Dedicated body needed to oversee Hindu temple disputes, says MHS

 

The Malaysia Hindu Sangam said land sales and urban development have rendered the status of some Hindu temples ambiguous.

PETALING JAYA: 

The Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) has proposed the establishment of a dedicated regulatory body to oversee temple registrations, land matters and dispute resolutions.

In a statement, MHS said this would ensure the proper management of Hindu temples and prevent disputes such as the current controversy surrounding the proposed relocation of the 130-year-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple off Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur.

MHS, the representative body for Hindus in Malaysia, said it is prepared to lead the body — in collaboration with the government — to ensure the rights and heritage of the Hindu community are safeguarded.

“This body should also initiate discussions with relevant authorities on legalising the status of Hindu temple lands to provide long-term security and protection for places of worship,” it said.

The body said while Article 11 of the Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, it also noted that Article 13 safeguards property rights, affirming that no one should be deprived of property, save in accordance with the law.

“While Jakel (Trading Sdn Bhd) has legally acquired the land, the Sri Pathrakaliamman temple holds deep historical and religious value to the Hindu community.

“Therefore, a fair and inclusive resolution must be reached, balancing the constitutional rights of all parties involved.”

Govt to establish committee, says deputy minister

Separately, deputy national unity minister Senator K Saraswathy said a committee will be formed to gather data on temples facing land and administrative issues across all states and propose solutions in accordance with the law and regulations.

Bernama quoted her as saying this was one of the resolutions made during the Hindu Temples Conference held in November last year, organised by her ministry.

“The resolution stipulates the formation of a committee through MHS to collect data on temples that face land and administrative issues in all states.

“(The committee is also to) find solutions to those issues under the law and regulations to avoid incidents that can harm public order and create tension in the community,” she said.

The temple located off Jalan Masjid India sits on a plot of land across the road from Jakel Mall.

On Thursday, Jakel Trading’s legal head Aiman Dazuki said the company had acquired the land in 2012 and received permission in 2021 to begin constructing a mosque there, but had delayed the process “out of respect” for the process of relocating the temple.

He also said it was not possible to build the mosque without relocating the temple as the land was not large enough. He said the firm had agreed to pay for the cost of the temple’s relocation.

DBKL said a new site for the temple had been identified and promised that it would not demolish the temple until it is relocated. - FMT