Time and time again we have seen the same story happening to Indians in the country ie, their places of worship being demolished by the authorities without any warning or with the shortest of warning periods. When questioned, Indian community leaders shy away from answering such questions as it will not be liked by their Malay political masters.

Most of these temples are on private estates and plantation lands which, over the years, have succumbed to the demands of developers. During the colonial era, most of these temples were allowed to be constructed for the purpose of worship by the large number of Hindu workers which were domiciled there. There were no proper documentation and rights over the land on which these early temples were constructed.

Over the years some Indians who were successful businessmen had out of their own benevolence bought and donated land to build temples. Some states with leaders who were very accommodating and multiracial in thought had also donated land for Hindu temples to be built.

As these temples were built and became places for worship and religious gatherings, the state and the Indian community leaders failed to register these developments and monitor them. Thus, after all these years of complete neglect and lack of political will, most of the land on which these temples are constructed are either private or state-owned. Therefore an eviction is imminent.

The authorities are not to perturbed about history, religion, culture and the multi-racial composition of the country. They are predominantly Malay officials have very little compassion towards the cause of the Hindu Indians in Malaysia. What next and where do the Hindu Indians in Malaysia go to to pour out their concerns over their shrinking rights?

The MIC seems to be very sensitive to the concerns of their Malay masters ie Umno. It rarely shows any form of concern or opposition to the local councils that carry out these demolition orders.

The Malaysian Indians of Hindu origin should now form an alliance with other Hindu-related bodies and organisations from around the world to negotiate with the government on the proper registration of Hindu temples and places of worship which will be recognised by the federal and respective state governments so that religious harmony can be maintained in the country.

There is nothing to be shy and ashamed about in seeing opposition politicians for help and advice but it would be a better initiative if someone could start an alliance to deal with the federal and state governments when it comes to the religious rights of Hindus in Malaysia. We realise that we are walking a thin line, but if Malaysia is really what it stands for ie multiracial and multi-culturalism, then we must begin somewhere.