Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has decided to shelve the temple relocation plan in Shah Alam following fierce objections from Section 23 residents at a two-hour public dialogue this morning.

khalid ibrahim pc 120809 01 Speaking to reporters at his official residence, the menteri besar said that the controversial relocation of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple from Section 19 to Section 23 will be deferred until a more suitable alternative site has been identified.

“In order not to create an adverse reaction and further misunderstanding, the state government has decided that we should put it on hold, but that does not mean we should stop finding a more appropriate site,” he said.

Asked when a solution is expected to be found, Abdul Khalid said "as soon as possible, but due process needed to be followed including discussions with all stakeholders".

"After we meet PKNS (state development agency), MBSA (city council) and the (Section 19) temple committee, only then will we come up with a proposal for the temple relocation," he said.

In the meantime, he said, all residents in Section 23 “should stop further discussions” pertaining to the temple relocation until a proper solution is found.

Khalid nevertheless did not regret organising today’s rowdy public dialogue, adding that such open meetings were essential for the state government to continue to have open communication with the people.

‘Not disappointed’ with the commotion

When asked whether he was disappointed with the commotion that erupted earlier today during the dialogue, the menteri besar said no, saying that “we understand (the residents’ feelings)”.

“But I must thank Khalid Samad (Shah Alam MP) who has all the patience and skills of answering questions under duress,” he quipped.

On a serious note, he said under such circumstances, “rationality is normally not the answer but we do appreciate some good points (raised at the dialogue)”.

azlan “For instance, a resident suggested to us to look at another area in Section 23, which is quite distant from the housing area. Overall, we have positive suggestions as much as emotional feelings (during the dialogue),” he said.

“We should not be cowed by this group of people. Although this group will continue to be there, this will not stop us from finding the best solution for all, and we should not take this as a deterrent but as a challenge for us to prove them wrong,” said Abdul Khalid.

According to Khalid Samad who was also present at the press conference, there was a lot of “misinformation” stating that the final decision to relocate the temple had already been made.

“They also claimed that the construction has taken place. This means they are trying to prove that we have done something without the residents’ approval, and this was what angered the residents the most,” he said.

The 150-year-old temple needs to be relocated as residential areas have subsequently sprouted near the complex.

The press conference was also attended by state exco Rodziah Ismail, who is Batu Tiga state assemblyperson.

Hasan Ali sought audience with sultan

In an unrelated development, the menteri besar also revealed that Hasan Ali, the state exco in charge of Muslim affairs, has sought an audience with the Selangor sultan this afternoon.

Khalid Ibrahim however denied that the meeting was over the temple relocation controversy.

“He (Hasan) said he needed to see the sultan to inform him about his task in regards to the sale of beer in Shah Alam and mosque officers’ authorities in the matter,” he said.

Hasan had earlier announced that the mosque authorities have powers to arrest Muslims drinking alcohol in public.

The state exco was seen leaving Istana Bukit Kayangan at 2.30pm without speaking to journalists who had gathered outside.

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