As the issue over the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur rages on, PSM has offered Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim a solution on how he could resolve the matter amicably and come out looking like a hero.
“A temple and mosque can be built side by side and there are many places in the country where there is such a precedent.
“And that would be the best speech the prime minister can give during the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled on March 27 and there is ample land to ensure this.
“Such messaging will give a clear message that the PM is for harmony and will not use his power to marginalise any community,” PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan said in a statement today.
Yesterday, 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 (DBKL) 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 stands.
Then in 2014, DBKL sold the land - allegedly without the knowledge of the temple committee.
Following the presser, Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister R Ramanan visited the temple and emphasised that Anwar wanted the matter resolved amicably.
“I have spoken to the prime minister several times on this issue.
“He is very concerned and wants it to be resolved amicably,” Ramanan added.
Use S’gor as example
On that note, Arutchelvan pointed to Pakatan Rakyat’s first administration in Selangor following the 2008 general election, where the coalition made a decision on how to deal with old temples.
Back then, the state administration clearly stated that any temple which is more than 100 years old need not be relocated unless there is a real necessity.
With the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple being 132 years old, Arutchelvan said Putrajaya can take a similar position.
“PSM is proposing the prime minister need not choose between either a temple or a mosque. He can choose both and come out looking good and fair.
“The Malaysian society is a tolerant one, where they would ensure both places of worship can co-exist with one another,” he added.
Yesterday, DBKL 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. - Mkini
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