Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's visit to Batu Caves temple complex in conjunction with the Thaipusam celebration next week is nothing more than to "gain political mileage", charged two PKR members.

In a seemingly tit-for-tat move, Kepong PKR information chief MS Arjunan and youth chief A Kalaimughilan lodged a police report on Wednesday objecting to the Najib's annual visit to the temple scheduled for Feb 7.

thaipusam mb khalid visit 290110 01 They appear to be responding to Sungai Petani Sri Subramaniam Swami Devasthanam temple committee’s police report objecting to PKR de facto leader Anwar's presence at their temple during the Thaipusam celebration for fear that it might trigger untoward incidents.

In their statement yesterday, Arjunan and Kalaimughilan said they would muster some 100 members to protest the visit if Najib does not comply.

PKR vice president N Surendran however said today that the two PKR grassroots leaders’ move does not represent the party’s stand.

“I wish to categorically state that PKR does not object to the prime ministers's visit to Batu Caves temple complex.

“Such visits by leaders, irrespective of political affiliation, are to be encouraged in our varied and multi-cultural nation,” said Surendran in a statement.

He added that in the same spirit, the "relevant authorities should not place obstacles in the way of such visits" by Anwar.

“This is also in keeping with the spirit of goodness, compassion and peace symbolised by the Thaipusam celebration.”

Najib will be only the second prime minister to visit the Sri Subramaniam Temple in Batu Caves during Thaipusam after his father, Abdul Razak Hussein.

‘Temple committee should be neutral’

Meanwhile Kalaimughilan in a statement yesterday said, "Najib clearly knows that his party BN will not generate good support among the Indians."

thaipusam 210105 batu caves He also ticked off temple committee president R Nadarajah insisting that the celebration should be "free of politics".

"The management also should act fairly and be neutral, not siding with any party.

“If they invite Najib, they should also invite (opposition leader) Anwar Ibrahim without any political motive," he said.

He added that Najib's visit would also be disruptive as security would be tighter at that time, posing additional hindrance to devotees in carrying out their procession at the crowded Batu Caves venue.