In a statement, Ramasamy questioned why Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) approved a proposal to construct a mosque on the same site where the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple is located, and asked why the land was sold to Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd without the temple’s status being resolved first.
The former Penang deputy chief minister II also questioned why an alternative location for the mosque was not considered, going on to claim that there was suitable land nearby that did not require the temple to be relocated.
“This issue is not just about relocation — it is about historical preservation, religious rights and responsible governance.
“Knowing the historical and religious significance of the temple, how did DBKL approve a mosque project on the very land where the temple stands?
“Why should a place of worship with deep historical and cultural significance be relocated at all? It is unacceptable for such a significant heritage site to be forcibly moved for a new development. The temple’s history, cultural identity and the religious sentiments of its devotees must be respected.
“This is not just about one temple — it is about setting a precedent for how heritage and religious rights are treated in Malaysia. Hindu temples are not placed on wheels to be moved at the whims of the powerful.”
Ramasamy added that both Urimai and the temple committee firmly oppose the relocation and demanded that the temple remain at its present location.
In a statement today, DBKL said a new site for the temple had been identified and promised that it would not demolish the temple until it is relocated.
It also assured the public that every step it takes will align with the principle of religious freedom, as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.
At a press conference later in the day, Jakel Trading head of legal and corporate communications Aiman Dazuki said the firm acquired the land where the temple is located in 2012 and received permission to begin constructing the mosque in 2021, but had delayed the process.
He said while DBKL had previously proposed several sites for the temple’s relocation, its committee had not agreed to them. The temple is located across Jakel Mall and off Jalan Masjid India.
Stating that Jakel Trading had agreed to pay for the cost of the temple’s relocation, Aiman also said it was not possible to build the mosque without relocating the temple as the plot of land (around 12,000 sq ft) is not large enough. - FMT
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.