More than 40 DAP grassroots leaders have defended party veteran RSN Rayer, saying his call for negotiations over the demolition of a Hindu temple in Perlis should not be construed as a rejection of the rule of law.
In a joint statement today, the group led by Bagan Dalam assemblyperson Kumaran Krishnan expressed disappointment with a previous statement by 14 DAP members criticising Rayer (above) over his stance on the demolition of the Veeramakaliamman Temple at Bukit Lagi, Kangar.
Kumaran and 42 leaders from various party branches questioned why the criticism of Rayer had been aired publicly instead of through the party's internal channels.
“We can have differences of opinion. That is normal in a democratic party.
"But is openly attacking our own colleagues and leaders the best way to resolve those differences?” they asked.
They cautioned that publicly attacking fellow party members could provide ammunition to political opponents and create an impression of division within DAP.
Yesterday, the 14 DAP members said dialogue should be encouraged to find the best solution, but unlawful activities should not be condoned.
They also stressed that no one was above the law and said party leaders should verify the facts and take an impartial position when community interests conflict with legal requirements.
The 14 included Selangor DAP Youth vice chief Nur Rahim Nasir, DAP branch leaders Shakir Ameer Mohideen (Setia Impian), Farhan Haziq (Bandar Baru Bangi), Abdul Majid Abd Aziz (Pekan Paloh), Nor Miswary Ramli (Pusat Bandar Shah Alam), Izzul Afiq (Taman Kemuncak), Aslam Ahmad Ramli (Kampung Tunku SS1), and Aldrin Ng (Kampung Baru Pasir Pinji), as well as former Dusun Tua assemblyperson Edry Faizal Yusof.
While their statement did not name Rayer, several of the signatories confirmed to Malaysiakini that it was linked to the Jelutong MP's condemnation of the state government for demolishing the temple after it was found to have been built on government land without a permit.
Negotiations, solution sought
Commenting further, the group led by Kumaran said that Rayer had not asked for the law to be disregarded, but had sought negotiations and a solution before action was taken against the temple.
"He spoke for a community that needed someone to speak on its behalf,” they said.
READ MORE: 'Demanding accountability is not incitement': Senator backs Rayer in Perlis temple row
They added that DAP's commitment to the rule of law should not prevent room for negotiation and compassion.
“The rule of law is not a licence for those in power to bully the weak or minorities. The law must be implemented fairly, reasonably, and with due process in mind.
"In sensitive issues such as houses of worship, negotiation and efforts to find a solution should come first before taking irreversible action,” they said.
On Aug 20, Rayer described the demolition as deeply regrettable and warned that Malaysians should not allow Perikatan Nasional to take federal power, describing the coalition as "insensitive and inconsiderate towards a plural society, other ethnic groups, and religions".
The PN-led Perlis administration has since defended its action, with exco Izizam Ibrahim saying the state government held several engagement sessions with the temple management committee before the demolition and advised it to find a suitable alternative site.
Rayer's statement has also drawn criticism from political figures within Pakatan Harapan and its federal ally, Umno. - Mkini
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