Khaled accuses Harapan-led Johor gov't of sidelining minorities

Umno vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin has accused the Pakatan Harapan-led Johor government of sidelining minorities in the state.

This comes after the Johor government allegedly rejected an application to construct a crematorium at a site in Johor Bahru, which was submitted by a Hindu organisation and approved by the previous BN government.

However, when contacted, an aide to the Johor menteri besar denied that the application had been rejected.

The aide told Malaysiakini that the crematorium project had merely been postponed pending review.

In a statement today, Khaled said the Indian community had lobbied to have such a facility for a long time.

"The Indian community has struggled for around 20 years to get a facility to manage their dead. The proposed facility would be modern and well-equipped to facilitate their funeral in their community.

"The facility is important, as it is a basic right for the Indian community to practice their religion and manage their dead in a modern, orderly and comfortable manner," he said.

He added that the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council had already pledged RM1.3 million for its construction.

"It appears what is happening is mere rhetoric. The Johor government under Harapan does not prioritise the spirit of multiculturalism which they parrot.

"If they were truthful and serious, they would not have rejected a basic need like the facility. They appear to be putting the Indian community in an uncertain position by rejecting the application.

"I believe this is not the first act by the Harapan-led Johor government in sidelining the interest of minorities in the state," he said.

He accused the Harapan government of rejecting the project because it was previously approved by BN.

The issue was first raised by MIC's Kahang assemblyperson R Vidyananthan, who demanded an explanation yesterday from a state government regarding its alleged decision. - Mkini