Groups moot 'alternative site' to save Hindu temple from demolition

Summary

• Groups moot an alternative site for the proposed construction of a mosque on private land currently occupied by a Hindu temple.

• Lawyers for Liberty executive director Zaid Malek refers to two adjacent plots of land belonging to the same owner, large enough for the construction of the proposed mosque.

• Former Malaysian Bar president Ambiga Sreenevasan says the alternative is an “easy solution” to the concerns raised.

Advocates for the preservation of Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur have offered an “alternative site” for the construction of the proposed mosque earmarked to be built on the temple’s location.

Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) executive director Zaid Malek said rather than going through with the demolition and relocation of the 130-year-old temple, the proposed mosque could be built on two adjacent plots of land.

“There is an easy solution. There is no need for the temple to be demolished.

“The adjacent site is large enough to build a mosque, and there is still space for expansion,” he said during a press conference at LFL’s office in Petaling Jaya today.

He added that it would not be good for a mosque to start off on the wrong foot, where another place of worship had to be destroyed to build it.

”There is nothing wrong with constructing a mosque next to the temple,” said Zaid.

Also present were former Malaysian Bar president Ambiga Sreenevasan, lawyer N Surendran representing the temple committee, and the temple committee members.

‘Madani, solution is in your face’

Ambiga stressed that the government has a role to play in finding a solution for the temple, despite the land being owned by a private company.

“I don't want to be harsh but come on Madani government, what is wrong with you? Really.

“Solve this. Very easily. I am so surprised they can’t do that after having walked with all of us people they know on the streets for justice, now having the Madani narrative, which must include justice and inclusivity.

“Come on… the solution is staring at you in the face. Do it. That’s all I can say,” said the former Bersih chairperson.

Surendran said that he had, as former Padang Serai MP in 2014, advocated for the preservation of a Hindu temple on Jalan Raja Chulan, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as then opposition leader, offered his full support.

“So I hope the prime minister (now) will show the same spirit that he showed 10 years ago when he supported me during that time.

“I hope he can remember that spirit and invoke that spirit again within him,” the lawyer added.

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