Cleric warns against comparing Hindus with Zionists in temple issue

 

A senior cleric has warned parties against fueling religious tension by likening alleged land encroachments to build Hindu temples in Malaysia to the Israeli Zionist regime’s occupation of land in Gaza.  

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Speaking to Malaysiakini, Malaysia Mosque for Al-Aqsa and Palestine (MM4AP) co-chairperson Ahmad Awang described such statements as attempts to play up religious sentiments and stoke disharmony.

“We know of such tactics. It does not matter who, when they play up religious sentiments, then this is dangerous.

“Here we always want to foster positive relations,” Ahmad told Malaysiakini today.

The veteran Amanah politician said this when asked for a response to racially charged social media comments on the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple relocation issue, which sparked a broader discussion on land owners’ rights and the status of Hindu temples in Malaysia.

Land rights v history

Advocates for the temple’s preservation cited its century-old history dating back to the British colonial era, while a vast majority of critics argued that the temple should move as it has no legal right to the land, which has been sold by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to textile company Jakel Group.

The issue and subsequent heated debates were sparked following a March 20 press conference held by Lawyers for Liberty, former Malaysian Bar president Ambiga Sreenevasan, and the temple committee members.

Ahmad today noted that there are currently direct discussions between parties involved to find an amenable solution and urged others, particularly politicians, to refrain from exploiting the issue.

“I too am a politician, but not the type who likes to exploit religion,” the Amanah adviser said following a courtesy visit by Malaysian NGOs in solidarity with Palestine to Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian Leow.

Commenting on the meeting with Leow, Ahmad said such sharing encourages harmonious interfaith and interracial relations.

“Especially in today’s world, there are political parties that really like to play up issues related to Muslim and non-Muslim religious matters in our country,” he added.

This afternoon, the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple committee confirmed it has reached an agreement with DBKL to relocate the current structure along Jalan Munshi Abdullah, off Jalan Masjid India, to a nearby site.

Earlier, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the temple was built without permission and must be handled lawfully while ensuring a respectful relocation. - Mkini