Demolished heritage site not a place of worship, says Mukhriz

Candi 11, which attracted the attention of several parties after it was demolished by a developer, is believed to be part of the Bujang valley as early as between 5 AD and 8 AD, and not a place of worship.

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir (pic) said told reporters today that the candi was only a reconstruction in 1974, and could be rebuilt at another place.

He also said "parties concerned need not be too distressed over the issue as the state government was also disappointed but it was an isolated case".

The state government intended to gazette all heritage sites, and had tried to obtain Unesco recognition for the Bujang valley as an international heritage site several times, said Mukhriz.

The menteri besar also said he would propose to Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz to develop the heritage site as an international tourist attraction. – Bernama