Amanah Youth urges outsiders not to meddle in temple issue

Summary

• Amanah Youth vice-chief Asmaaliff Abdul Adam urges outsiders not to get involved in the proposed relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur.

• He says all parties involved are doing their best to find an amicable solution to the matter.

An Amanah Youth leader has urged outsiders not to get involved in the ongoing talks involving the proposed relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur.

“It’s only proper to allow the negotiations to be conducted without outsiders' involvement - which could only complicate things or make it more difficult to find a middle ground.

“What is important is to find a solution that would prioritise harmony, not create a polemic which would destabilise the unity we have built over the years,” its vice-chief Asmaaliff Abdul Adam said in a statement today.

Earlier today, DAP MP RSN Rayer questioned why the police have yet to act against independent preacher Zamri Vinoth, despite hundreds of reports filed against him over an insult levelled against kavadi ritual during Thaipusam.

This comes after the preacher made some controversial remarks on the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple issue on social media.

“While everyone involved is trying their level best to resolve this temple matter amicably for the sake of unity in our multiracial and multireligious country, Zamri attempts to wade in and exploit this issue by posting provocative comments yet again on his Facebook page.

“Zamri's latest posting on his Facebook alleges that most temples are built illegally on land not belonging to the temple and also mocks the Tamil language by saying ‘illek porringe’.

“Why is Zamri commenting on matters that do not concern him? What is his reason for posting such provocative comments now?” Rayer asked.

Justice, mutual understanding

On that note, Asmaaliff stressed that the temple relocation issue must be handled professionally by the temple committee, land owner and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Being a nation with diverse communities, the Amanah leader said all issues touching on religious sensitivities must be dealt with using values such as justice, open negotiations and mutual understanding.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | Exploring temple crisis in the heart of KL

“While we respect every community's right to worship and their historical heritage which forms their identity, we must also respect land ownership.

“From the information received, efforts are being made to find an amicable solution, including the option to relocate the temple to a more suitable place for the Hindu community.

“And we find the land owner and local authority doing their best to ensure fairness is achieved,” he added.

DBKL’s past actions

Yesterday, Lawyers for Liberty co-founder N Surendran claimed that the temple, which is slated to be demolished to make way for a mosque, is now in a quandary due to Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s past actions despite the latter appearing to distance itself.

Surendran, who is representing the temple committee, said in 2008, DBKL had ordered the temple - which was built in 1893 - to relocate from its original site a few metres away to the plot where it stands.

Then in 2014, DBKL sold the land - allegedly without the knowledge of the temple committee.

The land's current owner, Jakel Group, plans to build a mosque on the site, sparking fears that the temple and its 130-year heritage would be demolished.

Amid backlash, DBKL has assured the public that they would not demolish the temple until the relocation process is completed.

Jakel Group’s legal and corporate communications head Aiman Dazuki also assured that it would not force a demolition until all parties involved achieve a win-win solution.

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