It was not a racial clash - temple priest calls for calm
The fracas at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya this morning was not a racial clash, said the temple's priest S Jayakumar.
"I appeal to all quarters, including Hindus in Malaysia, to be patient and not make provocative statements on social media.
"I wish to stress it was not a racial riot but the cruel action of those who want to demolish this temple," he told Malaysiakini.
The fracas at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya this morning was not a racial clash, said the temple's priest S Jayakumar (above).
"I appeal to all quarters, including Hindus in Malaysia, to be patient and not make provocative statements on social media.
"I wish to stress it was not a racial riot but the cruel action of those who want to demolish this temple," he told Malaysiakini.
As for the two intruders who were injured, Jayakumar said this happened when the pair angered the devotees in the temple.
"One of them stepped on a statue while another damaged a lamp with a parang. These were the two who were assaulted," he claimed.
Meanwhile, K Selvam (photo), one of those held at knifepoint by the intruders, claimed that the latter was acting on orders from outsiders.
"The person leading the group was repeatedly calling someone to explain what was happening and to receive new instructions.
"To my knowledge, they took five of us hostage to move the statues. However, this failed when the temple people retaliated," he told Malaysiakini.
Selvam claimed that he also saw a parking card from a firm implicated in the incident.
Earlier, MIC president SA Vigneswaran visited the temple and donated RM20,000. He also said the incident should not be politicised.
As of 5pm, there were still some 500 people at the temple grounds.
A Subang resident, who wished to be identified only as Nathan, said he has been at the temple since 7am to show his support.
RELATED REPORTS
What led to the temple fracas – DIGP reveals details of initial probe
Umno Youth condemns temple clash, wants probe on 'hired thugs' claim
Report lodged against Subang Jaya police chief over temple fracas
We're watching – Cops warn bloggers, social media users over temple fracas
Developer denies instigating Seafield temple riot
Temple fracas: Ministers chide police's 'Indian vs Indian' claim
'Intruders held temple chairperson, four others at knifepoint'
MB: Don't make racist statements, stoke hatred over temple riot
S'gor police chief: Heated exchange ignited temple riot, other races involved
Seven men detained over Seafield temple chaos, several vehicles torched
Violence as devotees scuffle over relocation of Seafield temple
Report this comment
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.