Turncoat or whistleblower?

Turned over by government or a break in ranks?

This must be the question in the minds of all Hindraf supporters after news broke out over the weekend that a police report has been lodged against Uthayakumar by the group’s secretary T Vasanthakumar over allegations of public funds being misused.

Both the Hindraf leaders are at present being detained under the ISA in Kamunting along with three others.

Apparently the report was lodged on Thursday after a massive fallout between the duo over a request by the secretary for some of the money collected to be used for their legal expenses and to support their families.

I confirmed the police report with one lawyer who has been acting for the detained Hindraf leaders as soon as I heard about it on Saturday afternoon (thanks to a friend from Malacca!)

As soon as the news of the report started leaking, SMSes also started to fly out from Hindraf supporters, claiming that Vasantha is actually a special branch officer sent to wreck havoc in Hindraf.

Today another lawyer claimed that Vasanthakumar might have been manipulated by the authorities to lodge the police report after being subjected to severe stress in Kamunting.

Possible, yes. I agree. He may be a turncoat. Or he could have been turned over as well.

At the same time, how about also pondering on his claims? Could there be any truth in them? Can the movement account for all the money they have collected thus far?

As it is, there have been numerous complains that many people are collecting donation in Hindraf’s name, so much so that the movement’s chairperson Waythamoorthy issued a statement from London to urge “all supporters and well wishers to immediately suspend collection of funds from members of the public either privately or publicly pending further instructions”.

Well I think it is their duty now to give a proper account of all the money collected to clear the name and reputation of their de facto leader and to add credibility to their donation drive.

Over to you (still unarrested) guys at Hindraf!