Residents oppose rebuilding of Hindu altar in Sepang

Despite overwhelming support from BN parties for a proposal to rebuild the Hindu altar at a house in Sepang which was demolished by the municipal council, the local residents association has opposed its reconstruction.

Taman Seroja Residents Association president Kamarulzaman Mat Zain (right) said the altar reconstruction might be sensitive to the local community, which consists of 95 percent Malay and Muslim residents.

“Everything is still under control now, but we hope that (the altar) does not challenge us,” he told about 100 residents during a heated assembly at the local town hall yesterday. 

His speech and was greeted with shouts of “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is great) by the Malay crowd.

Given the significantly low Indian population, he added that it is unnecessary to build temples for non-Muslims as the current facilities are already sufficient to accommodate their needs.  

Holding up placards that read ‘No temple in residential area’, ‘Be sensitive to the locals’, ‘Dey, don’t challenge us!’, the Malay residents held a 45-minute protest in front of the town hall under the watchful eyes of policemen.

The Hindu altar located within the gated compound of a house in Taman Seroja, Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, was demolished by some 30 Sepang Municipal Council (MPS) enforcement officers on Nov 20.

The demolition has sparked fierce criticism from both BN partiesand Indian leaders from Pakatan Rakyat, claiming that the enforcers had breached the state government’s procedures in relation to religious affair. 

Led by its chief T Mohan, MIC Youth had helped to rebuild the altar last Saturday.

This, however, did not go down well with Kamarulzaman, who slammed the Indian party for complicating the issue further.

“What is the motive of MIC Youth? I think it is not appropriate to rebuild the shrine when the issue is heated,” he added.

Asked whether the association’s stance will be seen as disrespecting the rights of minorities, he dismissed the allegation.

“No, because everyone has to obey the local council law,” he explained, claiming that the altar has violated local council rules.

Memo sent to MB’s office

Kamarulzaman announced that a memorandum containing 756 signatures from the residents was sent to the Selangor menteri besar’s office yesterday afternoon in support of MPS’s action to demolish the altar.

Accompanied by two representatives of the residents, Kamarulzaman also handed over a copy of the memorandum to the owner of the house that houses the altar at around 7pm.

It was received by the owner’s sister, M Thanalechemy, who said that her brother was not around.

She clarified that the altar, which has been expanded early this year, is not for public use.

“We have been staying here for 15 years... the shrine will remain for our family use only,” she said during a 15-minute amicable discussion with Kamarulzaman.

In response, Kamarulzaman urged her to comply with local council guidelines and appeal to MPS if the family has any issue with the altar.

Zurina Muhammad, Thanalechemy’s neighbour who has been staying next door for six years, told Malaysiakini that she never has any problem with the Indian family.

“They profess their (religion). I profess my (religion). Our relationship has been very good.”

She conceded that the expansion of the altar may have caused some Muslims to feel uncomfortable.