MIC sec-gen could run foul of law with hunger strike

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 — Datuk G. Kumaar Aaman could have bitten off more than he could chew with his hunger strike outside the Chancery Row building in Putrajaya, which houses the Registrar of Societies' (RoS) office.

The police have gotten involved and Kumaar could end up behind bars if he is found guilty of attempting suicide with his hunger strike since Thursday.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim said the cause of Kumaar's strike was political and though the police would give him and his supporters space to sort out their issues, the police would monitor the situation closely.

He said if Kumaar continues with the hunger strike and the police finds him in poor health and endangering his life, they would take action.

“If a person threatens to kills himself, it is an offence under Section 309 of the Penal Code,” Noor Rashid told Malay Mail.

Under Section 309, a person who attempts suicide faces a one-year jail sentence, a fine or both.
He said the police would also find out if Kumaar was holding the strike in a public place.

“If he is holding the strike in a public place, then it is his right.”

Kumaar held the hunger strike to demand a meeting with RoS director general Mohammad Razin Abdullah, who had refused to recognise his appointment as MIC secretary-general.

Kumaar had said he would only survive on liquids and would end his fast when Mohammad Razin agrees to see him.

Mohammad Razin yesterday maintained that Kumaar's position as a MIC central working committee member and his claim as the party's secretary-general was not valid because of the unresolved dispute over the election some of MIC's top office bearers.

“RoS has no objections about meeting him (Kumaar) but not in his capacity as secretary-general. For this purpose, he has been asked to present a letter from the president for an appointment to be fixed but until the day he went on hunger strike, RoS has not received the letter,” he said

Mohammad Razin also rubbished allegations that his investigating officers had abused their power when investigating MIC.

“Investigations were carried out transparently in accordance with the Societies' Act 1966 based on the facts and explanation given by all parties involved, including the election committee.”

Yesterday, MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel issued a statement saying he had asked Kumaar to end his hunger strike.

“Even though it was his personal decision, I have now requested him to end the hunger strike for the sake of MIC's and Barisan Nasional's image. I had just spoken to him and I am glad that he has agreed to accede to my request,” he said.


However, the situation was very much different at Chancery Row building last night as Kumaar was apparently continuing with his hunger strike.


Source : http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/mic-sec-gen-could-run-foul-of-law-with-hunger-strike