WMP PS on reports from AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL & FIDH

PRESS STATEMENT 29.05.2008

HINDRAF
135-3 JALAN TOMAN 7
KEMAYAN SQUARE
70200 SEREMBAN

RE: STATEMENT ISSUED BY AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL & FIDH

Yesterday, two (2) renowned Human Rights watchdogs being Amnesty International and FIDH have issued statements in relation to human right violations in Malaysia that are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948.

HINDRAF welcomes the statements made and the international pressures through such esteemed organizations are powerful indicator as the international society begins to take keen interest on the atrocities created against Human rights and freedom in Malaysia. The pressure will be ongoing and it will not stop until, Malaysia recognizes and practices international standards on human freedom and rights.

The irony of the whole event is, Malaysia being a member of the United Nations Human Right Council had pledged to engage constructively in evolving the work of Human Rights Council for promotion and protection of human right through international standards and protection mechanism.

However, in Malaysia today it is a different story, ISA is in existence, and human right violation, detention without trial, cruel inhuman degrading treatment and punishment are prevalent as we have seen in the case of the Hindraf 5.

Furthermore, Malaysia being a member of the Human Rights Council, it still has not ratified various covenants including those pertaining to Convention against torture nor the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Although international pressure has been mounting on the government on it's abysmal record on detention without trial, restriction on freedom of expression and speech, it continue to disregard international standards to respect and safeguard human right issues in Malaysia.

The government will nonetheless claim that such measures are a necessity and will continue to infringe every possible human right and freedom to maintain its status quo.

As for the Malaysian public, I think it is high time we work together as society to oppose such infringements. Protection of human rights and freedom of expression are vital aspect in nation building. We cannot continue to be nonchalant on these abuses as it will have detrimental effect on the long run for our society in Malaysia.

A sense of society impotence should not pervade in our country. The Malaysian people should act together to take proactive measures in pressuring our government to fall in line with international standards in protecting human rights and fundamental freedom in our country. We, being a developed, progressive and civic conscious nation should never condone to such abuses by the government, such that are only seen in undeveloped and dictatorial nations.

P.WAYTHA MOORTHY
CHAIRMAN
HINDRAF
Currently in London

PS-by WMP on 2 "civil" members of MIYC and MHS

Dear HINDRAF supporters,

I take note of the press statement released to BERNAMA by 2 “civil” members of society namely Rajaratnam of MIYC and Vythilingam MHS.


I have received numerous phone calls over the last 24 hours from supporters throughout Malaysia requesting me to respond to the statements issued by them namely I quote Rajaratnam

"He should return to face the truth. He had gone to the United Nations and Britain. The general election had been held and the Indian community had given their verdict, so he has to come home to correct the situation," said Rajaratnam.

He said Waythamoorthy should register Hindraf as a legitimate body if it was genuinely championing the rights and interests of the Indian community in the country.

"Now it is time to make peace and continue the struggle in a united society. Since Hindraf already has a voice in parliament, use the opportunity to raise the issues being championed," he said.

Vythilingam MHS was quoted by BERNAMA as saying

Malaysia Hindu Sangam Association president Datuk A. Vaithilingam said he believed the matter could be resolved at the negotiation table after MIC discussed the issues raised by Hindraf openly.

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu had called for the release of the Hindraf leaders but Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar responded that the government had no intention of doing that soon.

"This can be solved through discussions. We can ask the Malaysian High Commissioner to Britain to meet Waythamoorthy and discuss Hindraf's demands," said Vaithilingam.

However, Vaithilingam said it would be better for Waythamoorthy to return home to resolve the issues.

Since I endeavoured to advocate the rights of the minority Indian community in Malaysia I have learnt that the secret is not to attack our fellow Indians who would be used as “kulis” by the Government to attack me but to concentrate on the ultimate goal. I have always concentrated on that and had stayed focussed. For the matter I have never even attacked the “invincible” Samy Velu.

Therefore I urge all our supporters to remain calm. Those “kulis” are only fulfilling their karma to be faithful to their “paymasters”. So please allow them to complete their karma and let them answer their conscience.

As for me I do not for a moment FEAR return to Malaysia. I do not fear the prison or the torture that are likely to be imposed on me. I have voluntarily gone to prison before. But my presence lobbying International support have definitely created “heat” on the Government and hence the revocation of my passport. I will continue until my fellow brothers are released and would not be distracted by cheap stunts by certain individuals.

Once again I thank you for the concern but urge yourselves not to be distracted as well.

Ours is a long journey for “freedom” and let us stay focussed.

THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES.

P.Waytha Moorthy
18.05.08

Letter to Pvt Sec of the King to seek audience on King's Birthday

Private Secretary to His Royal Highness
Duli Yang Maha MuliaTuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin
Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billal Shah
Istana Negara
Kuala Lumpur.

20th May 2008.


Dear Sir,


Re: W.Vwaishhnnavi (6 years old) begs to make her Birthday Wishes to His Royal Highness the Yang Dipertuan Agong on her birthday on 21st May 2008.


The Malaysian Indians pray for the health and happiness of His Royal Highness the Yang Dipertuan Agong and his family members.

We write to seek an urgent appointment with your goodself on the 21st May 2008 at 10.30 am upon the request of W. Vwaishhnnavi a 6 year old who begs to make and submit her Birthday Wishes to His Royal Highness The Yang Dipertuan Agong on her 6th Birthday which falls on 21st May 2008.

We humbly apologize for the short notice given and hope you would be able to convey our sincere and humble apologies to His Royal Highness the Yang Dipertuan Agong.

W.Vwaishhnnavi would be present at the Royal Palace on the 21st May 2008 at 10.30 am to submit Roses, Cake and Request personally.

Should you require any further information kindly contact our National Coordinator Mr. Tanendran on 0194105283 or Event Coordinator Mr. Kannan on 0122690024.

Your understanding and co-operation is very much appreciated.


Yours in Service


P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF

PS-by WMP on Msian govt act in revoking his International Passport

HINDRAF
135-3 JALAN TOMAN 7
KEMAYAN SQUARE
70200
SEREMBAN
16TH MAY 2008


PRESS STATEMENT

RE : MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT REVOKES MY PASSPORT
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES


I was travelling back to London from Geneva after the HINDRAF briefing with the United Nations High Commissioner’s office on Human Rights on April 21, 2008 and was totally shocked to be informed by the UK immigration officer at Gatwick Airport that the Malaysian government had revoked my passport thus making me de facto stateless.

I see only one purpose. The Malaysian Government had intended that I be deported back to Malaysia by the British authorities so that I too could be arrested under the draconian Internal Security Act and be detained for unspecified period of time without trial and be subject to torture and inhumane treatment for my political beliefs. I have not committed any offence or crime other than to champion the cause of the systematically marginalized, discriminated and alienated ethic Indian community in Malaysia who remained a permanently colonized community despite achieving independence 51 years ago.

It is most distressing to learn that, the land that my forefathers toiled as indentured labourers and one that I had been made citizen by the will of the unavoidable circumstances has decided to banish and exile me for speaking and advocating the truth that was never spoken off before.

The government has once again acted according to its whims and fancy without a second thought of the public or for the good of the public.

The Malaysian government repetitively had oppressed , suppressed and persecuted all causes of HINDRAF by their act of totalitarianism from the very beginning but nevertheless the will and spirit of the HINDRAF supporters have been the beacon of hope for the new strength founded upon our new found MAKKAL SAKTHI (people power).

The callous and cowardly acts of the government against me not only undermine their credibility domestically but also internationally. The government needs to realize that the Malaysian public can no longer be cowed as the public are no longer the sheeps that begets the government wolves.

The government may use its best weapon in attempting to stall and break me but they fail to realize that I derive my strength from my MAKKAL SAKTHI and that is all that I need to carry on the torch and fight for the unjust cause of the ethnic Indians in Malaysia even if it means championing my cause from exile.

As much as I have been coerced, castigated by the Malaysian government, so have the HINDRAF supporters. HINDRAF supporters have shown unprecedented courage and character for the truth. It only motivates me further to pursue our goals.

The revocation of my passport is probably the last ditch desperate effort by the Malaysian government in crippling my international lobby for the cause of the Malaysian Indians. This unwarranted act has given me a greater “inner” strength to continue to fight for the struggle of the Malaysian Indians and for the unconditional release of my fellow brothers held unjustly in Kamunting. The government can unleash all the man made mechanism to stifle and silence me, but I have the backing of MAKKAL SAKTHI and that alone is sufficient for me to continue my fight for the people.

In MAKKAL SAKTHI, I have found the truthness of my cause for the people. In today's world, utterance of truth is seen as a revolutionary action, and my quest for the truthness has resulted as a hindrance for the government. My judge is the people not the government.

I will continue this struggle until my last breath. They may break me but they will never be able to break my will and spirit that is derived from the people for the truthness is in it.

I shall continue the struggle for the “freedom” of the ethnic Malaysian Indians from London and urge all HINDRAF supporters to remain calm as they have always been. I shall forever remain a loyal Malaysian and will return to Malaysia soon to continue and accomplish what I had started.



P.Waytha Moorthy

Chairman

HINDRAF

Letter to Msian PM from Mdm Kalaivany on Mothers Day

K Kalaivaniy
30/1226 Lorong Belatek 7/2
Batu 3 Jalan Rasah
Seremban
12 May 2008


YAB Dato Seri Abdullah Hj Ahmad Badawi
Prime Minister of Malaysia
Putrajaya


Dear Mr. Prime Minister

Re: MOTHERS DAY APPEAL TO RELEASE 5 HINDRAF LEADERS, ALL ISA DETAINEES AND ABOLISHMENT OF INTERNAL SECURITY ACT.

I am a 67 year old and a proud mother of P.Uthayakumar one of HINDRAF leaders detained by your goodself under the Internal Security Act. I write as the mother of Uthayakumar and on behalf of all Malaysian mothers who have been deprived of the Love Care and Attention of their sons detained under the ISA.

Only a mother who had raised and nurtured her son would understand the torture of forcefully being separated from him. Like me there are many other mothers in this country currently being denied to freely be part of their sons. On behalf of them I write to appeal to you as a father figure of this beautiful country to immediately release them. No mother on earth would condone her son committing an unlawful act and go unpunished but no mother would be able to digest the fact that her son is held for his political beliefs without being charged with any offence.

Like my son, many sons are being held under the Law for their political beliefs or held on mere suspicion that they have committed offences without proof by the state. I wish to state that like me many mothers are suffering every day thinking of the uncertainty and unjust punishment and torture their sons are going through. Many mothers are older than me and their days may be numbered. Every other day in detention is an eternal punishment to the mothers meted by the country. Dear Prime Minister, let not a single mother leave this earth not being able to cuddle and hug her son for one last time. I beg you on behalf of all mothers- be he a JI suspect, HINDRAF leader or anyone - no mother would want to leave this earthly life with a burden of not speaking for her son. On behalf of all I pray to the Lord Al-mighty to give you the utmost wisdom to see this great unjust committed on their sons by the state.

I BEG AND APPEAL TO YOU. PLEASE RELEASE THEM AND SHUT KAMUNTING DETENTION CAMP.

Yours sincerely,


K.Kalaivaniy

News abt Nationwide Protest - 11th May (Bloggers Arrested)

Bloggers detained over Hindraf protests
By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG & M. SIVANANTHA SHARMA


PENANG: A primary schoolteacher and a social activist, both bloggers, have been detained for questioning for taking part in an illegal assembly organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) here.

Perak-born Sathis Kumar, 27, and Ong Boon Keong, 48, were picked up in front of the Gurney Plaza shopping complex in Gurney Drive.

They took part in the assembly on Sunday seeking for detained Hindraf leader P. Uthayakumar to be sent to the Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) because of his heart condition.

George Town OCPD Asst Comm Azam Abd Hamid said he was informed at 11.10am that about 30 people were taking part in an assembly without a permit, an offence under Section 27 of the Police Act, near the Gurney Drive roundabout, and he directed his men to disperse the group.

He said the group initially agreed to disband but tried to gather again in front of the shopping complex about 100m away.

ACP Azam said the police wanted to record the statements from the two men because they were found to be playing an active role in the group and were seen distributing flyers. He added that police also identified several others to assist in investigations.

To allegations that the police did not ask the group to disperse and did not give them a chance to negotiate, ACP Azam replied: “There was nothing to negotiate as the gathering was illegal. And they knew how to disperse.” He advised the group not to take the law into their own hands and not to assume that what they were doing was right.

Hindraf co-ordinator R.S. Thanenthiran said similar gatherings were held simultaneously in Prai, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Seremban and Johor Baru on Sunday with no untoward incidents.

He said the arrest of the two were uncalled for and unjustified, claiming they were just “passers-by” and were taking photographs for their blogs.

Thanenthiran said demonstrations would be held every Sunday until Uthayakumar is referred to IJN for treatment

News abt Nationwide Protest - 11 th May ( HINDU)

HINDU International

HINDRAF demands medical aid to detained leader
Kuala Lumpur (PTI): Hundreds of ethnic Indians on Sunday held protests across Malaysia and demanded government to provide medical aid to one of the community leader, currently detained under the controversial Internal Security Act.

"Doctors have confirmed that P Uttayakumar has some irregularities in his heart and we want him to be moved to the National Heart Institute immediately, " Eshwari Wayathamoorthy, wife of Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) Chairman P Wayathamoorthy, told PTI.

Wayathamoorthy is in London on self-imposed exile while his brother P Uttayakumar and four other Hindraf leaders have been detained under ISA since December for organising a rally on November 25 last year to protest against marginalisation of ethnic Indians in this country.

Hindraf supporters, calling for moving P Uttayakumar to the Heart hospital, held small protests outside the iconic Petronas Twin Towers here. Protests were also held at Penang, Seremban, Ipoh and Johar Baru, Eshwari said.

She said police was on standby but just watched the peaceful chants by the protesters. She said at least 300 protestors had assembled outside the Twin Towers while 100 Hindraf supporters chanted in Seremban.

"Uttayakumar wants one of his family members to present when he is taken to the Heart hospital, though the Home Minsiter has not yet responded to his request," Eshwari said. Hindraf supporters claimed that Uttayakumar' s condition had become worse.

Meanwhile, Uttayakumar' s mother is to lead an appeal on behalf of all the ISA detainees to prime minister Abdullah Badawi's office in the adminsitrative capital of Putrajaya, outside Kuala Lumpur, on Monday and later to parliament.

News abt nationwode protest - 11 May

Malaysia's ethnic Indian activists on Sunday warned the government to provide medical aid to one of its leaders and free those detained under tough internal security laws or face more street rallies.

More than 50 protestors from Indian rights group Hindraf blocked the entrance to a shopping mall at the iconic Petronas twin towers in downtown Kuala Lumpur to demand medical attention for P Uthayakumar, who is diabetic.

Uthayakumar and four other members of the rights group Hindraf have been detained under the tough Internal Security Act (ISA) since December after holding an anti-discrimination rally.

"This gathering is to send a clear message to the government," Hindraf coordinator S. Jayathas told reporters.

"If (the government) deny (treatment to Uthayakumar and do not release the ISA detainees), then we will have a bigger gathering, that is definite," he said.

Hindraf leaders angered the government last November with a mass rally alleging discrimination in Malaysia, which is dominated by Muslim Malays.

Mounting anger within the Indian community was said to have been a factor in the government's drubbing in March 8 polls where it lost its two-thirds majority in parliament.

Opposition lawmaker Sivarasa Rasiah, who turned up to support the event, said the government should release ISA detainees unless they had proof to charge them in open court.

"As far as I am concerned, one day under ISA detention is too long, one ISA detainee is too many," he added.

Close to 300 policemen were deployed outside the busy shopping mall to control the protestors, with watercannon vans and riot police waiting nearby.

Hindraf supporters carried posters showing a weak-looking Uthayakumar behind bars as the crowd yelled, "Abolish the ISA" and "Freedom."

Similar protests were held in six other locations through the country, organisers said.

Rights groups say 70 people, mainly alleged Islamic militants, are being held under the ISA.

Parts of the ISA date back to the British colonial era, when it was used against communist insurgents. It provides for two-year detention periods that can be renewed indefinitely.

PS-by WMP on Police Action during Peace Protest on 11th May 2008

HINDRAF
35-3 JALAN TOMAN 7
KEMAYAN SQUARE
70200 SEREMBAN
NEGERI SEMBILAN

13TH MAY 2008-05-11

PRESS STATEMENT 12th MAY 2008

RE: MALAYSIAN POLICE VIOLATES ARTICLE 10 FEDERAL CONSTITUTION MALAYSIA DEGENERATING INTO A POLICE STATE HINDRAF DEMANDS P.UTHAYAKUMAR BE GIVEN URGENT MEDICAL TREATMENT AND ISA ABOLISHED.

HINDRAF condemns the conduct of the Malaysian Royal Police Force for acting above the constitution in arresting peaceful protesters who had gathered at Jalan Gurney Penang to protest the denial of fair and urgent medical treatment to P.Uthayakumar.

Protesters had dispersed after about 40 minutes when certain individuals were particularly targeted in the arrest in particular bloggers and a member of Penang Watch. The bloggers were filming the unlawful conduct of the Police when they were arrested and their films confiscated.

Concerned citizens from Suaram and other Human Rights bodies who witnessed this unlawful act had themselves arrested for lodging Police reports against the Police. It is disturbing to note the Police getting intimidated with Police reports lodged by members of the public and the trumped up charges against them for lodging police reports.

The act of arresting them is clearly high handed and intended to instil fear on the people not to question the conduct and authority of the police. Malaysia is a democratic country and the arrogant attitude of the Police coupled with the sanction of the Inspector General of Police on most occasions is definitely degenerating Malaysia into a Police State.

HINDRAF warns the Government that the people could not continuously be fooled into believing the propaganda advocated by the Police. The Police are losing credibility and confidence of the people and we hold the Inspector General of Police responsible for this gross violation of the legitimate right of its citizens to hold peaceful protests in accordance to Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

HINDRAF calls upon the Government to take heed of the grouses of the rakyat and immediately refer Mr.P.Uthayakumar to the National Heart Institute and take positive steps to table an act of Parliament to abolish the Internal Security Act.

HINDRAF expresses its greatest gratitude to supporters, Human Rights Organizations/activists and Parliamentarians who had attended the peaceful protests organised nationwide.

P.Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
Currently in London

Abolish ISA Activity in Parliament

Malaysian Opposition Gears Up To Abolish Preventive Laws

http://the-malaysian.blogspot.com/2008/05/malaysian-opposition-gears-...

The Malaysian. Malaysia’s opposition alliance has said it would move a motion for the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA) under which many people have been detained. Opposition Leader Wan Azizah Wan Ismail reiterated Wednesday what her husband and former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim had recently said: if brought to power, the opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat would end the ISA and other preventive laws.
Wan Azizah joined various human rights groups that have urged the government to end the laws. The government has, however, said the laws were required to maintain public order and cites such laws in operation in several countries like the US and Britain.
Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) and the Human Rights Committee (HRC) of the Bar Council issued a joint memorandum to urge all MPs to lobby for the abolishment of the act, The Star newspaper said.
Together with them were the family members of ISA detainees who also appeared at a press conference Wednesday. But the newspaper did not name the family members.
Five leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) that organised a protest rally attended by over 10,000 Tamils last November are among the ISA detainees.
The government has justified their detention on the ground that the five - M. Manoharan, 46, P. Uthayakumar, 46, V. Ganabatirau, 34, R. Kengadharan, 40, and K. Vasantha Kumar, 34 - were trying to destabilise the ethnic balance in society and had suspected terror links.
The government said it has detained more of the Islamist militants under the ISA.
In the memorandum, the groups called for immediate and unconditional release of all ISA detainees and prosecute them in a public and fair trial.
Human rights activist Amer Hamzah Arshad said it was internationally recognised that the detention of people without trial was in violation of the rule of law, human rights and the principles of democratic government.
“While the government is obliged to ensure peace and security of the country, it is not permitted to do so at the expense of basic principles of human rights and natural justice,” he said.
Arshad said the memorandum also called for immediate closure of all detention camps where detainees were held without trial. (IANS)

Nationwide Convoy to Abolish ISA on 27th April 08 _Event Report

The were almost 500 cars came down from all over the nation.
The first group with more than 250 cars reached Kamunting at 2 pm lead by RS Thanethiran ( National Hindraf Coordinator) from Juru R&R.
They went around Bkt Merah R&R, Simpang, Taiping and Kamunting road with convoy and get supports from the local with hons and wave cheers.
This team went ahead to the KEMTA though 2 road blocks were setup to stop the cars.
The cars insist that they have prayers near the camp and need to be allowed. The group reached KEMTA and gathered in front of Kemta.
The group chanted Hindraf mantras and request to appeal ISA under heavy watch of police and small FRU team in front of KEMTA for more than 1 hour.

Meanwhile another big convoy team with more than 100 cars from Johor, Melaka, Seremban and Selangor were gathered at Rawang RnR at 8am and flag off at 9.00 am by YB Manikavasagam. There was also 2 cars from the ISA detained family members there to support the convoy. All the cars were deco with NO ISA stickers, posters, Hindraf leaders pictures and flags. All the participants were wearing multi badges to show support to HINDRAF and Abolish ISA.
This convoy went into federal road at Tg Malim and pass by towns like Slim, Trolak, Sungkai, Bidor to create awareness.
This team later joined another big convoy team waiting at IPOH Kallumalai temple with another 150 cars.
This made the convoy "snake" longer and all took PLus highway from Jelapang to Changkat jering.
As they reached Changkat Jering, heavy rain started and all went to Kamunting Tannimalai Temple near Lake garden for prayers where the Northern convoy team join in too after initial demo in front of KEMTA. There food was served and later speech by Hindraf coordinators like RS Thanethiran, Kanna and Jayathas and also from GMI reps ( Pn Nor ) whom her husband detained for more than 6 years under draconian ISA.


At sharp 5pm all the cars lead again to KEMTA with more longer convoy around Kamunting. All the roads were clear from blocks made the smooth sailing to the door of KEMTA.
All car parked and thousand of supporters make huge protest with strong chant to Abolish ISA and LONG Live HINDRAF.
Add with hons from passby cars.
The small FRU called for help.

Abt 6.00 pm few trucks of FRU came and blocked the whole road. As usual the warning screen and bell were rang but none stops the supporter chant.
The OCPD issue stern warning to the crowd again and again. There were 3 water cannon FRU truck, 3 lorries and 2 Pajero type with more than 150 FRU police ready for instruction.

The HINDRAF negotiation team went to talk to OCPD and FRU chief, were given until 6.25pm to show the protest and disprease.

HINDRAF Coordinators later gave press conference to the media from local and oversea on the overall convoy message and repeatly want to government to repeal draconian ISA.
They told HINDRAF have used all the proper channel to voice the concern over ISA detainees including the KING and hope the government would release all ISA detainees asap. They also seek the govern to listen to the voice of Malaysian in large as even the BN component parties wants the iSA detainees to be released.
The crowd later dispreased in peace and they all thanked the police for the cooperation with big clap !!
The convoy doesnt stop there, they went around the Taiping town with long convoy and was supported by local from all races with waves and hons.
The cars later left Taiping at 7.30 pm to the their destination.

This is the biggest ever convoy from multi point to single point protesting ISA.
Though it was organise in short span of notice but the support had never reduced. It was planned to split the team from North and South to avoid police blocks.

Thanks to all the supporters and well wishers.

P. Uthaya kumar whom were visited by his family members at 12.30pm was told abt the convoy and he was very happy with the support outside.
Thanks,

Kannan

European Union Scholarship Programme

The Erasmus Mundus programme of master’s courses hasproven so popular since its launch in 2004 that it hadto be expanded to keep up with demand. Erasmus MundusMaster’s Courses are top-quality courses offered bypartnerships of European higher educationinstitutions. There are currently 57 courses to chosefrom, covering everything from engineering andtechnology, natural sciences, life sciences, socialsciences, business, economics, to law and thehumanities. The European Commission has selected, forthe 2006-2007 academic year, 1.377 students and 231university teachers to participate in the programme.Ján Figel’, European Commissioner for Education andTraining, said “Europe’s universities are nowattracting more of the world’s best graduate studentsand teachers, thanks to the Erasmus Mundus scheme.With Erasmus Mundus, Europe’s universities areencouraged to get together to attract leading talentfrom around the globe, with obvious benefits to theirlevel of excellence”. To conclude : “Ultimately, whenEurope’s universities benefit, the EU economy benefitstoo, as does our dialogue with other cultures”. TheErasmus Mundus students study for a European masters’degree for one or two years, in at least twouniversities located in two different Europeancountries, so they experience of European lifestyles,cultures and languages. They are admitted onto theCourses only after a highly competitive process,ensuring that the Erasmus Mundus programme draws theworld’s best talent. Erasmus Mundus universityteachers spend up to three months in Europe workingfor one of the Erasmus Mundus masters courses, thusstrengthening ties between universities worldwide.The Erasmus Mundus programme is proving to be verypopular: the level of demand from third-countrygraduates and academics to study and teach in Europe’suniversities has been increasing rapidly: the 57Erasmus Mundus Masters Courses received almost 6,000applications for scholarships from students andscholars from all over the world.To cover the demand from specific Asian countries,additional funds were injected into the Erasmus Mundusprogramme, the so-called “Asian Windows”. These fundsare earmarked for scholarships for nationals comingfrom specific Asian countries such as China or India.In all, for the 2006-2007 Academic year, the EuropeanCommission has selected 1,377 students and 231scholars from all over the world to receive ErasmusMundus scholarships for the next academic year(2006-2007). Nearly EUR 52 million will be devoted tofund the 1377 Erasmus Mundus students’ scholarshipsand about EUR 2.5 million will be used to fund theuniversity teachers.
The funds will be managed by theEducation, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency.
The 741 students selected under the general ErasmusMundus programme come from 92 different countries,with China (81), Brazil (43), Russia (36), India (31),USA (28), Malaysia (25), and Mexico (24) ranking inthe first places.The 636 additional students receiving scholarshipsunder the “Asian Windows” come mainly from India(288), China (99), Thailand (53), Pakistan (42),Malaysia (32) and Vietnam (29).Of the 231 scholars, 199 have been selected under thegeneral Erasmus Mundus programme and 32 under the“China Window”. The selected scholars under thegeneral programme come from 45 different countries.Among the best ranked countries are the USA (42),Russia (14), India (12), Canada (11) and Brazil (10).Further information, including a geographicalbreakdown by country of origin of the Erasmus Mundusscholarships grantees, can be found on the ErasmusMundus web site:

http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/mundus/index_en.html