Temple management denies stalling relocation process

 

The management of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple on Jalan Munshi Abdullah has clarified that they have always provided full cooperation regarding the temple’s relocation and denied any allegations of intentionally stalling the process.

Lawyer Latheefa Koya, who represents the temple committee, described the claims that the temple was trying to avoid moving as a misunderstanding that needs to be corrected for the benefit of all parties.

She said this when speaking to reporters after attending a meeting hosted by the Dang Wangi police to coordinate matters related to the relocation.

“There is no delay on the part of the temple. They are not dragging their feet. If there is such a misunderstanding, I think that needs to be corrected.

“The police are fully aware that shifting a temple involves a lot of processes, including technical aspects, and all that has to be taken into account,” she told reporters.

Latheefa Koya

She said the temple is committed to attending every technical meeting with government agencies to ensure all procedures are followed and that the implementation goes smoothly.

She added that the meeting today was chaired by Dang Wangi district police chief Sazalee Adam and was attended by various stakeholders.

Among the attendees are representatives from the temple management, Jakel, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the Public Works Department (PWD), the Federal Territories Director of Lands and Mines Office, and several ministries.

‘Temple cannot move within 7 days’

Commenting further, Latheefa said the situation became complicated when the temple received a short notice from Jakel on Jan 13 to relocate within seven days, while the letter for vacant possession of the new site was only received on the same date.

“The temple received the notice to move from Jakel, and on the same day, the 13th, the temple also received vacant possession for the new site. As soon as they received that vacant possession, the very next day, on the 14th, the temple also received permission to start construction work.

“On the 15th, the temple received a letter from the police for a coordination meeting. So, it seems highly coincidental that all these dates came about together.

“However, in today’s meeting, the police, as the meeting chairperson, took note and gave final recognition of the new place.

“This work includes the construction of a retaining wall by the police headquarters, as well as several hoarding installations and other matters that must be implemented first by JKR.

“Only after all this initial work is completed can the temple give its side as to when they can start their construction.

“Only upon that construction would they be able to actually shift. Therefore, it is accepted by all parties that it certainly cannot take seven days. There is complete understanding and acknowledgement regarding this matter,” she said.

Previously, Jakel gave the temple management seven days to move the existing structure from a piece of land owned by the textile company.

According to a notice dated Jan 13 seen by Malaysiakini, the company requested the temple’s immediate cooperation to vacate the site to allow development work to begin within a month.

‘Satisfactory’ meeting

Meanwhile, lawyer N Surendran, who also represents the temple, praised Sazalee’s initiative in bringing all parties together.

“There was some issue because the seven-day notice had been given by Jakel. But the police have brought everyone together and basically had a meeting in which they ironed out how we’re going to move forward from here.

“I think everyone is quite satisfied with the way the meeting was conducted,” he said.

N Surendran

In a related development, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh confirmed that the government is coordinating operational matters for the temple’s relocation with all relevant agencies and stakeholders.

“The government will continue close and regular discussions with all parties, especially after the Thaipusam festival, to ensure implementation proceeds in an orderly and respectful manner.

“This approach reflects the spirit of the federal territories administration in managing differences maturely and prudently, with mutual respect and a readiness to prioritise common interests,” she said in a statement today.  - Mkini