The Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) has insisted that Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor intervene in the proposed re-development of a Brickfields site where the historical Swami Vivekanda Ashram sits.

Its president KK Eswaran called on Tengku Adnan to order a halt of the development and to initiate a probe on the matter.

“Since Malaysia sits in the World Heritage Committee, it is very well-positioned to understand the importance of cultural heritage including historical sites such as the Vivekananda Ashram,” said Eswaran in a statement today.

Tengku Adnan had said the government had no power to stop the development planned by the Ashram's private owners and can merely advise against the move.

Yesterday, Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia chairperson P Waythamoorthy slammed Tengku Adnan for the remarks, stating that the minister was ignorant about preserving heritage.

Eswaran ( left ) said that the redevelopment of the iconic building, which is part the Indian cultural heritage of Brickfields and of historic importance, is opposed strongly by the Indian business community.

The MAICCI president also called on the ashram’s trustees to look into other means of funding instead of re-developing the place.

“They should organise activities that are profit-orientated to solve their financial problems and appoint corporate leaders that may contribute to such a cause,” Eswaran added.

The Vivekananda Ashram which was built in 1904 to commemorate the visit of Swami Vivekananda to the country is said to have great historic and sentimental value to the Indian community especially around the Brickfields area.

Vivekananda, an Hindu monk from India, was reknown for introducing Indian philosophies to the western world and credited for bringing interfaith awareness. 

The 110-year-old Hindu heritage building, which sits on private land, is poised to be redeveloped into a 23-storey apartment building and an eight story car park despite numerous objections from the public.