ACTION BY HINDRAF MEMBERS AT PM`S OPEN HOUSE VERY UNLIKE INDIAN CULTURE

KLANG (Malaysia), Oct 6 (Bernama) -- The MIC does not condone the action by
several hundred Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) members at the Prime
Minister's and cabinet's Hari Raya open house at PWTC on Wednesday, as it did
not reflect the Indian culture says MIC secretary-general Dr S.
Subramaniam.

"The Hari Raya open house held at the PWTC hosted by Prime Minister Datuk
Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and cabinet ministers is a unique occasion that
allows all races to join in the celebration," said Dr Subramaniam after opening
a seminar on work ethics organised by his Human Resource Ministry and the Kapar
MIC here Sunday.

"Since the open house is an event celebrated with a positive approach and
to
promote unity among the multi-racial public, I hope certain parties would not
use such events for political purposes. It is also against the Indian culture."

Asked to comment on claims by Hindraf that media reports of their action
was
baseless and biased, Dr Subramaniam said though he had attended the open house,
he did not witness the incident since he had left before the Hindraf members
arrived.

However, there was a sense of uneasiness among the organisers of the event,
he said.

"The Prime Minister and cabinet members who organised the event felt
uneasy
and uncomfortable due to their (Hindraf) presence. Naturally when anyone
organises a function, they would expect it to be peaceful and an enjoyable one,"
he said.

Speaking of PAS (opposition party) President Abdul Hadi Awang's comment
that
Hindraf's action was part and parcel of democracy, Dr Subramaniam said though
democracy allows anyone to register their objection, it must be done in an
appropriate manner and place.

He added that even the MIC had held meetings with the Prime Minister, the
cabinet and Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar, seeking the release of
the five Hindraf leaders detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA), last
December.