'It's a dialysis centre', councillor says over complaint of temple being built

Summary

• MPKL councillor Ang Eu Liang dismisses claims that a Buddhist temple was being built near his residence, saying it is a dialysis centre.

• This comes after a resident filed a complaint with the Selangor state secretary over the project and questioned Ang’s academic qualifications.

• While Ang admits he failed in Bahasa Malaysia during SPM, the councillor says he had passed the exam set by Pusat Latihan Awam Selangor to get the job.

A Kuala Langat City Council (MPKL) member has come forward to clear the air over claims by a resident that a Buddhist temple was being erected behind the former’s home.

Rebutting the claims, MPKL councillor Ang Eu Liang said the project involves the construction of a dialysis centre, not a house of worship.

“It is a dialysis centre, which is still awaiting approval from the Health Ministry.

“The project is funded by residents and to help the community. It will be managed by a welfare association located in Jenjarom, Kuala Langat,” Ang (above) told Malaysiakini, adding that the project was approved before he became a councillor.

According to Malaysiakini’s checks, the notice board by MPKL mentions that the project involves the construction of a two-storey house belonging to Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Chong Yuan Jenjarom.

Ang’s response came after the resident sent a letter to Selangor state secretary Haris Kasim on the matter, in addition to questioning the councillor’s academic credentials.

In the letter sighted by Malaysiakini, the resident accused Ang of abusing his position to ensure the project gets approved.

“Why did MPKL allow a Chinese association to build a ‘house’ behind his home (Ang’s residence) in Kampung Baru Cina Sungai Jarom, which will be used for prayers and burning paper offerings that will pollute the air?” asked the resident.

‘Passed required test’

In questioning Ang’s academic credentials, the complainant claimed the former only holds a general certificate (SAP) and had failed his Bahasa Malaysia during SPM.

“We are aware that to become a councillor, the candidate must possess an SPM certificate and pass Bahasa Malaysia as a minimum qualification.

“So, how did Ang become a councillor by holding only an SAP certificate and getting F9 for Bahasa Malaysia?” the complainant asked.

Ang acknowledged that he only holds an SAP certificate and had failed in Bahasa Malaysia.

However, the councillor pointed out that to become a councillor, a candidate must sit for an exam set by Pusat Latihan Awam Selangor, which he passed.

“And I also hold a diploma in accounting from Segi University College, which is accredited by the Abertay Scotland University,” he added.

Association urges Selangor govt to settle temple land dispute

Respect multiracial M'sia, groups say after viral post on Hinduism

COMMENT | Islamisation of public spaces

Respect non-Muslims' houses of worship, MCA leader tells T'ganu mufti