Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto today questioned Gerakan's silence on allocation of land for places of worship in BN-led states, after its complaints over the matter in Penang. 

Gerakan had complained the 20 acres of land allocated by the Penang government for construction of houses of worship was situated beside an oxidation plant.

"Will Gerakan thump its chest and express the same concern over allocated land for future development for places of worship in Barisan Nasional states?" she asked.

In Penang, she said devotees had applied for land to relocate their places of worship, fearing forceful relocation, or floods. 

The state then allocated 32 lots of land in Bagan Jermal for non-Muslim places of worship to meet those needs, she said in a statement.

"To date, the state government has already received more than 30 applications and more enquiries have been made regarding the application for land," Kasthuri, who is also Wanita DAP publicity secretary.

Gerakan vice-president A Kohilan Pillay had earlier today, condemned Kasthuri for allegedly defending the allocation of land for places of worship next to sewage treatment plants. 

“If Kasthuri is adamant that (Penang Chief Minister) Lim Guan Eng’s proposal was a great offer to the religious groups, she should come and meet me beside the ‘Loji Pembersihan Mak Mandin’ signboard and feel for herself, ” he reportedly said. 

However, Kasthuri said she did not defend the allocation of land for places of worship next to sewage plants as "better than under trees and at shop houses" and demanded an apology from The Star, which she alleged had carried a report implying she had said so.