‘I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY BEHAVED AS IF THEY ARE NOT CIVILIZED’ – ZURAIDA HERSELF PLAYS THE RACE CARD AS FIREMAN PUT ON LIFE SUPPORT: AS IF OTHER MALAYSIANS DON’T FEEL BAD FOR FIREMAN INJURED BY HOOLIGANS – IN FACT, HER WORDS WERE ALSO UTTERED BY HINDUS WHEN THEIR DEITIES WERE SMASHED BY RIOTERS THE DAY BEFORE

THE 24-year-old fireman who was attacked by a mob at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple early today has broken ribs and is unable to breathe on his own.

Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, who is unconscious and on life support, had been due to get married next month, said Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.

“I suspect he was involved in a stampede. His ribs are broken, and this has affected his lungs. He’s got trouble breathing,” she told reporters at Subang Jaya Medical Centre, where Adib is warded.

The fireman had been dragged out of his vehicle, and his colleagues did not realise that he was missing until they returned to the station, said Fire and Rescue Department director-general Mohammad Hamdan Wahid, who visited Adib in hospital.

The emergency management response system (EMRS) staff member from the Subang Jaya fire station was attacked about 1am, in the second violent episode after the temple was stormed by some 50 masked men early yesterday.

Authorities said yesterday’s clash had nothing to do with race, but involves a dispute between the temple committee and private developer One City Development Sdn Bhd over the land on which the house of worship sits.

Zuraida said Adib is being observed by five specialist doctors.

Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin looking at torched vehicles at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya today. Multiple vehicles were set ablaze during a riot at the house of worship early yesterday. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, November 27, 2018.

Hamdan said two vehicles carrying fire department personnel were attacked when they arrived at the scene today.

A fire engine and an EMRS van were deployed to the temple in response to an emergency call. Adib was in the van’s passenger seat.

“A group of people attacked the vehicles with all sorts of weapons. When the situation worsened, the officers on duty decided to retreat. In the commotion, Adib was dragged out of the van.”  

Upon realising that Adib was not with them when they returned to the station, “(his colleagues) called his mobile phone, and a stranger answered and told them that Adib was being rushed to hospital”.

He said although the other firefighters are scarred by the incident, they are determined to carry out their duties well.

“They are traumatised by what happened. They put their lives on the line when it comes to rescue missions… We want the people who were involved in this to control their emotions and follow the law.”

This morning, three vehicles were torched and the MCT Tower, where the One City Development office is located, was vandalised by a group that had marched from the temple.

Zuraida said she is saddened by what happened to Adib.

“A member of the civil service, who was in his uniform, was attacked. I don’t understand why they had to behave like this, as if they are not civilised.

“It is sad to see him like this. His marriage was supposed to take place next month.” THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT

We are praying for injured fireman, says temple chairperson

The chairperson of the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya said prayers are being held for Fire and Rescue Department personnel Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, who sustained severe injuries during this morning’s riot.

“We regret the attack on him and are praying that he recovers soon.

“We have explained our stand and the violence which occurred, to Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin. She understands our situation,” he added.

The chairperson, who only identifies himself as Ramaji, said the temple committee is also planning to visit Muhammad Adib, who is in the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Subang Jaya, later today.

Ramaji also distanced the temple from what transpired this morning.

“We wish to stress that the temple has nothing to do with the violence. We regret what happened and hope the authorities will take the appropriate action (against those involved),” he told reporters.

Muhammad Adib (photo), 24, was dragged out of his vehicle and assaulted when the medic and other fire and rescue personnel responded to a distress call.

Meanwhile, Ramaji stressed that the “Save the Seafield Temple Committee” would continue to oppose the relocation of the temple.

“In the past, there was still room for discussion. But when we were attacked two nights ago, this shut the door on possible negotiations. We want the temple to remain here. That’s it,” he added.

Ramaji’s statement drew applause from supporters of the temple who were present.

The Sri Maha Mariamman temple was supposed to have been relocated on Nov 22.

Plans to relocate the temple have been ongoing since 2007, after the land it is located on was purchased by developer One City Development Bhd.

In 2014, a consent judgment was entered into in court, where One City and two rival camps vying for control of the temple agreed to relocate it to a plot of land three kilometres away.

One City had also donated RM1.5 million to the temple as part of the settlement agreement.

However, devotees have continued to resist efforts to relocate the temple, which was built in 1891.