Seven Indian Malaysian leaders in Pakatan Rakyat have called for the suspension of Sepang Municipal Council officers involved in the controversial demolition of a Hindu altar in a private residence last month.

In a joint statement, they pointed out that, even if its construction had contravened the building bylaws, the manner of demolition was “improper, unnecessary and wounding to the religious sentiments of the Indian community”.

NONE PKR vice-president N Surendran (left) , DAP's Teluk Intan MP M Manogaran, PKR's Subang MP R Sivarasa, Kapar MP S Manickavasagam, Port Dickson assemblyperson M Ravi, PKR human rights and legal bureau chief S Jayathas, and DAP's senator S Rama Krishnan signed the statement.

Some 30 enforcement officers had reportedly gone to the house belonging to one Umah Devi on Nov 20 and demolished an altar erected within the gated compound.

State exco Dr Xavier Jeyakumar has reportedly defended the local council, saying it has the right to act when illegal structures are built inside or outside a house, and that the state government cannot interfere without a valid reason.

However, the seven politicians claimed that the state government is bound by an order that no religious structure is to be demolished without the consent of a special task force of the state exco.

“Why was no such consent obtained in this case? The failure to adhere to the state government's legally binding instruction amounts to serious wrongdoing by the Sepang Municipal Council.

“It is not, and will never be, the policy of Pakatan to wantonly demolish temples or other religious structures.”

NONE They demanded that the Selangor government - led by Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim (right) - immediately orders a full investigation into the incident and act against those found guilty of having authorised or carried out the demolition.

“Pending the investigation, we call for the suspension of all Sepang council personnel and office-bearers involved in this incident,” they added.

“We further urge the Selangor government to review all current procedures pertaining to issues arising from construction or location of religious structures to ensure that there will be no repeat of this incident.”