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DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang said the opposition would immediately study the latest facts on the status of Waythamoorthy’s passport as well as go through the Hansard before filing the motion.

He said Hindraf could prove that its chairperson’s passport was revoked early this year and that the opposition would now seek confirmation whether Syed Hamid had denied in the Dewan Rakyat in June that Waythamoorthy’s passport was cancelled on orders of the Malaysian government.

“Once I confirm he (Syed Hamid) said it inside the House, then it would be a breach of privileges. I’m prepared to move a motion tomorrow to refer the home minister to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee,” he told a press conference.

A host of opposition MPs including R Sivarasa, N Gobalakrishnan, Dr D Jeyakumar, S Manikavasagam, Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham and M Manogaran were present at the press conference.

Lim stressed that it was critical to uphold the dignity and respect of the Dewan Rakyat, adding that the opposition was against any ministers or MPs “deliberately telling lies in the House”.

Meanwhile, Hindraf spokesperson RS Thanenthiran yesterday alleged that the home minister had lied when he denied that Waythamoorthy’s passport was revoked as communications between Waythamoorthy’s solicitor and the UK Border Agency (Home Office) proved otherwise.

Holding a document alleged to be from the UK Border Agency, Thanenthiran said the Malaysian authorities had instructed the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur via a letter dated March 14, 2008 to revoke Waythamoorthy’s passport.

“The reason given for the passport revocation was that the Malaysian authorities were seeking to arrest the Hindraf chairman to face criminal charges,” he noted.

He pointed out that a UK immigration officer had advised Waythamoorthy upon his arrival in UK on April 19, 2008 that his passport was no longer valid for travel and was given temporary admission until April 21, 2008, on which date he claimed asylum.

“He (Waythamoorthy) is not allowed to travel outside the UK,” Thanenthiran added.

Thanenthiran said Hindraf managed to obtain such a document under the British Freedom of Information Act 2000 and urged the Malaysian government to return Waythamoorthy’s passport and his rights as a Malaysian citizen.

Earlier, at about 11.30am, some 20 Hindraf sympathisers including its chairperson’s wife K Shanti and six-year old daughter Vwaishhnnavi entered the parliament grounds to submit the document from the UK Border Agency to opposition MPs awaiting them. The sympathisers were seen releasing a few pigeons to symbolise freedom for their leaders held under the ISA.

Parliament authorities initially allowed only five sympathisers to enter the building but later relented and allowed the group to hold a press conference at the banquet hall of parliament instead of the usual lobby area.

The group subsequently left parliament about 12.45pm but was stopped by police the moment they exited the parliament gates.

Their four vehicles were searched and the occupants had their personal details recorded.

Security was tight outside parliament with police and the FRU on standby since early morning but there were no untoward incidents, arrests or demonstrations.

news from: theedgeasia.com