FT mufti on Seafield riots: Don't add fuel to the flames

Federal Territories Mufti Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri has called for calm and unity following the Seafield riots in Subang Jaya.

"A reminder to all quarters, don't pour oil over the roaring flames as it will cause far greater destruction," Zulkifli said in a statement last night.

He said provocations on social media, in particular, should be avoided.

"As Malaysians, we don't want to jeopardise our mutual future over a matter that can be settled amicably.

"Our friends who are Indians, Chinese, Malays, and others, are surely mature enough to know that the temple riots have nothing to do with race or religion," he said.

Rioting at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya in the wee hours of Monday and Tuesday stemmed from the concern of devotees that the temple would be demolished.

The temple land is owned by One City Development Bhd, which has been pushing to relocate the temple to a site three kilometres away.

One the first night, rioting was sparked after a group of 50 people accosted devotees, allegedly to get them to vacate the temple.

The next day, rioters attacked a fireman who is now in critical condition.

Zulkifli expressed sympathy for those injured in the clashes, and said he prays Malaysia would remain peaceful. - Mkini