Seafield temple shouldn’t forbid govt leaders from visiting, says MIC

MIC president SA Vigneswaran calls for cool heads to prevail and asks people not to gather at temple.

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC president SA Vigneswaran today slammed parties from the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple which supposedly had prevented government leaders from visiting the temple.

He said it was unacceptable for them to not allow government ministers to visit the temple to hear the woes of the temple committee, denying MIC had any role in the decision.

“I heard yesterday they did not allow government ministers to go in. What is this? Yesterday, I’d already told the temple people that it’s unacceptable.

“We don’t do cheap politics. We are willing to sacrifice everything just to maintain peace and harmony of the public and country.”

Speaking at a press conference in Parliament, the Dewan Negara president was commenting on the tension near a Hindu temple in Seafield, following an attack by an unknown group on a group of devotees early yesterday. Eighteen vehicles were torched.

Thousands gathered at the temple last night, with the crowd turning unruly again, leading to several cars being burned and the developer’s office being vandalised. A Fire and Rescue Department member was injured and has been being hospitalised.

Vigneswaran urged Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun to pay close attention and investigate who had instigated the violence.

“I hope the IGP looks into the videos since yesterday. Who gave the speech before things got out of control and who instructed the protesters to head towards One City’s office?”

Vigneswaran said MIC fully supports the police in finding the culprits and taking action against those who caused the disturbances.

“These people are behaving like hooligans. Don’t try to be a hero by doing stupid things and putting innocent people’s lives in jeopardy.

“This is not the law of the jungle. People had intruded into the temple and police have taken action. So, enough.”

Pointing out that there are numerous race-senstive issues taking place today, Vigneswaran advised all parties to slow things down a notch and think rationally so that the peace enjoyed by the nation for the past 61 years can be preserved.

When asked if he would be going to the temple tonight, he said the best thing for everyone was not to go there as the police and Federal Reserve Unit will be there to avoid untoward incidents. - FMT