Former MCT Bhd director Tong Seech Wi (photo) today clarified that he was not involved in the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple relocation issue which had triggered rioting.

This was after a photograph of him and another executive was circulated on social media, along with a post accusing them of hiring thugs to enforce the relocation of the temple.

“It has come to my attention that my photograph is being spread on social media linking me with the land where the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is located.

“I categorically deny any involvement with the recent events that have taken place.

“I exited MCT Bhd in February 2018 when I sold the majority of my shares in the company. I have not been a director since I resigned on Feb 28, 2018.

“Hence, I no longer have any dealings with the management or the operations of MCT Bhd or its subsidiary One City Development Sdn Bhd,” he said in a statement.

One City Development owns the land on which the temple sits on.

On a personal note, Tong said he was disheartened by the incidences that had occurred in relation to the temple.

“I urge all parties to remain calm and resolve this matter amicably,” he said.

MCT was earlier this year acquired by the Philippines-based Ayala Corporation conglomerate.

‘Sky Park nothing to do with MCT’

Meanwhile, residents of the Sky Park@One City integrated development today said they too had nothing to do with the temple relocation issue.

This was after rioters attacked and damaged the MCT Tower early this morning, which is part of Sky Park@One City.

Its joint management committee said their development was by One City Properties Sdn Bhd, which no longer had anything to do with MCT Bhd or its subsidiary One City Development Sdn Bhd.

“One City Properties Sdn Bhd was sold by MCT Bhd in December 2017 and neither MCT Bhd nor One City Development Sdn Bhd own the One City mixed integrated development now," it said.

According to news reports, MCT Bhd had sold One City Properties Sdn Bhd to Bras Ventures Sdn Bhd.

Bras Ventures, on its website, describes itself as a "100 percent bumiputra construction company offering engineering services related to mechanical and electrical engineering, civil construction and power transmission and distribution related project".

The joint-management committee said MCT is only a tenant of MCT Tower but does not own the building which comes under One City Properties, now effectively owned by Bras Ventures.

“MCT Tower is also occupied by other tenants including several multi-national corporations.

“We would like to make known that all the properties and units in One City in USJ25 are owned by individual owners, and managed by three joint management bodies (JMB) as provided under the Strata Management Act 2013,” it said.

Meanwhile, One City Development Sdn Bhd once again denied involvement in instigating the riots, after an online news portal purportedly quoted a police source saying that “the side wanting to take over the land” had engaged a group of men, possibly gangsters, to intrude the temple on Monday morning.

“One City would like to seek further clarification on these remarks, given that we have always followed the rule of law and due process. This is evident in both the lengthy court cases we have gone through and discussions with the relevant stakeholders,” it said.

One City Development said it compensated the temple with a new site and RM1.5 million, and it is willing to allow time for rituals related to the relocation to take place.

It added that its senior management has already contacted the police and fixed an appointment to assist its investigation.

On Monday, clashes between devotees at the temple and a group of outsiders escalated into a riot.

The Seafield temple was supposed to be relocated following a consent judgment but there were disagreements over the matter.

Thousands of supporters turned up near the temple in the early hours of Tuesday in a show of support.

This degenerated into a second round of rioting, with Fire and Rescue Department personnel being attacked, landing one in an intensive care unit.

A group of rioters also ransacked MCT Bhd’s office at One City.

So far, 19 people have been remanded to assist investigations on the first round of riots, including at least three One City Development employees.