Umno veteran recalls how Hindu temple helped Malays during May 13 riots

PETALING JAYA: An Umno veteran recalls how a Hindu temple became a sanctuary for Malays during the May 13 racial riot.

Recalling the incident which took place almost 50 years ago, Zaharin Mohd Yasin said the Shree Mune Eswarar temple, located in Kampung Pandan, took in people when the police declared curfew during the 1969 incident in Kuala Lumpur.

“On May 13, Kuala Lumpur was in chaos and the police declared curfew. They've sent up roadblocks in various places, including roads entering Kampung Pandan.

“Many places were locked - schools, halls and even welfare homes cannot be accessed,” he wrote.

Pointing out that it was dangerous to head to Jalan Pudu and Bukit Bintang area, he said that the priest in the temple had called Malay men, women and children to take refuge in the temple, where the worshippers were hiding.

“They protected each other throughout the night, and in the morning, they were escorted to safety by the police and Polis Hutan (police field force).

“People must remember, that this Hindu temple had saved the lives of dozens of Malay people during the May 13 incident,” Zaharin added.

His post, which came out days after the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple fracas, garnered over 7,000 Likes.

Many commented that the people should stay united as Malaysians in trying times.

The Shree Mune Eswarar temple’s management Committee, through its Facebook account, thanked Zaharin for his posting.

“Yes indeed, all religious places in Malaysia will come to help other races when the time of need comes.

“Our temple has been in custom of always welcoming other races to see how Hinduism is practiced, so everyone can learn the culture together,” it stated.- Star