The Tamil immigrants in what was then known as the Federated Malay States (Singapore and Malaysia) shared the same doggedness and drive as those in the French Overseas Department of Reunion and in independent state of Mauritius. In a sense Thai Poosam illustrates this zeal.

This may explain the Tamil demonstrations under the rubric of the Hindu Rights Action Force against the Bhoomiputra policies in Malaysia. The protests led to an election setback for the ruling United Malays National Organization and the eventual downfull of Prime Minister Badawi with the opposition candidate – Ibrahim Anwar calling for a rethink of those policies.

Thai Poosam signifies religious ardour – and the line between that and the potential for political activism is a thin one!