By S Param
The anger and outrage displayed by the local Tamil community and associated NGOs with regard to former president of Sri Lanka, Mahindra Rajapaksa is understandable.
An independent international panel of experts appointed by United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, has found indisputable evidence against Rajapaksa for many violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws during the final stages of the civil war between the Sri Lankan army and Tamil Tigers in 2009.
To cut a long story short, Rajapaksa is a war criminal and a demon in human form who should have been thrown into jail for the rest of his life for his role in the barbaric war crimes against harmless innocent Tamil civilians.
To allow a man with such a deplorable war crime reputation into Malaysia has somewhat riled up many parties especially the local Tamils.
What kind of message are we sending out to the world at large? The very presence of Rajapaksa at the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) has somewhat tainted the image and sanctity of the ICAPP.
The Malaysian government may have its own priorities and reasons in allowing Rajapaksa to attend the conference but it certainly did not reflect well on our stance and our concern for war crimes.
If we can close an eye to Rajapaksa’s war crimes then why make such a fuss about the untold brutalities that Palestinians are subjected to by the Israeli army? Are we prepared to allow Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu to attend a conference in Malaysia?
It must also be pointed out that Rajapaksa received the blessings of India before he launched his attack on the Tamil Tigers. Reports indicate that India provided the intelligence and logistical support including arms to the Sri Lankan army to quash the Tamil Tigers.
Despite all the evidence of war crimes, Rajapaksa continues to enjoy a close relationship with Indian leaders. India has on many occasions rolled out the red carpet to welcome Rajapaksa for various national celebrations in India.
Why are our NGOs and others who are against Rajapaksa, not uttering a word against India for its role in the war and the subsequent killing of innocent Tamil civilians?
When the Prime Minister of India visited Malaysia last year why was there no protest note about India’s role in the civil war? Even today India is said to be piling up all kinds of obstacles and providing protection to prevent Rajapaksa from being dragged to the international court.
Rajapaksa deserves to be condemned for his role in the brutal war crimes; however we should not overlook India’s role.
S Param is an FMT reader.
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