An opposition party today urged the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) to probe the demolition of a century-old Hindu temple in Selangor that was allegedly carried out with the assistance of police personnel.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) vice-president R Sivarasa also asked the commission to initiate an open dialogue with the concerned parties to discuss, and form a policy pertaining to the protection of temples.

He said the human rights watchdog should utilise its full powers as provided under the Suhakam Act 1999 to carry out the investigation.

"Transparency on this matter is important as it involves the sensitivities of the majority of Indians in the country who are Hindu devotees and it also concerns public interest," he said when met at the Suhakam office in Kuala Lumpur.

Earlier, the lawyer-cum-politician led a 30-member delegation to submit a memorandum on the matter to Suhakam, which was received by commissioner Ramon Navaratnam.

No court order

The Keadilan leader said the commission should concentrate on the claim that the destruction of the temple was carried out with the aid of police personnel in the absence of a court order.

"The freedom for religion is stipulated under Article 11 of the Federal Constitution. The authorities should handle this situation with tolerance through the appropriate channels, such as conducting discussions, before any harsh actions are taken," he added.

Explaining further on the proposed policy to protect temples, Sivarasa said it should concern all existing temples and take into account the needs of Hindus.

The policy should also focus on the issues regarding the relocation of temples, should the land be gazetted for development.

Previously, eyewitnesses claimed that the Sri Kalikambal Kamadeswarar temple - a registered temple in Shah Alam's Ebor estate - was torched on June 14 by a group of people with the help of uniformed police personnel and property developer Sime UEP Sdn Bhd.

The police personnel were also said to have threatened to arrest devotees who protested.

It was also alleged that two days before the incident, several unidentified individuals had attempted to burn the temple but rain dampened their plan.

To date, four police reports have been lodged over the matter but it was claimed that the police have yet to take any action.

'Many cases'

Also present at the Suhakam office was Keadilan deputy secretary-general Dr Xavier Jayakumar, who said the temple's destruction was not an isolated case.

He claimed that there were similar incidents occurring in other states.

"We must be aware that the temple is the community centre for local Hindu devotees. Although the land may need to be developed, we must have the moral obligation towards that place while the local municipal council and the developer should find an alternative land for the devotees," he said.

According to Jayakumar, thousands of devotees frequented the now demolished temple in Shah Alam and they were now forced to travel several kilometres to the next temple.

Sri Kalikambal Kamadeswarar temple committee chief PA Thanabalan (right), who was part of the 30-member delegation, said he was shocked that the police aided the demolition instead of protecting the temple.

He added that the temple was the only place for them to practise their religion in the area since three other temples there were torn down earlier.

Ebor estate resident A Rajiswari, a housewife, told the Suhakam commissioner that the destruction has made it difficult for her children to learn about their faith.

Universal right

Meanwhile, Ramon said the issue concerned the right to freedom of religion as stipulated in the constitution and Article 8 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"If the police are found to have acted in such manner, they are tantamount for the violation of these rights," he added.

He said the decision to hold a public inquiry into the matter will be deliberated upon at the commission's monthly meeting scheduled for Nov 10.

However he said Suhakam will contact the police and keep the group informed.

"We must listen to both sides and find the truth, this is justice. This is our role to promote and uphold human rights because we are subject to public scrutiny also. We will do our best within the limitations," he added.

Also present, were Keadilan vice-president Tian Chua, supreme council member N Gobalakrishan, Youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor and vice-president S Manickavasagam.