Hindraf - Illegal Assembly?

The Hindraf Rally on 25 November 2007 saw Makkal Sakthi and 30 Hindu non-governmental organizations committed to the preservation of Hindu community rights and heritage in a multiracial Malaysia.

Five thousand riot police were dispatched to the scene using tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowds of 100,000 spread across the city. 136 people were arrested.

Until today, there are 23 left and who refused to plead guilty. Despite coming from different states and the risk of losing their jobs and incurring additional expenses, they stood their ground – to fight for their rights to peaceful assembly.

It is a sad case to see zero response from the civil society except for their relatives and friends who came to give moral support. It is a crying shame to hear how Malaysians cry out loud wanting to look beyond ethnicity, but when the time comes for them to show their moral support, excuses become aplenty.

Nine Emperor Gods Festival

One of the important festivals celebrated in Malaysia (notably in the states of Penang and Selangor) is the Nine Emperor Gods Festival (Kew Ong Yeah) which is celebrated on the 1st till the 9th day of the Nine month in the lunar calendar.

On the last day of the eighth lunar month, a consecration ceremony is performed to purify the temple and the surrounding grounds.

Many devotees go on vegetarian diet during these 9 days.

Devotees in whites and yellow came from home barefooted getting ready to perform such spectacular feat – Fire Walking over burning charcoals.

Then, an inauguration ceremony for the five generals and armies of spirit soldiers of heaven and earth, fire and water, earth, metal and wood are performed.

The Tao believers will ask for blessing and help from the Nine Emperor Gods. The following year for those are helped have to do penance in whatever forms they had vowed to.

Nine Emperor Gods Festival