ATTORNEY-GENERAL Tommy Thomas today said he can help resolve the ongoing land dispute between the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya and developer One City Development Sdn Bhd.

He said the dispute arose from a consent order that was recorded by the court in a civil lawsuit, adding that the attorney-general has the power to help settle the matter.

“I shall be happy to meet the lawyers representing all the parties to resolve their dispute against the background of the power conferred on the office of the attorney-general in respect of charitable trusts under Section 9 of the Government Proceedings Act, 1956,” he said in a statement today.

He added that the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) viewed the violence outside the temple with “utmost gravity”.

He said the brutal attack on a firefighter who was performing his duties was “particularly appalling”.

Thomas said police had briefed the AGC on the ongoing investigations into the riot outside the temple, adding that prosecutors will work with the police on this matter.

“The AGC will be working closely with the police in the coming days to bring the full force of the criminal law against everyone implicated in the disturbance, regardless of status. We understand the urgency in dealing with situations where law and order are threatened.

“In view of the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter, I have directed that the file be handled at headquarters level under the purview of the Head of Prosecution Division, who will keep me informed,” he added.

In the early hours of Monday, a group of armed men stormed the house of worship attacking devotees just days before the expiry of the developer’s eviction notice.

The following day, unidentified men vandalised the MCT Tower in Subang Jaya, Selangor, in what appears to be a retaliatory action. One City Development Sdn Bhd has an office in the tower.

Police have arrested 30 people, including a legal officer working for the developer who is accused of paying thugs to attack the temple. – November 29, 2018.