KUALA LUMPUR – MIC is suing Malaysian-Singapore Workers task force president Dayalan Sreebalan over comments made in a Facebook video regarding allocations for Tamil schools.
Dayalan, whose Facebook videos are widely shared among the Johor Indian community, uploaded a clip of himself with critical comments aimed at Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
Based on the statement of claim filed by MIC, its president, Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran, and Saravanan, it is alleged that on December 10, Dayalan said: “RM500 million allocated for all schools, and when we ask about the funds for Tamil school? Who is our Indian here? Saravanan from MIC, the Indian hero.
“He told everyone, ‘Don’t worry, it’s settled, I have discussed the matter with the Education Ministry, and we have a big allocation for Tamil schools.’
“However, the Education Ministry announced their budget that showed that funds for Tamil schools have been reduced by RM21 million. This is the accomplishment of MIC’s Saravanan.”
It is also alleged that Dayalan said the minister is attempting to become a hero for Indians, but “fell on the feet of ministers like a beggar”.
Saravanan is not the only MIC politician mentioned in the video, as Dayalan allegedly took swipes at Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Edmund Santhara, who is from Bersatu.
“Another minister, Indian deputy minister Edmund Santara. Woi! Millionaire who drives a Range Rover. The Perdana given to him with a deputy minister insignia is used as an escort car. What does he know of the suffering faced by the Indian community?” the statement of claim read.
The plaintiffs also referred to another 26-minute video on Facebook uploaded by Dayalan, in which he alleged that MIC members made gender-discriminatory comments against an assemblyman named “Kamatchi”.
Among the things mentioned in the statement of claim regarding the matter is that Dayalan reportedly said: “Palani (who he assumes is an MIC member), has insulted Kamatchi through Whatsapp, without respect for her as a woman. Palani referred to Kamatchi as a mistress.
“If I am not mistaken, the assemblyman is about 50 years old. She should have a husband and children.
“Vigneswaran, if you don’t take any action, you have lost the battle you are facing... Why have you not taken action against Palani? Very simple, general elections are coming soon; if you take action against Palani, your party will split into two.”
MIC and the other plaintiffs had claimed that Dayalan’s statements are defamatory and have injured their reputations. They are seeking RM10,000,000 in damages and an injunction against Dayalan to prevent him from making similar statements in future.
On December 28, the high court granted the plaintiffs a temporary injunction order against Dayalan from making further defamatory statements until the case is over.
On November 9, Saravanan assured the Indian community that Tamil schools will receive adequate allocations.
Based on the December 1 Hansard, Deputy Education Minister I Muslimin Yahaya announced that Putrajaya will be slashing allocations for Tamil schools by 40% (RM29.98 million) in 2021, a stark contrast to the RM50 million reserved for last year. – The Vibes, January 8, 2021
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