More Muslims ministers should come out in the open to rebuke Malay right-wing group Perkasa for questioning the construction of a Hindu temple in Putrajaya, DAP said today.
Its national vice-chairman, M. Kulasegaran, said a strong and clear message must be sent to show that religious bigotry has no place in this multiracial and multi-religious nation.
Kulasegaran said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who had often talked about 1Malaysia and moderation, must also lead the onslaught and put Perkasa in its place.
"If Perkasa does not back down from opposing the temple construction, I propose the federal government and the PM make the temple construction an issue of the battle between the moderates and the extremists," he said in a statement.
Kulasegaran said this in response to Perkasa Youth chief Irwan Fahmi Idris' objection to the construction the Sri Lalithambikai Alayam temple in Putrajaya.
It was also reported that Irwan had not only questioned why a Hindu temple was constructed in a Malay-majority area, he has also suggested its entrance face Banting, which has a large Hindu population.
"Isn't Malaysia a multiracial, multicultural and multi-religious country? Thus, all the more reason for Perkasa and others not to object to the construction of a Hindu temple.”
Kulasegaran said if Irwan was a mature and an exemplary citizen, he would support the building of the temple in a mixed society.
“Let me remind Irwan that he should not try to be smart if he does not know about Hinduism and Hindu temple.
"His insensitive, irresponsible and ignorant remarks have enraged the Hindu community and strengthened Perkasa’s right-wing and extremist image. He and Perkasa deserve to be condemned for their stand.”
Yesterday, Federal Territory Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor slammed Perkasa for questioning the construction of the temple, saying that it would not affect the faith of Muslims staying nearby.
Kulasegaran, who is also Ipoh Barat MP, said Tengku Adnan's statement was timely and deserve commendation and support from all Malaysians.
The construction of the temple, dubbed the “most unique temple in the country”, was announced by former MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu in January 2013.
It combines both northern and southern Indian elements and is expected to accommodate close to 10,000 devotees during festivities. – TMI
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