MIC warns of “big protest” in Putrajaya if KL temple not restored

Mohan is seen here being arrested by the police during City Hall's first attempt at tearing down the temple in September. The Malaysian Insider pic, November 11, 2013.The MIC has threatened to hold a big protest in Putrajaya if the Kuala Lumpur City Hall does not restore and beautify the Sri Muneswarar Kaliyaman temple, while stressing it will never compromise on matters relating to the Hindu religion.

MIC Youth chief T. Mohan said City Hall should have considered the feelings of the Hindus before the demolition work on Sunday.

“If the City Hall rebuild this temple nicely then the temple committee would cooperate with it. Otherwise we would organise a big protest. When it comes to religion and community issues, we can never compromise," he said today after a visit to the temple.

Mohan said he held Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Mansor responsible for what happened at the temple.

“I strongly feel that he does not respect our religion," he added, pointing out that MIC was not consulted prior to yesterday's demolition of the annexe.

He also dismissed Tengku Adnan’s claim the temple was only a shrine.

Mohan said there are deities located in the premises.

"When you have granite statues within a structure, that's only meant for temples," he said while noting a shrine would have been smaller.

Earlier today, Tengku Adnan Mansor maintained that the temple is a shrine and implied that it was a front for illegal activities after a Hindu priest reported to him that hard liquor was found in the premises.

He said the priest visited the shrine prior to Deepavali and found only six worshippers.

"The priest went to the toilet, and he found hard liquor stored inside. The priest said that it's a disgrace to his religion," he said today.

Tengku Adnan said notices were handed out to the temple committees but it had refused to budge.

However, temple caretakers and MIC leaders today denied that notices for yesterday’s demolition were given.

Yesterday's demolition was against Hindu religious beliefs, alleged MIC. The politicians said that priests had to first pray to the deities for five days as per ritual prior to moving any idols from its location.

"We've told them to first discuss with us before they touch the temple but yesterday's act to demolish parts of the temple and cutting out the water and electricity is a breach of trust," said MIC National Youth Secretary Sivarraajh.

"The government promised the Indians hope at the last elections so they should try to keep to their word. By doing this, the Indians would only lose hope," he added.