Events

CHAIRPERSON

Dr Joanne Lim Bee Yin, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore. 

ABSTRACT

The Constitution of Malaysia guarantees all its citizens fundamental liberties. But, what happens when the ruling government (Barisan Nasional) imposes restrictions to these rights that cause resentment among the Malaysian working class Tamils who continue to be the target of discrimination?

Briefly, for the Tamil minority who were brought in by the British to work in the plantation economy, the specific economic functions allocated according to ethnicity during the British colonial period meant a cultural and socially marginal role between Malay political hegemony and Chinese economic domination. Over time, the situation among the Tamils did not improve. Frustrations escalated when Hindu temples were demolished and human rights violations were on the rise. Consequently, represented through the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) movement, aggrieved Tamils took to the streets of Kuala Lumpur on November 25, 2007. This protest rally was subsequently also instrumental in the defeat of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) party in the 2008 Malaysian general election whereby they lost 18 out of the 28 seats contested.

This paper examines the marginalization of Tamils in Malaysia, and their demand for rights equality through political activism. The focus is on how resistance identity and the use of media, especially new media, enabled mobilization and ultimately resulted in the historic rally. Its impact shows that although the Tamil population is small in numbers and holds a non-Bumiputera status, they are a significant political force that is unlikely to diminish over time. This could be attributed to the importance of identity, civil society, media, and global-local connections.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Asha Rathina-Pandi is a postdoctoral fellow at Asia Research Institute. She completed her Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA, in 2011. Her research explores the dynamic relationship between space, technology (Internet and new media), and society. In particular, the focus is on minority populations, social justice and equality, and democratization. The geographical area of focus is Malaysia. Her Ph.D. dissertation entitled “Blogging and Political Mobilization among Minority Indians in Malaysia” examined whether blogs can foster political mobilization among minority populations, for example, minority Indians in Malaysia.

REGISTRATION

Admission is free. We would greatly appreciate if you RSVP Mr Jonathan Lee via email: jonathan.lee@nus.edu.sg