Temple accuses Jakel of defying govt's orders

 

The Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple committee has accused Jakel Trading of "defying and disregarding government undertakings”, following the textile company's latest demands for the temple to immediately relocate its premises within seven days.

Temple secretary Kaarthik Gunaseelan, on behalf of the temple management committee, reminded that a March 2025 directive by then-minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Dr Zaliha Mustafa, offered the government's commitment to ensure that the temple would not be moved until the relocation process to its new premises is fully completed.

“We note that until now, Jakel Trading had not objected to the March 2025 agreement and undertaking of the government.

“Therefore, we deeply regret your sudden and unreasonable demand that we vacate the land, in disregard and defiance of the government's undertaking,” he said in a letter today, addressed to company directors, Faroz Jakel and Nizam Jakel.

Yesterday, Kaarthik told Malaysiakini that he would seek legal advice after receiving the notice to immediately vacate their temple from the land parcel owned by the textile company along Jalan Munshi Abdullah in Kuala Lumpur.

The Jan 13 notice sighted by Malaysiakini urged immediate cooperation and noted that development works would begin within a month’s time.

The textile company also said it has set aside RM1 million as a “goodwill offer”, which may be disbursed by Jakel’s lawyers “at any time upon confirmation that the temple has fully vacated the site”.

However, they warned that the temple’s failure to comply would leave Jakel with no alternative but to withdraw its offer and to pursue legal action in enforcing its rights as the landowner.

Nizam Jakel

Nizam confirmed the matter when contacted by Malaysiakini yesterday.

Concern over threat

Meanwhile, Kaarthik said that they were reluctant to accept the company’s RM1 million “goodwill offer”, especially since they disagreed with many of the conditions imposed.

“We appreciate your proposed contribution of RM1 million towards our building costs. However, we cannot and will not accept it with any conditions attached to it as stated in your letter,” he stressed in his address to Jakel's directors.

Further, Kaarthik also emphasised that there have been no delays whatsoever in the temple’s efforts to relocate its premises.

Instead, he highlighted that despite constant engagement with local authorities and stakeholders since April 2025, they had only received approval for a new building plan in November 2025, and the new land was gazetted for the temple’s use on Dec 10 last year.

“And only yesterday, Jan 15, were we told by email that vacant possession of the plot was ready. In short, we have proceeded with all possible speed since last year,” he said.

Kaarthik also expressed concern over Jakel’s threats of “further escalation” if the temple committee failed to comply with their demands.

He described such language as “inappropriate and unacceptable”, as well as “defiant and disregarding government undertakings”.

The temple’s current location

He also rebuked the textile company’s claims that they had already received a development order and building plan for their new project on the site, noting that such approvals were also in breach of government directives.

“If such approval has been given by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), without our knowledge, the government is obliged to cancel or revoke it, as the government is bound by the March 25, 2025, undertaking.

“DBKL as a government body cannot act in defiance of a public undertaking made by the government itself,” he stressed.

Yesterday, Kaarthik also questioned the government’s commitment and reminded the government to fulfil its promise to the temple’s management committee.

Land dispute

The dispute over the temple land gained national attention last year when Lawyers for Liberty, together with former Malaysian Bar president Ambiga Sreenevasan had publicly criticised Jakel Trading’s plans to develop a mosque on the land.

The project would require the relocation of the temple, which remains at its original location along Jalan Bunus Enam, opposite Jakel Mall.

Advocates for the temple’s preservation cited its long history, saying the shrine dates back to the British colonial era and has been a place of worship for generations.

Critics, however, argued that the temple has no legal claim to the land, which was sold by DBKL to Jakel, and should therefore relocate to make way for development.

Following the public outcry, discussions were held involving Jakel, the temple committee, and DBKL, after which City Hall agreed to relocate the temple to a site about 50m from its current location, within the same Jalan Masjid India area. This was also agreed to by the temple’s chairperson.

While a relocation plan was announced, the temple has not been physically moved and continues to operate at its original site pending the finalisation of relocation arrangements. - Mkini