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. - Mkini