Consider resigning as temple concerns appear unheeded, ex-DAP MP tells ministers

 

Former DAP lawmaker Charles Santiago has called on ministers, whose concerns over issues involving Hindu temples appear to have gone unheeded, to seriously consider whether they should remain in the cabinet.

“At the moment, the government appears unwilling to listen in any meaningful way, and the statements by these ministers risk reinforcing the perception that they have little real influence within the cabinet.

“If, within the next week, nothing concrete emerges in terms of a firm decision or clear policy direction, these ministers should seriously consider whether remaining in the cabinet serves any purpose.

“A resignation would be a powerful signal that the concerns of the community cannot simply be noted and ignored,” he told Malaysiakini.

Charles’ statement follows Digital Minister and DAP chairperson Gobind Singh urging the police to take immediate action against those accused of desecrating sacred Hindu symbols, after the cabinet discussed the issue yesterday.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo

Earlier, Human Resources Minister R Ramanan and Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Steven Sim had pledged to raise concerns over racial and religious provocation during the cabinet meeting.

Ramanan also warned of a small group allegedly being paid to incite racial tension.

“They are agents provocateurs. Now we must determine who is paying them,” he had said.

‘Indian votes matter’

Despite these warnings, Charles argued that the government has yet to demonstrate a clear and decisive stance on an issue which is causing deep unease within the Indian community.

“The government must also recognise that Indian votes matter. The Indian community may be numerically smaller, but it has historically played a decisive role in many constituencies where electoral margins are thin.

“When a community repeatedly feels that its cultural and religious concerns are sidelined, it inevitably shapes political trust and voting behaviour. Ignoring this reality is dismissive and politically short-sighted,” he cautioned.

Charles also highlighted the political consequences of neglecting Indian concerns, noting how the Hindraf movement triggered a major vote swing away from BN and MIC during the 2008 general election.

Earlier today, DAP MP RSN Rayer called on Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail to explain the apparent inaction against self-proclaimed land activist Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak, accused of desecrating a Hindu symbol at the Langkawi Shree Muniswarar Alayam temple.

Tamim claimed he believed the object he was filmed stepping on was merely “a rusty piece of metal in an unoccupied land clearing”, insisting it was “not a place of worship.”

Community activist Umagandhan Krishnan, however, contested Tamim’s account, noting the presence of a large signboard clearly marking the area as temple land.

Previously, university student S Vikneswaran was charged with desecrating the Quran while the authorities are also probing another similar incident in Sabah. - Mkini