PM wants Hindu temple issue resolved amicably - Ramanan
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wants the issue affecting the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur resolved amicably.
Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister R Ramanan, who conveyed the message on behalf of the premier, said both leaders...
Summary
Deputy minister R Ramanan conveys a message from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim - he wants the issue affecting the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur resolved amicably.
This comes after news broke that the temple is slated for demolition to make way for a mosque project.
Ramanan adds that the Kuala Lumpur City Hall is consulting all stakeholders to find a workable solution to the matter.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wants the issue affecting the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur resolved amicably.
Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister R Ramanan, who conveyed the message on behalf of the premier, said both leaders had discussed the matter several times.
“I have spoken to the prime minister several times on this issue.
“He is very concerned and wants it to be resolved amicably,” Ramanan (above) told the media after visiting the temple today.
Earlier, 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 currently 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.
Consulting stakeholders
On that note, Ramanan said the government would not demolish the temple, stressing that DBKL would consult all stakeholders to find a workable solution.
However, the Sungai Buloh MP also attempted to downplay the city hall’s previous role in the matter.
“If we look at the issue, the temple land now belongs to a private party.
“So, it doesn’t really involve the government because it involves private land but the government and DBKL will try to find a harmonious solution.
“Of course, there are several options and we must discuss them with the temple committee, but I can guarantee there will be no temple demolition,” Ramanan added.
‘Identifying new location’
Echoing Ramanan’s views, Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun said the government would not demolish the temple until a relocation site is secured.
“The land on which the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple stands was sold to a third party in 2012 under the previous administration.
“However, the government has been actively engaging with the temple management committee and is working to find a suitable new location to ensure a smooth transition.
“Additionally, appropriate compensation will be provided to facilitate the relocation process,” he said in a statement today.
No demolition
Separately, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo also reassured that the temple will not be demolished on March 27, contrary to previous reports that a ground breaking ceremony will be held at the site.
“Together with Batu MP P Prabakaran, I have been working closely with the committee to find a fair and amicable resolution.
“I have also raised this matter in cabinet several times to ensure that all avenues for an amicable solution are explored,” he said.
The DAP national chairperson went on to urge all parties to remain calm and continue with constructive engagements towards an amenable solution.
