Temple relocation resolution shows govt’s tact, says J-Kom DG

 

The Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple will be relocated to a 4,000 sq ft site, about 50m from its current location.

KUALA LUMPUR: 

The harmonious resolution of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple relocation issue demonstrates the government’s success in handling religious sensitivities with wisdom, fairness and consensus, says the community communications department (J-Kom).

J-Kom director-general Ismail Yusop said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s firm stance that the temple would not be demolished but must adhere to legal procedures exemplified his fairness and prudence in managing the matter.

“Alhamdulillah, thanks to the prime minister’s wisdom in leading the Madani government, this issue was resolved peacefully without racial or religious conflict.

“The Madani government successfully managed the matter by respecting the landowner’s (Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd) rights, addressing the temple community’s needs through negotiation, achieving a win-win solution, and ultimately preserving interfaith harmony,” he said in a Facebook post.

Following discussions between various parties, it was announced yesterday that a new 4,000 sq ft site, about 50m from the original location along Jalan Masjid India here, had been identified for the temple’s relocation.

Ismail said the government’s approach to the issue was the result of discussions involving multiple stakeholders, including the temple management.

“This is a manifestation of inclusive and mature leadership, where decisions are made with careful consideration, not pressure or confrontation.”

Separately, Amidi Abdul Manan, the head of PKR’s religious understanding bureau, urged all parties to respect Anwar’s decision and cease further disputes over the temple’s relocation.

He said racially driven arguments would not bring any benefits but would instead cause divisions in the country.

“The prime minister made two clear points: firstly, Malaysia is a nation of laws, meaning we must respect and adhere to established rules and regulations.

“Secondly, this resolution should not set a precedent for future cases. Each temple-related issue must be considered individually, based on its unique circumstances,” he said. - FMT