Be fair, consider implications to harmony - Hindu Sangam tells PM

 

With Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim putting his foot down on “illegal temples”, Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) stressed that any enforcement actions must be conducted fairly and with due regard for religious harmony.

Reminding the government that the Federal Constitution protects religious freedom, MHS president T Ganesan said Hindu temples in Malaysia are plagued by legacy issues.

He pointed out that problems affecting Hindu temples have persisted for a long time, stemming from historical and socio-economic changes dating back to even before independence.

“We would like to stress that many temples do not have formal approvals due to historical shortcomings, poor governance by past administrations, changes in land status, and a lack of mechanisms to resolve the matter from the start.

“This is not about the community wanting to deliberately break the law,” Ganesan (above) said in a statement today.

Earlier, Anwar criticised those who justify the construction of houses of worship in violation of the law and those who want to take matters into their own hands.

PM Anwar Ibrahim

Anwar said that while the Federal Constitution recognises the right to practise religion, it does not mean the government can allow houses of worship to be built without following the law.

"We cannot allow the mushrooming (of houses of worship) being built just anywhere, under trees... everywhere,” he said, adding that local councils have been ordered to demolish any houses of worship that were built illegally.

Consider temples’ history

Ganesan said many of the Hindu temples in Malaysia have existed for years, with some dating back over a century.

The temples, he said, had not only served as a place of worship but also as cultural and identity hubs.

“These matters must be given fair consideration. We urge humanitarian consideration before any administrative action is taken,” he added.

Ganesan also pointed out that during a temple town hall meeting conducted on April 6 last year, his team had submitted a comprehensive memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office on the issues plaguing Hindu temples.

The memorandum had proposed the formation of a body to manage and coordinate Hindu temple affairs.

The body, he said, would be parked under the PMO and managed by MHS and other Hindu-religion-based NGOs.

“The proposal is aimed at finding long-term resolutions to issues affecting Hindu temples, which include ‘whitening’ temples that have land status issues by taking into consideration existing laws, social justice, and history,” Ganesan added.

He urged Putrajaya and state governments to consider the memorandum and prioritise dialogue to resolve the matter.

“MHS remains committed to working with the government, local councils and other stakeholders to ensure Hindu temples are protected, managed legally and remain respected – in line with the spirit of Malaysia Madani which upholds justice, compassion and inclusivity,” he said. - Mkini