Penang opposition leader Jahara Hamid refused to withdraw alleged remarks that she wanted the Taoist shrine in Armenian Park to be demolished.

Jahara denied ever saying she wanted the shrine demolished, saying she only questioned the concept of placing shrines in public parks.

“I did not say to demolish the shrine, nor did I mean it that way,” Jahara said during debate in the state legislative assembly today.

“I merely asked whether it is suitable for the shrine to be placed in a public park. I also suggested that a proper place be designed for those who worship at the shrine, for its safety and management,” she added.

“Don’t magnify what I said when I did not have the intention to have it demolished.”

Jahara cited portions of the Hansard to prove her point that she had never mentioned the word “demolish” when raising the issue during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Penang Governor last Friday.

Despite her clarification, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng insisted that Jahara withdraw her remarks about the shrine, saying that it would resolve the matter.

He lamented about receiving flak from MCA which described him as a coward for not defending the religious rights of those who worship the shrine when it was an Umno representative who raised the issue.

Jahara replied, “MCA misunderstood what I said due to media reports.”

Jahara was referring to MCA religious harmony bureau chief Ti Lian Ker who criticised her for her alleged remarks that the shrine should be removed as it could confuse some Muslims.

Lim answered: “I do not want to interfere in the problems between MCA and Umno.”

“You were the one who said there will be protest against the shrine; even I did not know about it, it is a very small shrine, even smaller than a chair,” Lim said.

“ I only knew about it when you mentioned the matter, and I do not understand why you brought  up the matter,” he added.

Lim then continued to pressure Jahara to withdraw her remarks but the latter demanded the same, saying “let us withdraw our statements together” but the chief minister declined.

Lim also persisted in asking Jahara her intention of raising the issue if she did not wish for it to be removed.

Later at a press conference, Jahara said she referred to “compound spirits” at the newly refurbished Armenian Park after speaking about the proposed Gurney Wharf and the spirit of Penang.

“I said we must think of the sensitivities of all races. We have no problems with the shrine nor did I ask it to be demolished.”

Jahara regretted that her remarks had created a polemic, and that she was accused of wanting a shrine to be demolished.

Accompanying her at the press conference was Umno Pulau Betong assemblyperson Muhammad Farid Saad, who urged BN component parties to refer to Jahara instead of merely referring to reports in new portals before issuing their criticisms.

Lim had said that the shrine will remain in its place as it was deemed a heritage relic from World War II, and that Penang practises freedom of religion by allowing the shrine at the park.