MIC HAS suspended the membership of one of its party members who allegedly slashed an Indian rights activist for linking the former to corruption allegations.
A video of the attack, naming the MIC member in question, has gone viral on social media.
MIC secretary-general Rajasekaran R. Thiyagarajan said Jegatheeswaran Sekharan @ Tamilan Eswaran’s alleged actions “runs contrary to the vision and mission” of the party.
“MIC category states that it does not support any kind of violence in any form and manner whatsoever,” Rajasekaran added in a statement yesterday (Aug 6).
On Friday (Aug 5), Persatuan Harapan India Malaysia (PHIM) chairman Mani Maran Manickam’s hand was slashed outside a hair salon in Kuala Lumpur. He needed surgery after receiving a 3cm deep wound.
Mani Maran was attacked last month as well and had to receive 16 stitches to the back of his neck after being assaulted by an unknown assailant over his report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on the alleged misappropriation of RM100 mil from the Employment Recruitment Incentives Programme (PenjanaKerjaya).
According to Sentul police, the assailant behind Friday’s attack was not happy with Mani Maran’s decision to report him to the MACC for alleged corruption.
The suspect, who was not named by the police but reported as being a politician, has since been arrested. He also has three prior cases on his criminal record.
“Suspension doesn’t mean he’s guilty”
Rajasekaran said Jegatheeswaran’s suspension from MIC does not mean he is guilty of anything.
“However, MIC had to take this action on him now considering that the video of the incident in question had gone viral on social media.
“MIC is concerned that if no decisive action is taken, this will set a bad example for all concerned,” he said.
He added that any further action by the party on the matter will be predicated on the police’s investigations and subsequent action.
“Currently, the police are conducting an investigation into the attack and it is hoped that the police will conduct the investigation in a fair and impartial manner.
“MIC will not support any party in this matter and will not take any action whatsoever to obstruct the investigation in any manner.”
He also said MIC does not support “anti-social” activities like violent crimes.
MIC has carried out anti-gangsterism programmes in the country, he pointed out, as he called on MIC members to uphold the Federal Constitution and other laws at all times.
“Acts of violence are not the solution to any provocation by anyone.” – Aug 7, 2022
