Malaysian PM warns ethnic Indian activists with LTTE links

KUALA LUMPUR, Saturday (AFP) - Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has reportedly warned that ethnic Indian activists accused of having links with Sri Lanka's Tigers could be held under internal security laws.

Ethnic rights group Hindraf, which organised mass anti-discrimination protests in November that were broken up with tear gas and water cannon, has been accused of seeking support from the Tigers.

Abdullah said he had ordered police to monitor Hindraf leaders and followers on suspicion of association with terrorists, and that they could be dealt with under the Internal Security Act (ISA) which allows detention without trial.

"ISA is an option," the premier said according to the New Straits Times. "I will decide when the time is right."

"If they are deemed (as a threat to national security) we will know what to do."

Cabinet minister Nazri Abdul Aziz reportedly said Hindraf would be banned if it was found to be supported by groups such as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and Hindu paramilitary group Rashtriya Swayamesevak Sangh (RSS).

"If it is true that Hindraf leaders have links with them, Hindraf is also a terrorist group," the de facto law minister said according to the Star Daily.

Malaysia's ethnic Indians, who make up eight per cent of the population, are mostly Tamils - the descendents of indentured labourers brought here by the British colonial rulers in the 1800s.

Hindraf chairman P. Waythamoorthy, who is overseas lobbying international support for the group, claimed the government was conspiring against them.

"This is a State conspiracy to divert from the real issue of the oppression, marginalisation and suppression of the minority Indian community," he said in a statement.

"Hindraf will continue its peaceful struggle both locally and internationally."

On Friday, the government also sought to overturn a decision that allowed three Hindraf leaders including aythamoorthy to walk free from sedition charges related to speeches they made last month. The speeches criticised Malaysia's system of preferential treatment for Malays, who make up 60 per cent of the population. The Court adjourned the hearing until tomorrow.