Rayer, who is also Penang Hindu Endowment Board chairman, said the Federal Constitution guaranteed Malaysians the right to practise religions other than Islam, the country's official religion.
"I strongly condemn the Perlis government's demolition of the Veeramakaliamman Temple in Bukit Lagi, Kangar.
"This should never have happened and is deeply saddening," he said in a statement.
The temple was reportedly demolished yesterday morning, drawing local attention and concern from the community over the handling of the site.
The demolition came amid concerns raised by activists and community members following earlier discussions and appeals by the Hindu community in Perlis to protect and regularise the place of worship.
Rayer said the Perlis government, under PN, should respect constitutional protections for religious freedom and adopt a more measured approach when dealing with any non-compliance involving places of worship.
"Even if there was any non-compliance by the temple authorities, a more prudent approach should have been taken to resolve the issue," he added.
Rayer said demolishing the temple was not a solution and had caused dissatisfaction, anger and concern among Malaysians, particularly Hindus.
He also criticised PN, saying the coalition could not be trusted to govern at the federal level because, in his view, it was insensitive towards Malaysia's multiracial and multi-religious society.
Rayer further urged BN and its component parties, including Umno, MCA and MIC, to recognise what he described as the threat posed by PN to the country's diversity, harmony and peace.
He said such an incident would not occur in states such as Penang and Selangor, or under the federal unity government, while questioning whether Pas and PN could protect the rights of minority communities. - NST
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