MEDIA RELEASE:SANIL KUMAR TRAGEDY

The Fiji Indian Association, Wellington Inc has described as “heartless” the decision of the New Zealand Government to send the late Mr Sanil Kumar back to Fiji, despite his proven need for a kidney transplant .

“ By refusing to allow him to remain in New Zealand, the Associate Minister of Immigration, Nikki Kaye actually imposed a death sentence on this young man.”

The Minister’s refusal to intervene clearly shows the lack of compassion and human values of the current Government and the decision to send Sanil Kumar back to Fiji is condemned in the strongest terms possible.

It is clear that the Government is now indulging in media spin by saying the Fijian Ministry of Health had assured it that facilities were available in Fiji for Mr Kumar’s care and treatment.

Mr Kumar’s family and well-wishers had raised funds for his treatment and his presence in New Zealand would not have been detrimental to New Zealand’s health system or citizens and his continued presence would not have been contrary to the public interest.

President, Salim A Singh says the New Zealand Government decision was heartless and Mr Kumar’s demise should be on the collective conscience of the current Government. Mr Singh says he is confident such a decision would not have been taken by Governments led by leaders like the late David Lange, Helen Clark and Jim Bolger and that the manner in which this matter has been handled by the Government shows a clear departure from normal New Zealand humanitarian values. The Association expresses its heartfelt condolences to the Kumar family.

SALIM A SINGH
PRESIDENT

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