'Release of Hindraf leaders will boost nation's image'

Kuala Lumpur, May 9 (ANI): Malaysian Indian Congress President Samy Vellu has said that the release of Hindraf leaders will not only boost nation's image locally, but also internationally.

He said that the Malaysian Government has shown concern and humility in releasing the ISA detainees.

"We can now move on and concentrate on more pressing matters to bring progress to the people. Our Prime Minister has kept his promise to be a fair leader to all Malaysians," he said.

Deputy Minister T. Murugiah said he had previously met Najib Tun Razak, who was then Deputy Prime Minister, on the possible release of Hindraf leaders.

"I appealed to Najib for their release and he told me that he would consider it when the time was right. Today, he has proven to be a good leader for keeping his word," he said.

Murugiah said the trend of Indians throwing their support behind the Barisan Nasional was already in evidence during the recent by-elections.

"With the release of the three, the Indians would return to the Barisan fold," he added.

MIC secretary-general and Human Resources Minister Dr S. Subramaniam appreciated the government's move for releasing the 13 detainees.

"It shows that the Government is people-centred," he said.

MIC Youth adviser S. Vell Paari said the release of Hindraf leaders would put an end to a sad chapter in the Malaysian Indian affairs.

"It would heal the hearts of the Indians as their detention was bothering them," he said, while adding that the MIC had to do a lot to attract the support of Indians to the party. (ANI)