It creates a hassle for industry players who are mostly Indians, says Hindraf.

PETALING JAYA: Hindraf wants the government to do away with vehicle repossessing permits as it is creates more problems for Indian repossessors.

“The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry’s decision to impose permits on repossessors is causing further hardship to Indian operators nationwide.

“We have been receiving numerous complaints from Indian vehicle repossessors,” said Hindraf’s de facto leader P Uthayakumar.

“The usual racist government policy in issuing permits and licences and the red tape in the application and issuance of such permits will force thousands of Indian youths into crime.”

Uthayakumar said this in a letter to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, which was made available to FMT.

He was responding to an announcement by the ministry’s KL director, Abu Samah Shahbudin, who said that permits were to ensure that repossessing was done in accordance with the law.

Abu Samah was also quoted by Malay daily Sinar Harian today as saying that the ministry has received many complaints about repossessors using rough methods when they repossessed vehicles.

Uthayakumar said the restrictions in the issuance of the permits also denies a second opportunity for former convicts who have turned over a new leaf.

“Where is the second chance for ex-convicts to re-integrate into the society as announced by the government?” asked Uthayakumar.

Instead of issuing permits, he said the authorities could resort to other means.

“We want this policy withdrawn and that the government enforces strict registration, monitoring and action against repossessors by banks and financial institutions.

“Rogue repossessors can be given warnings and then suspended for a time before they are blacklisted,” said Uthayakumar, the Human Rights Party’s protem secretary-general.

Uthayakumar stressed that Hindraf does not condone car repossessors who use high-handed tactics and criminal methods in repossessing vehicles

Read more: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/07/26/scrap-vehicle-repossession-permits-govt-told/#ixzz21mLGopjA