Author: ANI
Publication: The Hindustan Times
Date: April 27, 2005
URL: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/7598_1338895,000500020000.htm
Dr Hussain Malik, President of the
American-Pakistanis Physicians of North America (APPNA), who was earlier
criticised for presenting an award to BJP president and former Deputy Prime
Minister LK Advani, has now been asked to resign from his post.
According to the Daily Times, APPNA
members have circulated a petition demanding his resignation, for not only
awarding an award in the form of a plaque to Advani during the delegation's
last month visit to India, but also acting without the approval of the
general body or the executive.
There were also reports that Malik
walked over to Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee for handing him an award,
when the latter, out of surprise at being awarded with a plaque, forgot
to stand up to receive the award.
The petition signed by the 19 APPNA
said, "The BJP has a proven staunchly anti-Muslim agenda and has Akhand
Bharat in its manifesto. Advani is allegedly personally responsible for
the genocide of Muslims and the destruction of the Babri Mosque. His name
was implicated and a case has been filed against him in the higher courts
of India".
Hussain Malik and his organising
committee ingratiated themselves with the BJP and as though that was not
enough, a plaque was given to LK Advani and Indian Defence Minister Pranab
Mukherjee.
In fact, Mr Mukherjee was so surprised
that he was getting a plaque that he forgot to stand up and Hussain Malik
walked over and gave it to him," the Daily Times quoted the petition as
stating.
Malik had also reportedly announced
the adoption of a village in India for healthcare purposes and promised
it a sum of US$ 40,000 without consultation or the approval of the APPNA
executive council.
The petition further said that since
APPNA constitution doesn't allow impeachment, therefore Dr Malik should
resign and a new committee should be appointed to expeditiously investigate
the entire issue, including the involvement, of other members in the whole
in the issue.
