THE two nights of violence over the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya were criminal in nature and not racial, even if it involved the relocation of a Hindu temple, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He also warned the public to pay no heed to news alleging that racial riots had broken out in the area.

“The police have briefed me and it is clear criminal elements were involved. 

“But these were not racial riots, although it involved the relocation of a temple,” he said today. 

Dr Mahathir warned of stern action against those behind the incident.

“The police have been instructed to act against these people and to bring the situation under control quickly,” the prime minister said.

“It is unfortunate that these irresponsible people caused disturbances in a temple and, in the process, caused injuries to enforcement and rescue personnel, apart from damaging public property.

“These people will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

A group of about 50 men, wearing masks and armed with machetes and iron rods, stormed the temple on Monday morning and attacked devotees over what is widely believed to be over the relocation of the 147-year-old temple to another site some 2.7km away.

The temple was supposed to be relocated on Monday after the developer, One City Development Sdn Bhd, obtained a consent judgment on the matter.

This resulted in clashes that saw several people being rushed to hospital after suffering injuries.

Some 18 vehicles and two motorcycles were also torched or damaged before police and the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) stepped in.

Last night, thousands of people gathered outside the temple in a show of support and to “defend the temple”. Several vehicles were also set on fire, firemen were attacked and the office of the developer was vandalised.

Police have arrested 21 suspects being investigated for rioting with weapons. The police also said they have identified the masterminds behind the incidents. – November 27, 2018.