'Temple committee didn't submit bid for new plot'

The caretakers of the Hindu temple that was demolished in Masai, Johor last week will have to comply with procedures in order for the state government to formally offer them a plot of land as compensation.

This is according to Johor state MIC chairperson M Asojan, the state government's spokesperson on the issue which has hogged headlines for the past few days. 

He also said the caretakers of the Sri Sakti Sri Sinna Karuppar Aalayam temple have been repeatedly invited to submit the necessary paperwork to enable them to have an alternative plot of land.

"The land has already been offered to them and all they need to do is to submit an application so that they can shift there," he said when contacted by Malaysiakini.

However, he said he could not blame the committee for not doing so because they may be unaware of the necessary procedures.

Asojan said the state government has gazetted a one-acre piece of land for “non-Muslim places of worship” and this included the temple.

"Therefore, if the temple committee decides to move next week or even tomorrow, it is possible. Just as long as they submit their application," he said.

Yesterday, a spokesperson for the committee told Malaysiakini that they were unaware of any offer from the state government for an alternative plot of land as there was no communication indicating such.

State gov’t not involved

Asojan, who is the Gambir assemblyperson, stressed that the state government had made two offers to the temple committee and hoped the latest offer would put the matter to rest.

He reiterated the state government was not involved in the demolition of the temple in any way as it was carried out by the landowner after obtaining a court order.

Johor MIC, said Asojan, had even sought a stay against the court order but it was too late.

The demolition exercise took place at 6am on Jan 11, two days ahead of the date stated in the court order.

He said MIC was fully committed towards facilitating the relocation of the temple.

The former estate land on which the temple was sited is now owned by a Singaporean who acquired the land in 1994.

The temple committee maintains they have rights over the land due to an agreement with the previous landowner.- Mkini