The rebels' version was that Vellu was the one who has done the ethnic Indians in and that they had no problem whatsoever with the Malaysian government. "We can't blame the Malaysian government for what is happening in the country. In fact, we know that they are doing a lot to improve the lot of the ethnic Indians there. The problem with the community there is that they have played into the hands of Samy Vellu. He has exploited the community to further his own gains," Nathan said.
Nathan claimed that Vellu, who used the community to further his clout with the government, threw out more than 1000 workers - at least 120 of them elected representatives local or legislative - from 2006.
"I have been with him for 30 years and suddenly he saw me and other youngsters as a threat and got us expelled. He just wants to further his power in his lifetime. He does not see anything beyond his time," he said.
Bob Sundaram, a third generation entrepreneur, said Vellu had also ensured ethnic Indians do not have enough representation in the government. "There is a need to have a louder Indian voice. In Singapore where the Indian population is just 10 per cent, there are four ministers of Indian origin. In Malaysia, around 20 years back there were two ministers in the cabinet who were of Indian origin, but now there is only one in a 32-member cabinet," he said, placing the blame squarely on Vellu.
He also said the ethnic Indians, when the protests had started, were only demanding their rights constitutionally and did not indulge in violence. "Don't we have a right to ask for our rights?" he asked.
Image: Rebel Malaysian leader Log Nathan
Photograph: Rajesh Karkera
Also read: Should NRIs be given special treatment?
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