Faced with another protest against a minority place of worship, the Selangor state government yet again vowed to protect minority rights.

Menteri Besar Azmin Ali said it is the state government policy to listen to and engage the public before coming out with a solution.   

This comes after Muslim residents at Puncak Alam, Kuala Selangor reportedly protested against the construction of a Hindu temple, claiming it is a Muslim-majority area.

At least 300 protestors gathered at the purported temple construction site to express dissatisfaction against the Pakatan Rakyat-led government for allegedly approving the project without consulting the residents, The Malay Mail Online reported.

"It is part of the Selangor’s government policy to protect the minorities, and these include their places of worship and cultural centre […], we will discuss in order to get the best solution to ensure that their rights as a Selangor citizen is protected," Azmin told a press conference in Petaling Jaya.

However, he said he cannot elaborate further until he gets full details of the protest.

"There are many protests and memorandums received by the state but we always engage and listen to the grievances by the public and stakeholders.

"We are happy to see how we can resolve this issue amicably," he said.      

Selangor senior executive councillor Teng Chang Khim (photo) added public consultation must be before any land is gazetted for construction purposes.

"If it is in the process of gazetting, consultation should have been done. I will check on the details," said Teng, who was also at the press conference.

 

State Committee on Non-Islam Affairs (Hesi) co-chairperson Elizabeth Wong when contacted by Malaysiakini said that she was unaware of the protest and will check for details.

Police reports on temple demolition

Selangor is also facing police reports alleging that it demolished the Sri Madhurai Veeran Temple in Section 17.

According to Hindraf supreme council member P Sivalingam, the temple was demolished (photo) in the wee hours on May 13 by about 50 enforcement officers from the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

"This is a serious crime, we demand the government to return the five confiscated deities statutes," Sivalingam said in a statement.

However, MBPJ told Star Metro that the temple committee does not hold the land title and that the temple was demolished after failing to comply with orders to vacate.

They were given notices on Feb 23 April 16 to vacate the land within 4 days, they reported.

The Kuala Selangor incident is the second protest in a month against a non-Muslim house of worship in Selangor.

On April 19, about 50 protestors gathered at a Taman Medan church, demanding for the r emoval of the newly-erected cross claiming that it is disturbing to Muslims. 

The protest has since received widespread condemnation, including from politicians from both BN and Pakatan Rakyat.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak also threatened action under the Sedition Act 1948.