KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, February 4, 2008: A new political force — Hindu activism — has emerged in multi-ethnic Malaysia affecting elections this year.
Across the country, Indian Tamils are mobilizing under the banner of Hinduism in a wide awakening, protesting against alleged socio-economic neglect. Much of the new ferment is visible in the hundreds of Hindu temples where working class Tamils gather, mostly youths and young married couples.
“I am proud to be a Hindu,” Marimuthu, a descendent of 19th century Tamil indentured labourers from South India, told IPS. “I feel protected.”
Ethnic Indians make up about eight percent of the population of 26 million people. The Chinese, who first arrived as labourers to work in the tin mines, now form 25 percent of the population and are economically the most vibrant group — controlling some 60 percent of the economy.
Recently, ethnic Indians took to the streets en masse to protest against alleged discrimination, resulting in the detention of five leaders.
“For the first time we are united and under the banner of our religion,” said, Arumugam Chedi, 39, a laborer.
Acoording to an expert, who asked not to be named, “The rise of Hinduism will have an impact on the voting trend in Malaysia.”
Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has acknowledged that the grievances of Hindus may change election prospects. “Yes, I think votes will be affected somewhat,” he was quoted as saying by the Sunday Star newspaper.