PM Asks AG To Consider Dropping Attempted Murder Charges Against 31

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has asked Attorney-General (AG) Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail to consider the appeals by 31 people who took part in an illegal demonstration in Batu Caves last month, to drop the attempted murder charges against them.
Abdullah, who is also Internal Security Minister, said he had asked the AG to decide on the matter as soon as possible.
He said he sympathised with the 31 charged and believed that they were misled by the group which was behind the illegal assemblies in the federal capital and in Batu Caves on Nov 25.
He said the 31 detained had also rejected the extremist group and promised that they would not take part in any activities organised by the group in future.
"The AG had informed me about this as representation had been made to him.
"This shows that many people had been misled by the group. I pity them...so I told the AG to please consider the representation and decide on the matter as quickly as possible," he said after chairing the Umno Supreme Council meeting here Saturday.
Yesterday, MIC president and Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu conveyed the appeals made by parents of the 31 Indians detained without bail for charges of attempted murder, to the AG. A policeman was injured in the illegal demonstration.
Samy Vellu said the parents also requested MIC's help to secure the release of their loved ones.
Thirteen Indian-based non-governmental organisations which met the prime minister yesterday over problems faced by the Indian community, also appealed for the attempted murder charges against the 31 to be dropped.
On the arrest of the five extremists which was deemed wrong under the law by DAP chairman Karpal Singh, Abdullah said this was incorrect.
"The law allows the minister to act under Section 1 of the Act (ISA) after he is satisfied with the investigations carried out," he said.

tunku : this is umno leader which hindraf accused of murdering hindus and demolishing their temples who is asking the AG to consider dropping the attemted murder charged on the Group 31.the fact is that people were fooled by hindraf.