Summary

  • Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam Kuala Lumpur temple chairperson R Nadarajah has sent a WhatsApp invitation saying Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will visit Batu Caves tomorrow (Friday).

  • According to the message, the prime minister “will be garlanded at the entrance”.

  • Nadarajah also says Anwar’s visit benefits the Indian community in Malaysia.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will be visiting Batu Caves tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, according to the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam Kuala Lumpur (SMMTD KL).

According to a WhatsApp message from SMMTD KL chairperson R Nadarajah shared with Malaysiakini, the prime minister is scheduled to visit the iconic Hindu temple, where the Thaipusam celebration will be held on Feb 11, at 3pm.

“Dear members of the board of management of SMMTD KL and friends and devotees. Vanakkam.

“Our beloved hon. prime minister will be visiting Batu Caves as requested by the temple management tomorrow at 3.00pm.

“He will be garlanded at the entrance. His memorable visit will benefit our Indian community. Please be present without fail. Thanks,” read the message.

In a Facebook post today, Anwar confirmed he would be visiting Batu Caves tomorrow.

“Insya-Allah, I would fulfil my Friday prayers with Ampang residents in Al-Mardhiyah Mosque, Taman Melawati.

“After that, I will mingle around and have my lunch at Medan Selera Anjung, Taman Melawati.

“Later, I will visit Batu Caves, meet the Indian community there and check the place to ensure the facilities are in order for the upcoming Thaipusam celebration,” he added.

The prime minister did not attend last year’s celebration.

In 2023, Anwar, who was scheduled to attend, had to cancel because he was unwell.

“Anwar had been looking forward to the celebration, but could not be here as he fell ill at the eleventh hour.

“But he asked me to arrange for a later meeting with the temple management, as he wanted to see them all," said the then-human resources minister V Sivakumar.

Anwar’s visit tomorrow comes amid a raging debate over the proposed guidelines for Muslims visiting non-Muslim places of worship.

The prime minister has said that the cabinet would discuss the matter tomorrow.

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