DEVOTEES at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple are still awaiting the attorney-general’s explanation on the status of the house of worship, which was the scene of riots triggered by a land dispute last year.

They told The Malaysian Insight that it has been more than seven months since Tommy Thomas said a board of trustees would be appointed to care for the 157-year-old temple, located in Subang Jaya, Selangor.

Save Seafield Temple Task Force secretary V.K. Regu said devotees are concerned, and all they are asking for is a meeting with the A-G to discuss the land issue.

“We understand that the A-G is busy, but at least, we would like an update on what’s happening.

“We want to inform devotees what direction the A-G is taking, as the ownership (of the temple) is in his hands.”

Following riots at the temple on November 26 and 27, sparked by its management’s refusal to relocate as previously agreed, Thomas said the 0.4ha plot on which the house of worship sits would be handed over to a court-administered trust.

Early this year, property developer One City Development Sdn Bhd said it supported the comprehensive settlement for the land, which was proposed by the A-G and subject to terms to be agreed on by the parties involved.

Regu said the task force has yet to get a reply to queries made in letters sent to Thomas in January and March.

“We are not here to interfere with any of the A-G’s decisions. All we are asking for is an appointment to get some answers on the status of the land.”

Attack by thugs

Regu also questioned what happened to the suspects who broke into the temple and held devotees at knifepoint last year.

“We would like to know the status of the culprits who broke into the temple. Fifteen people got injured in the incident, but have they (the suspects) been charged? What has happened?”

In November, Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said a lawyer linked to One City had hired Malay thugs to “secure” the temple ahead of its planned demolition.

Police investigations revealed that the lawyer had paid the leader of a Malay group RM150,000 to storm, take over and guard the temple before officials from One City were to turn up accompanied by cops.

Some 50 people were “hired” for the job, and each paid between RM150 and RM300, said Muhyiddin.

Former inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun had said two lawyers working on behalf of One City were detained, but the developer denied any involvement in the attack.

Regu said some devotees have lost their jobs as the injuries they sustained rendered them unable to work.

“Some suffered injuries to the head and hands… there are two devotees who have lost their jobs.”

In December, Selangor police said 13 suspects had been arrested in connection with the fracas, and charged in court.

The deputy public prosecutor has said another eight will be prosecuted in stages.

Those charged are among the total of 106 suspects arrested following the riots.

In the violent episode, masked men intimidated devotees into leaving, and damaged the temple and vehicles.

Fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim was injured in the riots, and died about a month later. His death led to the coroners’ court conducting an inquest, which ended last month. – August 23, 2019.