Kedah MB urged to explain Hindu temple's 1am demolition

Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor was called to explain the demolition of a 70-year-old Hindu temple along Jalan Stesen, Alor Setar.

The demolition, which took place around 1am in the early morning today, was criticised by various parties including former Alor Setar City Council (MBAS) member R Kumaraguru Naidu.

“Actually, the issue of demolishing the temple only arose after the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government took over the state as they claimed the temple was causing traffic (congestion) in the area," he said.

He shared that, “There were complaints during the Pakatan Harapan government (and suggestions) to move the temple to a place where the temple administration agreed to."

Kumaraguru also said that at the time, the Kedah Harapan government had also issued an order to not demolish non-Muslim places of worship which were around for a long time.

“Suddenly, PN took over the state government, and the temple was demolished,” he told Malaysiakini.

The Sri Madurai Veeran temple was built in 1942 by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) workers.

Kumaraguru accused the local authorities of demolishing the temple even though the temple administration had requested on July 6 to postpone the demolition.

He also claimed that figurines and prayer items from the temple were confiscated by MBAS.

“We want the Kedah MB to give an explanation immediately,” he said.

However, the Kedah MB’s special officer B Kumaresan said the temple had been given adequate time to move.

“This is an old issue. During the Harapan government, there were three notices for the temple to move from that location. But, it was not done due to the Covid-19 crisis.

“After PN took over, the MB met with the temple administration on June 22 and agreed to give them 30 days to move the temple. But, MBAS did not agree with the long period of time, so it was shortened to 10 days.

“On July 1, in a state exco meeting, seven more days were added to the duration up to yesterday (July 8). The temple administration knew about the time they were given,” Kumaresan said.

However, Kedah MIC committee member K Tamilarasu said Kumaresan’s explanation was not accurate.

“We went to the MBAS office and met with the mayor in the afternoon just now. He confirmed that there were no orders from the MB’s office to stop the demolition of the temple.

“If this is true, that MBAS rejected the MB’s request for the temple administration to be given 30 days, then I ask for the MB’s office to prove it,” he said.

Tamilarasu also said demolishing the temple in the early hours of the morning at 1am had offended the feelings of Hindus.

“Why did MBAS want to demolish the temple in the early morning if it was done according to the law,” he questioned.

Meanwhile, Kedah MIC chairperson S Ananthan said he was shocked about the temple’s demolition when contacted today.

“I am shocked. We in Kedah MIC have sent a memorandum to the state government on June 30 so that the temple issue can be discussed.

“I will contact the Kedah MB to get an explanation,” he said, after visiting the temple site today. - Mkini