped with the latest individual in-flight entertainment systems, USB ports and satellite telephone facilities.Upon inspecting the plane for the first time, Ahmad Jauhari was clearly impressed. “The A380 showcases our latest premium offering in products and services.
This will be our flagship aircraft, offering new levels of comfort, luxury and convenience for long haul travel,” he said.

“With the A380 in our fleet, MAS will reinforce its position as one of the world’s preferred premium carriers bringing great Malaysian Hospitality to our customers.”“We are extremely proud to welcome Malaysia Airlines as the latest operator of the A380,” said Brégier.

“The A380 has set new standards of comfort, fuel-efficiency and respect for the environment. The combination of these features and MAS’s world-famous in-flight service represents a winning formula, enabling the carrier to offer its passengers the best the industry has to offer.”

Since first entering service in 2007, the A380 has exceeded all expectations, flying more people further at lower cost, while significantly reducing carbon emissions.The spacious, quiet cabin and smooth ride have also made the A380 a firm favourite with passengers, resulting in higher load factors and increased profitability on all routes where the aircraft is operated.

The A380 is capable of flying 8,300 nautical miles or 15,300 kilometres.This enables non-stop service with a full payload from Kuala Lumpur to any destination in Europe or one-stop service to major destinations in the US.The superjumbo’s commercial debut is set for July 1 as a thrice-weekly KL-London service (MH002/MH003) before going daily in August.

Malaysia Airlines will also introduce the A380 onto its Sydney-Kuala Lumpur route beginning September 25 running as the daily MH122/123 service also replacing the current Boeing 747-400.

Source : Bernama

Police complete MIC-PKR fracas probe

The police have finished their investigation into the PKR-MIC brawl in front of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in Putrajaya on May 2, and have forwarded the results to the attorney-general's (AG) chambers, according to PKR's lawyer M Manogaran.

"(Criminal Investigation Department (CID) deputy director Abdul Sama) said the investigation was complete and had been forwarded to the AG's office, but also asked for any further evidence to be furnished," said Manogaran.

The Teluk Intan MP for DAP was at the Bukit Aman police headquarters this afternoon to meet Abdul Sama to check on the status of the case, having previously sought a meeting with inspector-general of the police, Ismail Omar.

The police want the people who took photographs and videos of the event to step forward and give their statements as well, he said.

However, he highlighted that a senior police officer at the scene had confirmed that there were CCTV cameras at the PMO, and the police should also look into that.

Still, he noted that the burden now falls on the AG to decide whether to prosecute.

Then Hindraf, now Ambiga

In recent Indian gatherings, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, who is well-known for his timely political oratories, has been consistently driving home a few key points into the minds of Indian voters while drumming up support for the opposition.

He begins by saying that when the opposition forms the next federal government, he will reduce the price of petrol and secondly he narrates how he will raise RM5 billion to provide free education for all Malaysians irrespective of race.

Next, he comes to one of the core Indian issues: citizenship for all Indians who are still with red identity cards and without proper birth certificate and registered documents. Then he raises the most important issue which is plaguing the minds of the Indians today: S Ambiga.

Anwar goes on to explain how Ambiga is being ridiculed and insulted under Najib’s leadership and the BN government. The fact that Najib and MIC’s top leadership have not come in support for Ambiga gives him further ammunition against BN.

Nicol keeps chasing elusive Olympic dream

PENANG:  Six-time world champion Nicol David has owned women’s squash for years and would be a safe bet to bring home Malaysia’s first Olympic gold if she could compete in the coming London Games.
But David, 28, is arguably the most dominant athlete who will be denied that chance as her sport remains an Olympic outsider, frustrating her dreams of some day mounting the medal podium.

“It is so heart-breaking when you know this sport has so much to offer and we have got everything it takes to be an Olympic sport,” she told AFP.“It is probably the most all-round sport you can find. To be in the game and not see it (in the Olympics) is so sad.”

A Malaysian national heroine, the lightning-quick David has won virtually every title squash has to offer. She is in her seventh year as women’s world number one, and has dominated like few athletes have in any sport.
With nothing left to prove on the court, David has made squash’s inclusion in the Games a special crusade.
In 2009 she requested the International Olympic Committee accept squash for 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, after an earlier bid for London failed.

But the IOC instead picked golf and rugby — former Olympic sports during the early 1900s — for reinstatement at Rio, leaving 2020 as David’s likely last chance for a medal.She will be in her late thirties then, but in an interview at the Nicol David International Squash Centre, a facility in her hometown Penang renamed in her honour two years ago, David vowed to stay fit for 2020.

MIC, PKR to work together to solve Effingham land issue

KUALA LUMPUR: The Effingham Tamil School (SRJK (T) land controversy finally looks set to be resolved following a compromise reached between MIC and the PKR-backed Return Effingham Land Action Team (Reflax).

The initiative was taken by MIC vice-president and Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Deputy Minister M Saravanan who visited five members of Reflax who had been on a hunger strike since Saturday morning seeking the return of a three-acre land for the school which they claimed had been taken by MIC.

However, after Saravanan’s visit to the hunger stikers, followed by a short discussion involving PKR’s R Sivarasa as well as MIC secretary-general S Murugessan, both Reflax and PKR agreed to stop calling MIC “thieves” who “stole” the piece of land.

The hunger strikers also agreed to replace their demand for MIC to “return the land” with a new one, which will “seek land” for the school.

In return, Saravanan agreed that he would bring up the group’s proposal to MIC’s highest leadership level – the central working committee – to consider the request for the land to be allocated for the school.

However, Reflax, which has been holding candlelight vigils every Saturday night for the past 14 weeks, would continue to hold its hunger strike, which is now into its third day.

Hanuman: Suara Hati – Bahagian 32

Aku memegang syamsir; bersedia menghadapi segala kemungkinan. Aku amati lembaga itu.
Indrajitkah itu yang sedang berdiri di hadapanku? Berdada bidang dan berwajah seseri bulan purnama. Amat jauh bezanya berbanding penampilan diri Ravana. Indrajitkah itu?

“Siapakah gerangannya yang datang ini?”

“Indrajit anak Ravana!”

“Indrajit?” Aku berdiri mendepaninya. Bersedia menghadapi segala kemungkinan.

Indrajit melihat sekeliling. Para tentera Rama dan Surgiwa tidur bergelimpangan.

“Kau tentunya Hanuman.”

Ya, akulah Hanuman anak Rama!

“Ya, sayalah Hanuman.”

“Aku pernah bertemu isteri dan anak kau.”

“Isteri saya? Suvarchala Devi? Dan anak saya?”

“Benar. Suvarchala Devi dan Tamnat Gangga.”

“Tamnat Gangga? Anak saya?”

Hanya Tuhan yang tahu akan perasaanku pada saat itu. Aku sudah bergelar bapa! Tamnat Gangga. Wiranya nama itu. Tamnat Gangga anak Hanuman.

Mahu rasanya aku memeluk Indrajit yang menyampaikan khabar gembira itu. Tapi segera aku teringat di pihak mana Indrajit berada.

“Bagaimana kau tahu?”

“Lupakah kau, wahai Hanuman, bahawa aku ini putera kayangan? Aku menemui isteri kau sebelum turun ke bumi apabila dijemput oleh ayahku. Suvarchala Devi minta aku sampaikan salam kepada kau.”

“Melalui kau?” Aku merenung tepat ke wajah Indrajit yang kurang jelas di bawah cahaya kelam. “Tidakkah dia tahu bahawa kita berdua berada di pihak yang bertentangan?”

Indrajit ketawa kecil. Kemudian memegang bahuku. Aku tepis. Tetap bersedia menghadapi sebarang kemungkinan.

“Dia sangka kita berdua berada di pihak yang memperjuangkan kebenaran. Malah, sebelum turun ke bumi, aku sendiri pun tidak tahu siapa yang berada di pihak yang benar. Aku telah benar-benar yakin bahawa ayahku menjemput aku datang untuk memerangi pihak yang bersalah. Tapi kini ternyata aku silap. …”
Aku merenung Indrajit. Bingung.

“Kau sedar bahawa Ravana yang bersalah dalam hal ini?”
Indrajit memandang tepat ke wajahku. Mengangguk.

“Dan kau masih memihak padanya?”

“Aku terpaksa.”

Indrajit merenung ke dalam mataku. Aku nampak matanya yang sayu dan layu.

“Aku telah cuba memujuk ayahku agar mengembalikan Sita. Tapi ayahku tetap berkeras. Katanya, ada naluri dalaman yang mendesaknya supaya memisahkan Sita daripada suaminya. Ada suara hati yang mendesaknya supaya menyeksa Rama secara itu.”

Aku terdiam. Suara apakah itu? Naluri dalaman yang bagaimanakah itu?

“Mengapa kau tidak pujuk Ravana sekali lagi?”

Indrajit ketawa mendengar pertanyaanku.

“Kau fikir ayahku akan mengalah sekarang? Setelah kehilangan sekian ramai anaknya? Kau fikir Ravana, raja keturunan Arya itu akan menyerah tanpa bertarung hingga ke titisan darah terakhir?”

Indrajit. Di pihak manakah dia sebenarnya?

“Kau memihak pada siapa sebenarnya?”

“Ravana.”

“Kau tahu siapa yang bersalah?”

“Ravana.”


Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/05/27/hanuman-suara-hati-%e2%80%93-bahagian-32/

Hanuman: Suara Hati – Bahagian 31

Dengan matinya Patala Maharayan, maka rasmilah perang antara Rama dan Ravana. Ravana menghantar panglima tenteranya yang terbaik untuk memusnahkan Rama. Semua panglima itu berjaya dikalahkan. Lalu kami semua mula meniti ke Langkapuri.

Sampai di pantai Langkapuri, kami mendirikan khemah. Istana Ravana sudah semakin jelas di depan mata.
Rava menghantar lagi panglima tenteranya. Mula Matani, Kumbakarana, Gagak Sura, Badak Giganda semuanya habis dibunuh oleh Rama, Letchumanen dan tentera Vanara.

Tentera di pihak Rama, ramai juga yang cedera. Lalu aku terbang ke Banjaran Himalaya di bahagian utara Benua Hindia. Di sana terdapat pokok wasliwayan yang berupaya menyembuhkan kecederaan seteruk mana sekalipun.

Oleh sebab aku pasti bahawa perang tidak akan tamat dalam tempoh terdekat, aku mencabut semua sekali pokok tersebut untuk dijadikan bekalan sepanjang perang.

Aku pun membawanya pulang ke Langkapuri. Kecederaan para tentera Dravida dan Vanara berjaya disembuhkan dengan kuasa sakti akar wasliwayan.

Semasa perang masih berlanjutan, datang Bibasenam yang merupakan nujum di istana Ravana. Dia datang sambil memegang bendera putih. Maka tidaklah dia kami bunuh.

Menurut Bibasenam, dia dihalau oleh Ravana setelah dia menasihati Ravana agar memulangkan Sita. Ravana telah mengarahkan raksasa di bawah naungannya supaya membunuh Bibasenam. Itulah sebabnya dia datang mencari perlindungan daripada Rama. Nujum tua itu bersumpah akan taat pada perintah Rama. Maka Rama menerimanya.

Perang masih mengganas. Harta musnah, nyawa melayang. Apabila senja menjelma, perang dihentikan mengikut adat. Memang begitu syarat berperang. Perang bermula pada waktu subuh gajah dan wajib ditunda sebelum senja raya.

Pagi berikutnya, perang akan diteruskan lagi. Harta akan kembali musnah; nyawa akan pasti melayang.
Tentera Ravana sudah pulang ke kota. Tentera Rama juga kembali ke khemah. Masing-masing mahu melepaskan lelah sementara menanti esok bagi menggadai nyawa.

Senja itu, para tentera kera tidur terlalu awal. Begitu juga tentera Rama. Juga Surgiwa, Letchumanen dan Rama sendiri. Tinggal aku dan Bibasenam sahaja.

“Patik rasa semua ini angkara Indrajit.”

“Indrajit?”

“Ya, dia tentu telah melepaskan panah wimuasara.”

“Wimuasara?” Aku agak bimbang.

“Anak panah itu berkuasa membuatkan segala hidupan tidur nyenyak semalaman.”

“Kita?”

“Patik memakai tangkal yang berupaya menangkis kuasa anak panah itu. …”

“Saya?”

“Patik kurang pasti. …”

Indrajit sudah melepaskan anak panah saktinya. Apakah pula tindakan dia seterusnya?

“Kau berkawal di luar. Patik akan berkawal di dalam khemah Rama.”

Setelah Bibasenam masuk ke dalam khemah, aku terus duduk berkawal di luar. Biar siapa pun yang datang, tidak mungkin akan aku benarkan masuk.

Indrajit. Siapa yang tidak kenal nama itu. Indrajit sehebat Rama; Cuma dia memihak pada orang yang bersalah.

Malam bertamu. Aku terus berwaspada. Lama selepas itu, muncul sekujur lembaga dari sebalik rimbunan pokok renek.


Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/05/26/hanuman-suara-hati-%e2%80%93-bahagian-31/

Najib to chair first Indian Economic Roundtable

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak will chair the first roundtable conference to discuss the Indian economic empowerment initiatives, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department G Palanivel said today.

Najib will also brainstorm with about 100 professionals from various government and private agencies to draw up medium-and long-term roadmaps to uplift the Indian community’s socio-economic status, said Palanivel, who is also MIC president.

The one-day roundtable, hosted by the Prime Minister’s Department through the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu), will deliberate on a series of economic and social transformation agendas that the government has drawn up for the Indian community.

“I will be preparing a working paper within the next two weeks and will meet the prime minister for a date. We expect to have the event by late June or early July,” said Palanivel, who is also the Indian Community Economic Transformation Programme Unit head, told reporters after chairing the first discussions on the roundtable.

Palanivel said the discussions group has proposed three “basic and reachable” roadmaps rather than major and long-term ones.

“A basic roadmap will help me explain to the prime minister that these are the socio-economic issues that the Malaysian Indians are currently facing and these are what the government should include in its transformation agenda.

“The prime minister will then address the issues in the conference and make some good announcements for the well-being of the Indian community.

“The discussions group has also proposed to me that we must focus on priority areas and that we should have comprehensive programmes for implementation from short-term until the next 10 years,” he said.

Palanivel said the discussions group will comprise professionals, critical thinkers, educationists, former senior civil servants, corporate figures from the private sector and ministry officials.

Experts and senior officials from the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI), Securities Commission, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Petronas, International Trade and Industry Ministry and Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry have been invited to participate in the discussions.

Source - Bernama

'Najib vs Anwar debate' call heats up

The debate last night between Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and PKR director of strategy Rafizi Ramli could act as the tipping point for a 'prime ministerial debate' before the next general election.

Asked by moderator Maszlee Malik if it is now time for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to go mano a mano with Pakatan Rakyat's premier-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim, the audience got on their feet and cheered.

"In 2008, we saw the McCain-Obama debate, in 2010 the Brown-Clegg-Cameron debate and in 2011 we await the prime ministerial debate between Najib and Anwar. Are you ready?" Madzlee asked.

To this, the audience answered, "We are ready!" with much of the enthusiasm observed from the side where Rafizi's supporters were seated.

Maszlee then proposed that the host for the night - Malay daily Sinar Harian - plays host again, while he moderates what would be an epic debate, if it goes through.

Spontaneous proposal


Speaking to reporters later, Sinar Harian chief Husamuddin Yaacub said Maszlee's proposal was "spontaneous" but the newspaper is ready to host any event that sees "a debate of minds".

"Sinar Harian will be a platform for anyone to (engage) in a gentlemanly manner," Husamuddin said.

Piping in, Maszlee (right), a Universiti Islam Antarabangsa lecturer, said he had proposed it as he believes "this is what the rakyat wants".

Rafizi said he had, after his first debate with Khairy in London, asked him to request Najib to accept Anwar's challenge to a debate.

"I have relayed the message to the PM and he said he will consider it. I have done my duty," Khairy told reporters.

Last year, Anwar, a former deputy premier, had challenged Najib to a debate on the economy but the latter brushed it off, saying that the now PKR de facto leader will come down with a fever if it ever happens.

Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/198738

War of numbers on higher education

It was a war of numbers as Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and PKR director of strategy Rafizi Ramli squared off last night to debate the future of higher education in Malaysia.

Homing in on Pakatan Rakyat's proposal to do away with National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) loans, each contradicted the other's figures, leaving the audience still wondering if the move would truly bankrupt the country.

Those cheering for Khairy (right) were obviously persuaded to think so.

According to the Rembau MP, the endeavour - which includes subsidising students at private institutions of higher learning and building 10 more public universities - would leave the government unable to even pay the civil service.

"The grand total is RM185 billion for 10 years or about RM18 billion a year. Read this with Pakatan Rakyat's other promises in the Buku Jingga....and the total amount is RM188 billion a year,” he said.

Hanuman: Suara Hati – Bahagian 30

“Persetankan kera itu!”

“Dia anak kau,” kataku yang sedang menyamar sebagai maharishyi.

“Masakan seekor kera boleh aku akui sebagai anak. Malu!”

“Hanya dia akan dapat membantu kau membunuh Ravana. …”

“Kau kenal siapa aku? Akulah Rama, wira yang tiada tandingannya di mayapada! Kepala Ravana akan aku cantas dengan mudah tanpa bantuan sesiapa; terutama kera itu!”

Aku mengghaibkan diriku daripada mimpi ayah. Aku menjelma semula di sisi ayah yang sedang tidur. Aku mengangkat ayah dan menerbangkannya pulang ke khemah. Letchumanen membaringkan ayah di atas peraduan. Ayah masih terlena.

Hanya pada pagi keesokannya, dia membuka mata. Katanya, dia tidak sedar langsung bahawa dia telah dilarikan oleh Patala Maharayan pada malam sebelumnya.

Cuma, katanya, dia bermimpi bertemu seorang maharishyi. Butir mimpi itu tidak pula diceritakannya kepada sesiapa.

Pada sebelah petang hari berkenaan, aku sedang duduk sendirian di dalam khemah setelah selesai bersembahyang. Letchumanen mendatangiku.

“Aku mahu memberi amaran kepada kau,” katanya sebelum aku sempat menjemputnya duduk. “Kau jangan cuba mengambil tempat di hati Rama. Kau jangan lupa siapa diri kau. Kau anak kera. Jangan cuba menunjukkan kehebatan kau di hadapan Rama.”

Letchumanenkah itu? Benarkah dia yang sedang berkata-kata itu? Aku terpaku.

“Hai, Hanuman! Aku tahu apa rancangan kau. Kau fikir Rama akan mengangkat kau menjadi penggantinya suatu hari nanti, bukan? Itu hanyalah angan-angan. Jangan kau lupa bahawa akulah pengikut Rama yang paling setia.”

Aku tidak mampu berkata apa-apa.

“Aku adik kandung Rama. Jika dia mati dalam perang ini, aku yang akan menjadi penggantinya. Kau jangan lupa siapa diri kau. Mungkin benar Rama menganggap kau sebagai anak angkatnya. Tapi jangan pula kau lupa asal-usul diri kau.”

Asal-usul diriku? Aku tahu asal-usulku. Bukankah aku Hanuman, kera yang diutuskan Tuhan menjadi anak Rama? Aku tahu siapa ibu bapaku. Kau pun tahu, Letchumanen.

“Jangan lupa bahawa kau adalah kera. Asal-usul kau daripada kera. Ibu bapa kau adalah kera!”

“Tidak!”

Aku sendiri tidak sedar bahawa aku telah menjerit terlalu kuat. Ayah, Anbala dan Ankada masuk ke dalam khemah.

“Ada apa, Hanuman?”

Aku menggeleng. Bingung. Letchumanenkah itu tadi? Aku memandang sekeliling. Tiada.

“Letchumanen?” Tanyaku penuh ragu.

Melihat akan mukaku yang dibasahi peluh, Anbala mula mengipas. Ankada menghulurkan secangkir air.

“Mana Letchumanen?” Tanyaku lagi.

“Dia sedang melakukan yoga di dalam khemahnya.” Ayah memegang bahuku. “Kenapa dengan kau?”
Aku terpaksa menggeleng sahaja.

Hindraf to field Uthayakumar for GE13

The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) today named its de facto leader P Uthayakumar as its candidate for the next general election.

When contacted, Uthayakumar said he will contest in two seats, namely the parliamentary seat of Kota Raja and the state seat of Sri Andalas in Selangor, which are currently both held by Pakatan Rakyat.

"If I win, I will be the first Hindraf candidate in Parliament and the Selangor state assembly, we are going on a platform of equal opportunity, upward mobility and the elimination of racism by the state and private sector," he said.

Uthayakumar was the key leader of Hindraf rally in 2007 and was subsequently detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for 514 days.
Kota Raja is presently held by PAS’ Dr Siti Mariah Mahmad while Sri Andalas is held by PKR’s Dr Xavier Jeyakumar.

Hanuman: Suara Hati – Bahagian 29

Keesokan harinya, entah mengapa Rama menukar rancangan. Anbala dan Ankada pula yang ditugaskan pergi menentang Jaya Sri dan Sura Bala.

Hilanglah peluangku untuk bersama-sama ayah. Hilanglah peluangku untuk membuktikan kepada ayah bahawa dia tidak perlu berasa malu untuk mengakui aku anaknya. Hilanglah peluangku untuk menunjukkan keupayaanku yang dianugerahkan oleh Dewata.

Lewat malam yang sama, aku duduk termenung di dalam khemahku. Rama tidur nyenyak di dalam khemahnya. Aku telah mengarahkan Sang Potak supaya berkawal di luar khemah Rama.

Surgiwa ada mengatakan bahawa dia dapat merasakan kemungkinan berlaku sesuatu yang kurang baik pada malam itu jika kami tidak berhati-hati. Sebab itulah aku menempatkan Sang Potak di luar khemah ayah sebagai langkah berjaga-jaga. Tentu ayah selamat sekarang.

Tiba-tiba, datang Sang Potak ke khemahku dan mengatakan bahawa Rama telah dilarikan oleh Patala Maharayan yang datang menyamar sebagai diriku.

“Bagaimana kamu boleh tertipu dengan begitu mudah?”

“Aku sangka engkau yang datang, Hanuman.”

Kecut Sang Potak yang tertipu oleh penyamaran Patala Maharayan yang sudah berjaya melarikan ayah. Rupa-rupanya, dalam diam, Ravana telah mengutuskan anaknya untuk menculik Rama.

Aku segera berlari ke arah hutan. Sekali lompat, aku sudah berada di tengah hutan. Sesampai di negeri Panggala, Patala Maharayan sedia menanti di pintu gerbang kota dengan jelmaan lima ratus kepala dan seribu tangan.

Istana itu asalnya adalah tempat bersemayam Ravana. Setelah Ravana membina istana baru di Langkapuri, istana lama ini diserahkannya kepada Patala Maharayan, anak sulungnya.

Aku membesarkan diriku sebesar mungkin sehingga akhirnya raksasa Patala Maharayan hanya sebesar penumbuk kiriku. Dengan izin Tuhan, sekali pijak sahaja, raksasa itu mati.

Ayah masih terlena di dalam istana Patala Maharayan. Aku menatap wajah ayah lama-lama. Sepuas hati. Jernihnya wajah itu.

Mengapa ayah, terlalu hinakah aku sehingga ayah tidak sanggup menerima aku senagai seorang anak?
Air mata dari mata hijauku gugur tanpa kusedari, lalu menimpa kelopak mata ayah yang masih terkatup. Segera kukesat.

“Siapakah engkau, wahai maharishyi?”

“Kau sudah lupa? Akulah yang datang menemui kau setelah isteri kau dilarikan Ravana dahulu.”
“Mengapa kau kembali dalam mimpiku?”

Aku ketawa di sebalik penyamaranku sebagai maharishyi.

“Aku mahu mengingatkan kau bahawa semua ini adalah dugaan Dewata Mulia Raya berikutan dosa engkau membuang anak kau yang masih memerlukan kasih sayang.”

“Tapi, dia tinggal bersama-samaku kini.”

“Namun belum juga kau akui sebagai anak.”

“Dia sudah besar sekarang. Boleh hidup sendiri.”

“Tapi dia memerlukan kasih sayang kau.”


Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/05/19/hanuman-suara-hati-%e2%80%93-bahagian-29/

Hanuman: Suara Hati – Bahagian 28

Dentingan genta dari kuil Mariamman mematikan lamunanku. Matahari semakin condong ke arah kaki langit. Sudah lama juga aku berada di sisi makam Tamnat Gangga.

Entah mengapa hatiku belum tergerak untuk berangkat pulang ke istana. Tentu Maramanden sedang risau menantiku di sana. Biarlah. Hari ini aku mahu melayan fikiranku sepuas-puasnya.

Aku membenarkan sahaja kenangan tentang kejadian masa lalu mengalir masuk ke dalam kotak fikiranku.
Walaupun pada mulanya ayah mengarahkan kaum Vanara supaya pulang ke Kishikindha, tetapi kemudian dia menukar fikiran. Dia membenarkan kami turut serta menjadi bala tenteranya. Itu pun rupa-rupanya setelah Surgiwa menyembah kakinya.

“Hanuman, bersedialah.” Malam itu tiba-tiba sahaja ayah berkata begitu apabila aku masuk ke khemah. Pada mulanya, aku tidak pasti apa yang dimaksudkan oleh ayah.

“Kita berdua akan pergi menentang Jaya Sri dan Sura Bala pagi esok.”

“Kita?” Bodoh sangatkah soalan itu?

“Ya, kita berdua. Mengapa, kau takut?”

“T … t … tidak!”

Aku gugup. Aku gembira. Tentu indah dapat bersama-sama ayah. Tentu ini peluang untuk aku membuktikan kepada ayah bahawa dia tidak perlu berasa malu untuk mengakui aku anaknya. Aku harus menjadikan ayah bangga dengan kebolehanku!

“Tapi kekanda, bukankah kita perlu menyelamatkan kekanda Sita daripada Ravana? Kekanda sudah lupakah?” Letchumanen berhenti membetulkan ikatan tali busurnya.

“Adinda Letchumanen, Jaya Sri dan Sura Bala dua beranak itu mahu menakluk kayangan,” kata Rama sambil menghampiri Letchumanen dan memegang bahunya dari belakang.

“Biarlah. Apa kena-mengenanya dengan kita?”

“Adinda, kalau kayangan berjaya ditawan oleh mereka, kita akan kehilangan restu para dewa dalam usaha menentang Ravana.”

“Benar kata-kata kekanda. Tapi mengapa tidak kita berdua yang pergi menentang mereka?”
“Adinda, bukankah molek jika dua beranak itu ditentang oleh kami dua—”

“Kekanda!” Letchumanen tangkas berpaling memegang lengan ayah.

Teruskan ayah! Nyatakan yang kita adalah dua beranak. Katakan yang Hanuman ini adalah anak ayah!

“Maksud aku, … aa … biarlah … a … a … a … biarlah adinda berehat sebelum kita ke Langkapuri. Kekanda akan membawa Hanuman menentang Jaya Sri dan Sura Bala.”

Ayah bergegas keluar. Letchumanen juga. Tinggallah aku sendiri. Menangis. Ya, kera putih yang pernah melompat menangkap matahari, kini menangis.


Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/05/13/hanuman-suara-hati-%e2%80%93-bahagian-28/

Hanuman: Suara Hati – Bahagian 27

Tambak itu akhirnya sempat kami siapkan dalam masa dua minggu. Itulah hasil usaha gigih seribu kera. Setelah penat memindahkan bukit-bukau ke laut, nampaklah tambak yang menganjur jauh dari Pantai Malabar ke Langkapuri.

“Kita perlu berehat dulu, Rama. Semua rakyat kera kepenatan kerana bekerja siang malam.”
Surgiwa duduk di atas batu sambil mengesat peluh dan mengibas-ngibas ekornya. Kaum Vanara yang lain turut duduk merehatkan diri. Ada yang duduk di atas dahan pokok, ada yang duduk di atas tanah. Masing-masing sudah tidak bermaya.

Rama berdiri megah memandang ke arah Langkapuri yang tidak terjangkau oleh mata. Apa yang kelihatan cuma tambak yang menghilang di tengah samudera.

“Usah risau, Surgiwa.” Rama ketawa. “Kau dan rakyat kau bolehlah pulang berehat. Kembalilah ke Kishikindha. Tugas kalian selesai di sini sahaja.”

“Tapi …”

“Usah mahu bertapi lagi, wahai Surgiwa. Khidmat rakyat kau tidak diperlukan lagi. Sekarang, aku dan tentera aku akan meniti ke Langkapuri. Kau bawalah rakyat kau pulang.”

Itulah keputusan yang diambil. Dan kami, kaum kera, perlu pulang meneruskan hidup seperti biasa. Mengapa? Tidak layakkah kami menjadi tentera memerangi Ravana?

"Apa pula fikir Ravana kalau tenteraku kera!”

Hinakah kami? Mengapa Tuhan harus mencipta kami sebegini rupa? Tapi cepat-cepat aku sedar akan kuasa Tuhan. Tuhan Maha Berkuasa. Tuhan Maha Arif. Ada hikmah di sebalik setiap tindakan-Nya.

Bukankah aku dicipta Dewata Mulia Raya untuk membantu Rama membunuh Ravana? Dalam sandiwara Tuhan, setiap watak ciptaan-Nya ada peranan tersendiri.

Cuma sesekali, apabila seseorang menunjukkan kehandalan, dia pun didewa-dewakan tanpa berbalik pada kenyataan bahawa semua itu adalah kuasa Tuhan. Tuhan adalah selamanya pemilik mutlak alam semesta.
“Aku sendiri akan berdepan dengan Ravana yang durjana.”

Itulah Rama, ayahku. Dia tidak memerlukan aku. Atau dia mungkin belum benar-benar memahami siapa aku dan apa sebenarnya keupayaanku yang dianugerahkan Tuhan.

Ibu tidak membenarkan aku membawanya keluar dari istana Ravana. Ayah pula tidak membenarkan aku membantunya. Lalu, apa yang boleh aku buat?

“Wira terbilang ini tidak memerlukan bantuan sesiapa pun kini. …”

Itulah Rama, ayahku yang masih belum mengakui aku anaknya. Tapi Rama tidak pula terus mengabaikan aku. Bukankah aku darah-dagingnya? Cuma tindakannya penuh ketaksaan. Agak implisit. –


Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/05/12/hanuman-suara-hati-%e2%80%93-bahagian-27/

MIC unity injured in Putrajaya brawl

COMMENTS

The recent brawl in Putrajaya between PKR members and MIC Youth members over the MyKad issue has caused injuries not only to some people but also to unity in MIC among its rank and file.The incident was given wide publicity in the Tamil media, with close-up shots of injured faces of PKR members. As soon as the incident was reported, MIC circles were abuzz with talks as to why should MIC Youth go there and cause trouble to protesting PKR members.

Some even expressed shock that such a brawl could take place in front of the Prime Minister’ Office and that too in the presence of members of the police force.Comparisons were also made with the speedy action taken by the police over the Bersih 3.0 protesters: none of the people involved in Putrajaya brawl has been arrested so far despite some people having been injured seriously and several police reports lodged.
Even the photos of those involved in the brawl had been widely published in newspapers and Internet.
Some leaders like MIC central working committee (CWC) member Kumar Amman came out with a strong statement that the incident had tarnished the image of MIC. Some other branch leaders also echoed similar sentiments.

Hanuman: Suara Hati – Bahagian 26

“Hanya kita berdua yang boleh membunuh Ravana dan menyelamatkan Sita.”

Demikian aku memberanikan diri untuk memberi pendapat setelah pulang daripada menemui Sita di Langkapuri. Rama, Letchumanen, Surgiwa dan para tentera sudah sampai di Pantai Malabar pada waktu itu.

“Kau?” Ayah senyum meleret.

“Ya, saya boleh terbangkan kita ke Langkapuri,” aku cuba meyakinkan Rama menerusi cadangan itu.

“Dan?” Rama hampir mahu ketawa.

“Ravana kita bunuh. Sita kita selamatkan!” Aku sudah dapat membayangkan Ravana mati dibunuh di hadapan istananya.

Rama ketawa berdekah-dekah hingga mengejutkan senja.

“Dan tenteraku?” Dia bertanya apabila ketawanya reda.

“Mereka boleh tunggu di sini sehingga kita pulang.” Aku senyum. Gembira.

“Jadi, yang pergi adalah kita berdua sahaja?”

Aku mengangguk di hadapan Rama yang masih belum mengakui aku anaknya. Mungkin selepas ini akan tiba masanya untuk aku memanggilnya ‘ayah’ sepuas hati.

“Itulah cara terpantas.”

“Wahai kera kecil, itu bukanlah tindakan yang wajar bagiku, seorang wira ternama. Perbuatan yang kau cadangkan ini samalah seperti mencuri. Atau membunuh seorang anak kecil yang sedang tidur nyenyak. Wirakah tindakan sebegitu?”

Rama berdiri dari tempat duduknya. Aku tergamam.

“Aku akan bawa tenteraku ke Langkapuri.” Rama menggenggam penumbuknya. “Aku akan musnahkan Ravana.”

“Tapi …”

“Tidak perlu bertapi lagi, wahai kera. Pergilah kau bermain. Ini urusan kami, para wira. Surgiwa, arahkan rakyat kau membina tambak ke Langkapuri!”

Aku terdiam. Tidak berani melawan cakap ayah.

Surgiwa memberi arahan kepada kaum Vanara iaitu kaum kera dari negeri Kishikindha supaya mengangkat batu-bata dari bukit dan membuangnya ke laut. Lalu, mulalah setiap kera mengangkat batu-batu yang termampu oleh tenaga untuk memulakan kerja menambak dengan segera.

Rama dan Letchumanen duduk memperhati. Kera-kera kecil mengangkat batu-batu kecil; kera-kera besar mengangkat batu-batu besar; kera-kera tua mengangkat mana-mana yang terdaya.

Aku pula tentunya berupaya mengangkat batu-batu yang paling besar. Rama dan Letchumanen terkejut melihatnya, tetapi didiamkan sahaja. Cuma Surgiwa yang memuji secara berlebih-lebihan.
Bukan pujian sebegitu rupa yang aku mahu, tapi secebis kasih daripada ayah dan ibu.


Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/05/06/hanuman-suara-hati-%e2%80%93-bahagian-26/

Hanuman: Suara Hati – Bahagian 25

Wira apakah itu yang menghantar seekor kera yang menjijikkan untuk menyelamatkan aku?” Sita memandang penuh keji. “Tidakkah jatuh daulatku? Tidakkah jatuh tarafku?”

Aku menunggul sahaja. Tenang hatiku, tenang. Semua ini adalah tanda kasih ibu padaku. Tenanglah hati.

“Kalau dia gagah, tentu dia akan datang sendiri untuk menyelamatkan aku.”

“Tapi itu bermakna Rama terpaksa datang ke Langkapuri dan memerangi Ravana terlebih dahulu.”

“Tidak mengapa,” Sita menjawab selamba sambil membetulkan ikatan sanggulnya.

“Tentu lama,” aku berkata dalam usaha mengubah pendirian Sita. “Bagaimana dengan keselamat diri …?”

“Pandai-pandailah aku menyesuaikan diri.”

“Tapi Rama sangat rindu untuk bertemu …”

“Kalau dia mahu melepaskan rindu bersamaku, suruhlah dia sahaja yang datang ke sini. …”

Aku pejamkan mata rapat-rapat. Dalam kegelapan itu, aku nampak seekor kera. Matanya persis mata manusia; cuma hijau. Telinganya antara milik manusia dan kera. Hidung, mulut ternyata kera.

Mukanya hampir berbentuk empat segi. Bahagian atas kepalanya separuh bulat, hampir menyamai bulan setengah purnama. Leher kera itu kejang dipenuhi otot pejal. Begitu juga dadanya yang bidang. Juga bahu. Tidak padan dengan usianya yang baru mencapai tiga belas tahun pada waktu itu.

Mata hijaunya redup. Ada sinar di dalamnya. Berkaca diselaputi air mata jernih. Di cuping telinga kirinya ada subang pemberian Rama.

Akulah kera itu. Kera putih, pengikut setia Rama. Kera yang berkeupayaan masuk ke dalam mimpi orang-orang yang disayanginya.

Kera yang kini menjadi raja memerintah Kerajaan Indus yang terentang dari Lembah Sindhu hingga ke sempadan Ayodhya.

Hodohkah aku seperti kata Rama; kata Sita?

Setelah gagal memujuk ibu mengikutku pulang ke Pantai Malabar di selatan Hindia, aku terbang sendirian untuk pulang ke sana. Hatiku benar-benar pilu memikirkan nasib yang menimpa diriku.

Sepanjang perjalanan – atau penerbangan – itu, air mata tidak berhenti-henti gugur ke dalam laut.
“Ampun, tuanku.”

Aku cepat-cepat mengesat air mata yang berlinangan. Penjaga kubur itu sedang berdiri di hadapanku sekali lagi. Apa pula yang dia mahu pada kali ini?

“Tuanku sudah terlalu lama duduk termenung di sini; sejak pagi tadi …”

Benar juga kata-katanya. Aku lihat matahari sudah mula condong ke barat. Makam Tamnat Gangga juga sudah basah akibat terkena air mataku yang mengalir deras.

“Saya mahu bersendirian lagi. Pergilah, saya tidak apa-apa,” aku berkata bagi meyakinkan penjaga kubur itu.

Dia pun berlalu setelah mengulangi sembah. Aku kembali merenung makam Tamnat Gangga. – Bersambung esok.


Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/05/05/hanuman-suara-hati-%e2%80%93-bahagian-25/

MIC thugs attacked us at PM's office, decries PKR veep

PKR claims that its delegation to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) this morning was attacked at the gates by MIC thugs, causing one member to be warded in Putrajaya Hospital for his injuries.

The party’s vice-president N Surendran said he and about 30 PKR leaders and supporters were there for an appointment with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on the issue of secondary school student Reshina Batumanathan’s citizenship.

“We found hundreds of MIC gangsters waiting there for us.

“What was even more shocking was that they were led by MIC Youth chief T Mohan himself, and other MIC leaders,” Surendran told a press conference at PKR’s headquarters in Tropicana, Selangor.

In the incident about 11.30am, Surendran said, the MIC men charged at him and Reshina, but they were blocked by PKR supporters. They were then able to enter the PMO.

“However, PKR Puchong division chief S Murali was pulled out and seriously beaten by the MIC gangsters. He was bleeding from his eye and fainted. He was then admitted to the hospital,” he said.
PKR’s Women’s wing chief Zuraida Kamaruddin, who was also with the delegation, expressed disappointment that police officers at the scene did not intervene in the scuffle.

Other PKR leaders in the delegation were its director of strategy Rafizi Ramli, legal bureau head Latheefa Koya, MP for Kapar S Manickavasagam and information bureau committee member K Gunasekaran, all of whom were also present at the press conference.