The people of Kota Alam Shah knew that they were voting for an Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee to be their representative.

In view of this, the self-exiled leader of the outlawed Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) P Waythamoorthy has asked M Manoharan not to relinquish his post.

m manoharan He was responding to reports on Manoharan's intention to resign from his state seat due to concerns of not being able to serve his constituents.

Manoharan ( left ) was among the five Hindraf leaders detained under the ISA in 2007 after staging a mammoth street protest against the 'marginalisation' of the Indian Malaysian community.

The lawyer had contested in the March 2008 general election under a DAP ticket.

Last month, newly minted prime minister Najib Abdul Razak released two Hindraf detainees. Apart from Manoharan, the other two still in detention are Waythamoorthy's brother Uthayakumar and T Vasantha Kumar.

'Reconsider your decision'

"We appeal to Manoharan to reconsider his decision," said Waythamoorthy, who left for London shortly before the ISA crackdown, in a statement.

"The people of Kota Alam Shah knew what they were voting for when they voted for Manoharan to be elected as their state representative.

"The savvy voters were aware of the predicament of the nation under the Umno-led government and chose Manoharan to initiate the change in the political scene," he added.

He said the voters of Kota Alam Shah were ready to deal with and face the eventuality that their representative may not be able to serve them physically while being imprisoned.

"Since the voters are 100 percent behind their representative, Manoharan should not resign and continue to be their state representative," he added.

Pakatan not doing enough

Waythamoorthy also expressed disappointed with the Pakatan Rakyat coalition for not doing enough to secure the release of the ISA detainee.

p waythamoorthy "Hindraf is disappointed that except for occasional press releases and statements, no positive and constructive actions have been initiated to seek Manoharan's release or easing his burden in serving his constituents," he said.

"Furthermore, bearing the absence of Manoharan, his wife has been solely burdened with the responsibilities with regard to the constituency.

"Pakatan could have easily appointed responsible elected representatives/party members on a rotation basis to oversee and manage the constituents' needs as opposed to burdening a housewife who is already overloaded with the responsibilities of taking care of his legal firm and their family," he added.

He said the Pakatan coalition partners need to display their responsibility seriously and live up to the confidence bestowed on them by taking proactive actions to seek the release of Manoharan and other ISA detainees.

"We urge the Pakatan coalition to urgently file a motion to debate the inability of a democratically elected representative to serve his constituents and (at least) stage a walkout should their motion to debate be refused," he added.