Respect the law, Hindraf man-turned-exco reminds group out to disrupt temple relocation

SHAH ALAM: An exco in the Selangor government who was involved in championing the rights of the Indian community has some advice for a group bent on fighting an agreement to relocate a Hindu temple in Subang Jaya: respect the law.

This comes amid continued resistance from a rival faction at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Seafield, which wants the temple to remain where it is despite agreeing to a consent judgment for its relocation four years ago.

The temple has been sitting on a plot of land owned by developer One City for more than 40 years.

But in 2014, the High Court struck a deal among the parties concerned, agreeing that One City would provide a piece of land for a new temple, as well as a donation of RM1.5 million, in return for the vacant possession of the land at USJ 25.

Temple administrator K Chellappa agreed to abide by the decision, but his rival M Nagaraju has made an about-turn, saying the temple should be preserved as it has historical heritage.

Selangor’s exco for socio-economic empowerment, development and caring government V Ganabatirau said he was aware of the Hindu emotions in matters related to the temple.

But he said it was also important that the authorities be fair and responsible to all parties involved.

“My stand and my conscience are clear. There is a consent judgment from the High Court, agreed to by all parties. Everyone should abide by it.

“As a Hindu, I don’t want to see temples being manipulated and politicised, and I feel this is the case with the Sri Maha Mariamman temple,” he told FMT.

Ganabatirau, whose portfolio is also related to the Hindu community, said the land for the temple was more convenient as it had better facilities.

“To me, I see it as being good for Hindus. Everyone in the consent judgment, including the two claimants to the temple, agreed to it,” he said, referring to Chellappa and Nagaraju.

Ganabatirau also said the opposition from Nagaraju would not have any legal impact as the court had in a separate case declared Chellappa the rightful administrator of the temple.

V Ganabatirau.

Ganabatirau said the case was clear, but was being politicised by some quarters.

He reminded his critics that since 2008, the Selangor government had gazetted over 130 Hindu temples.

“All my efforts since 2008 have been disregarded by those who insist this temple should not relocate despite agreeing to the consent judgment.”

He said the government would not budge from its principles.

“We have looked after the rights of all parties involved, including the devotees, developer and surrounding committee.” -FMT