I refer to the The Star's report 'MB tells why temples have to go' (Oct 27). It is shocking to learn that more than 30 temples have been identified for demolition by the Selangor state government.

We are told that 'a study' was conducted through the local government authorities which showed that "some of these temples were not serving their purpose and warranted demolition"!

It is rather strange that if such a study was ever conducted, were the relevant authorities, in this case, the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) or the registered temple authorities ever told of it?

It must be noted that MIC has an exco member in the Selangor state government who should have at least had notice of such a finding, to assist the party prepare the necessary appeals, where warranted and manage its crisis management teams, so that "it will not jeopardise our political relations or MIC's grassroots support" as rightly pointed out by MIC president Dr S Samy Vellu.

But this did not take place, despite the much publicised "close consultation" and mesra rakyat claims and slogans!

And who is the rightful authority to determine whether a "temple is serving its purpose or not" or for the recommendation for demolition, except, the MIC and the temple authorities!

Instead, in a obvious show of "high handedness and arrogance to the appeals for restraint" the Sree Veera Bathra Kalaiman temple in Bandar Sunway was demolished by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) during the midst of observing the 10-day Navarathi period of fasting and prayer.

The irony in these matters is, that, in several cases the temples were already in existence, even before, the local government authority was formed.

And I am told that in several affected sites, temple authorities had the relevant approvals, and as such, this will only create a rather embarrassing situation for the Barisan Nasional government's position and claims of being "multi-racial, multi-religious and tolerant and taking action only, after proper consultation with affected parties".

It is also inexplicable how when such controversies erupt the justification seems to be the Selangor state's controversial policy that a place of worship can only be built in an area if there are between 2,500 and 5,000 followers there.

Some may claim that this policy is "racist", while others, that it is devoid of any human understanding or sensitiveness towards minority groups in a multi-racial and multi-religious country.

And is the policy fair and reasonable and can it be sustained in the long term, specially when house purchase quotas have already been set for several housing estates in Selangor at the ratio of 80 percent bumiputra and 20 percent non-bumiputra?

It is a pity that despite 'early warnings' by recent events as in Kampong Medan and Lindungan lessons have not been learnt.

Were these policies ever discussed or debated among the various religious and political leaders as is the nature and spirit within the Barisan Nasional government?

Or are we seeing an emergence of a silent radical extremist force within the various segments and the civil service who have an agenda of their own, which, if unchallenged, will result in the worsening of race relations and polarisation in the country?

Several months ago, a church construction project was also derailed when 'extremist and fanatical elements' in Shah Alam opposed its construction after all the relevant approvals were obtained and piling works started.

There were allegations of rough house tactics used by certain quarters, of police reports made, signature campaigns, memorandums and delegations to various authorities to stop the church construction.

There are reports that four churches have been attacked nationwide and until today those behind this spade of attacks are still not brought to justice.

There are over16,790 temples in the country and it will be foolish of any state government to go on a campaign of demolition by confining itself to "studies from its local government authorities" and not carry out comprehensive discussions, accompanied with the relevant facts, figures and justifications for decisions to be taken.

It is again in moments like this that my call made 15 years ago becomes a reminder. I have repeatedly called for a Race Relations Act in the country to protect the rights and interest of minority communities. In the absence of one, many "policies seem to be made on an ad-hoc basis" which if unchallenged, will pose a threat to peace and stability in the near future.

It is vital and important, and in the interest of the Barisan Nasional government, that certain "over-zealous and religious fanatics" in the country's policy-making bodies and the civil service be immediately uprooted so as not to endanger the peace and security of the nation and all that we have for over 44 years.