Some questions on the Subang temple fracas

My comments on the Sri Maha Mariamman temple fracas are based on news reports readily available. I am not accusing any parties as I am not privy to all the information.

As I read the news, though, I find myself none the wiser as to the situation. All I hear is that politicians want the fracas controlled and contained. I understand that the police, too, are taking sterner measures. All this is very good, but it doesn’t explain how and why the problems emerged, and how to resolve them going forward.

I just want to ask the state government, the federal government, the ministers and the MPs the following questions.

First, if there was a consent judgment by the High Court, was it binding on all parties? I understand that the state government, the landowner and the different factions within the temple agreed to the judgment as early as 2014.

How are the parties supposed to move forward if the consent judgment by the court is ignored or cannot be executed?

Second, who is supposed to execute the court judgment? I assume it is the relevant authorities – the state government, the local authorities and the police, if necessary. Why was it not carried out between 2014 and now?

Third, who was this group trying to “execute” the court order on behalf of the authorities? Why were they there on Monday night, asking and threatening those at the temple to relocate?

The devotees were justifiably angry when unknown people intruded into their temple. The best option, of course, was to wait for the police to arrive and settle the situation. But the situation was fluid and emotions were running high.

Fourth, why was the second riot allowed to happen on Tuesday night? The first fracas on Monday night was probably unexpected. But what about the next night? Surely the people involved would have cooled down a little, and the authorities would have been more prepared to handle the situation. Yes, I accept that hindsight is always perfect.

Fifth, prevention is better than cure. Once the crowd was allowed to gather and unleash its “power”, all explanations, apologies and justifications were irrelevant and too late. Still, I want to say this: while it is common for police personnel to face attacks, for fire and rescue personnel to face such an ordeal is too much.

Grievances, no matter how justified, must be dealt with professionally and sternly. This includes not just mob control but also the entire temple relocation process. Otherwise it is the law of the jungle that we will see today.

TK Chua is an FMT reader.