Religious leaders 'deeply dismayed' with Kedah MB over temple demolition

 

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) is deeply dismayed with Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor over the demolition of the Sri Raja Muniswarar Hindu Temple in Taman Bersatu, Kuala Kedah.

MCCBCHST said the temple had been there for 50 years, and Sanusi should have engaged in a dialogue for an amicable solution even though the Majlis Bandaraya Alor Setar (MBAS) has been aware of the existence of this temple for some time.

"We would like to reiterate that any place of worship which has been allowed to be built and given tacit approval cannot be illegal, more so as this temple had been built about 50 years ago.

"The menteri besar is also reported to have alluded to the fact that if Muslims have no problem in building their mosque and surau with permission, why can't the Hindus do the same?

"It is a known fact that the building of non-Muslim places of worship has often faced hurdles and challenges from local authorities unfairly," claimed the MCCBCHST in a statement today.

The statement was jointly signed by MCCBCHST president Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim of Christian Federation Malaysia (CFM), Malaysian Gurdwaras Council's Sardar Jagir Singh, Malaysia Hindu Sangam's RS Mohan Shan, Federation of Taoist Associations Malaysia's Dao Zhang Tan Hoe Chieow and the Venerable Sing Kan of the Malaysian Buddhist Association.

"In the past, these places of worship were built to serve the local community that surrounded them and provided a space where people can seek not only tranquillity and solace but also celebrate the joys of life.

The MCCBCHST said that in a recent meeting between themselves and Minister for National Unity Halimah Sadique held on Oct 1, 2020, it was informed that Halimah and Minister of Human Resources M Saravanan, had met with Sanusi who agreed not to demolish any non-Muslim POW without first discussing with the two Ministers.

"However, we are perturbed that such actions continue to take place. The MCCBCHST hereby registers its strong protest at the insensitive and arbitrary manner in which temple demolitions are being carried out in Kedah.

"We call on the authorities in the state of Kedah to stop such actions immediately and engage in consultation and dialogue with the respective religious heads and the local community before even considering such harsh actions which do not bode well for the peace and harmony in this country.

The MCCBCHST said that at a time when Malaysians are facing the challenges of a pandemic, such arbitrary actions would only cause further anger and heartache.

Sanusi had courted further controversy when he suggested that his critics, which included MIC and DAP leaders, were "drunk on the toddy of popularity" and advised them not to act as if they are "drunk on three bottles after consuming only one bottle".

Calling Sanusi "insensitive", MIC president S Vigneswaran said he did not want to descend to the PAS leader's level.

"I am capable of insulting like him, but I don't want to be narrow-minded and go as low as him. - Mkini