PJ MP offers a four-step plan to resolve the Hindu temples issues

 

PETALING Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung has proposed a four-step plan to address Hindu temples built on government land, including mediation platforms, relocation guidelines, land audits, and developer accountability.

“Hindu temples situating on unregistered/government land in Malaysia is a long-standing issue that has unique historical and social causes,” he said, adding that matters involving Hindu temple relocation should be addressed through structured dialogue, lawful procedures, and institutional mediation, not through actions that may inflame communal sentiments.

The four-point immediate action plan proposed is:

1/ Establish a state-level mediation platform involving authorities, landowners, and temple representatives.
2/ Develop clear relocation guidelines with notice periods, alternative site allocation, legal ownership clarity, and compensation frameworks.
3/ Conduct a comprehensive land audit to regularise longstanding houses of worship where feasible.
4/ Require developers to resolve religious site issues proactively during project approvals.

Malaysian authorities have taken action against leaders of NGOs and groups organising protests or campaigns regarding the status of Hindu temples.

Police in Kuala Lumpur arrested several figures linked to a rally against Hindu temples, including preacher Zamri Vinoth and Bersatu Hulu Langat’s Shafiq Abdul Halim.

Others detained were Ummah Malacca chair Hisyamuddin Abu Bakar and activist Gulab Jan Fazal Elad.

The arrests followed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s warning that “maximum action” would be taken against groups threatening national security, especially during visits by foreign leaders.

Two key organisers of the planned Kuala Lumpur rally, Zamri Vinoth and Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak, have been placed under remand after police detained 20 people ahead of the protest.

The remaining 18 were released on bail. Authorities acted pre-emptively to prevent unrest linked to the demonstration.

Meanwhile, DAP Youth chief Woo Kah Leong urged an end to the term “kuil haram,” stressing the cultural value of these temples. Police advised cancelling the rally, but organiser Zamri Vinoth insisted it would proceed. —Focus Malaysia