ONE City Development has been left puzzled as to why police are linking it to yesterday’s attack on the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple. 

In a statement today, the developer said it “shares the shock of the nation” regarding the Monday morning incident. 

“However, One City wishes to reiterate that it had nothing to do with the early morning scuffle,” it said, adding that was “surprised” by reports quoting Deputy Inspector-General of Police Noor Rashid Ibrahim implying the developer was involved. 

“One City respects the authorities’ investigation into this morning’s incident, and we hope that the authorities can share any evidence allegedly linking us to the incident, as implied. 

“One City has always been open and transparent in this matter. We are more than willing to assist the authorities in their investigations and have nothing to hide. In fact, One City’s senior management has already communicated with the police and fixed an appointment to assist the police in their investigation.

Noor Rashid had been quoted by Bernama as saying yesterday: “Perhaps the side wanting to take over (the land) engaged a group of Malay men to facilitate the acquisition. It is possible that they are gangsters and, of course, the Indian group attempted to check the intrusion.” 

In seeking further clarification on these remarks, One City said it always followed the rule of law and due process. 

It said this was evident by both the lengthy court cases it had gone through and discussions held with the relevant stakeholders. 

One City added its compensation of land for a new site for the temple at RM1.5 million, as well as its willingness to delay the relocation of the temple to accommodate devotees was evidence of its commitment to a “peaceful resolution to this matter”.

“We abhor the violence that took place this morning and would never even think of being involved in such acts. Furthermore, pursuant to the 2014 consent judgment, we would have no reason to engage mobs as the authorities are already bound by the court order to assist in the process with the ultimate goal of ensuring a peaceful relocation.” 

Police have rounded up 21 suspects involved in the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple attack early yesterday, which has since sparked unease among Malaysians.

Selangor police chief Mazlan Mansor said 19 people were arrested yesterday and another two this morning.

He said the suspects were being investigated for rioting with weapons and that the police would apply for remand orders to facilitate their investigation. Twenty-three cars were also torched at the temple, he added. 

On Monday morning, a group of at least 50 persons armed with sticks, iron rods and machetes, stormed the temple grounds at 2.15am.  

At the time, about 100 devotees, who have been guarding the temple since Friday, were there.

The attackers also allegedly held some people hostage, beat up devotees and damaged parts of the temple. They were also accused of desecration by exposing themselves to the deities in the temple.

The devotees, backed by civil society groups, had accused the developer of sending in the thugs. – November 27, 2018.