Chandran Nair - from fighting apartheid to reversing institutional racism in M'sia

INTERVIEW | Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur where he shared a room with seven of his siblings, Chandran Nair later found himself involved in the fight against unjust segregationist policies in South Africa, organising safe houses for those part of the anti-apartheid movement.

Reminiscing on his involvement then with the African National Congress (ANC), the businessperson, think-tank founder and author quipped that he would be considered a “terrorist” under the present American definition.

Chandran, who resides alternately in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, has now embarked on a new mission. This time, much closer to home. He is seeking to help undo institutional racism in Malaysia.

With this objective in mind, he decided to air his views on the taboo subject during a talk show on Astro Awani, which to his astonishment, generated waves. Since then, he has been inundated with requests to do more.

In a telephone interview with Malaysiakini, Chandran shared his thoughts on the overwhelming response and his plan to set up the ...