Facebook page calling for temple demolition draws flak

The unknown Facebook page administrator calls for the demolition of temple located in Section 7, Shah Alam.

PETALING JAYA: The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple located in Section 7, Shah Alam must be torn down as it desecrates the Islamic city, so says a Facebook page which has since come under severe criticism over its insensitive posting.

The Facebook page titled ‘Kasi roboh itu kuil sebelah I-city Shah Alam’ ( Tear down the temple beside I-City Shah Alam) was created in 2012.

According to the Facebook page, the temple was becoming an eyesore and was creating a bad image to Shah Alam, which is an Islamic city.

“The temple was initially very small and was slated for demolition. But the stubborn Hindus had instead upgraded the temple.

“Now, it has become the biggest temple in Shah Alam, an Islamic city. It has become an eyesore and the stench from the temple is affecting those living in Section 7. Complaints have been lodged but no action has been taken.

“I am now appealing to the Muslims out there to support the calls to demolish the temple so that we can live in harmony and uphold Islam’s honour in Shah Alam,” reads the post on the page.

However, the Facebook page administrator drew flak from the commentators, with some even telling the administrator to understand Islam better.

“The admin must have not read the al-Quran,” said a commentator named Shalini Babeliciouza.

Another commentator named Sri Dave Dave urged the administrator to respect another’s place of worship regardless of their teachings.

The page administrator also received brickbats from a Muslim, with one Azrol Qaiyyum saying that he was ashamed by the postings in the page.

“Islam never teach us to belittle another faith. In fact, it is written in the al-Quran that we should respect other religion.

“Besides, I live in Section 7 and I don’t see any problem having a temple here. It’s shame that some quarters are trying to wedge divide among Malaysians. If you don’t like a multi-racial Malaysia, go live elsewhere.” he said.

Such narrow mindedness, Azrol added, was driving away non-Muslims from learning and understanding Islam better.

The page currently has 535 likes.

The temple underwent major renovation for years and had its consecration  ceremony in January.