FACEBOOK has removed a post by P. Ramasamy on the demolition of a century-old Hindu temple in Kamunting, citing a violation of community standards.

The Penang deputy chief minister questioned whether it has anything to do with the fact that the federal government is led by a Malay-centric coalition.

“I am not sure why FB blocked my post yesterday, this is the first time. Earlier more controversial posts were left intact.

“I think the title of the piece, saying it was probably the first Hindu temple demolished under the Perikatan Nasional government, irked the powers that be,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He said the removal of the post indicates that there is government complicity in shielding those responsible for the temple’s demolition, including Kamunting prison authorities and the Perak administration.

“Anyway, the post has reached many, so in other words, the clampdown is academic. My arguments should have been refuted rather than falling into the familiar Barisan Nasional trap of freedom of information.

“This happens when we have a Malay-only government?” said the DAP leader, who is also chairman of the Penang Hindu Endowments Board, which oversees the administration of temples in the state.

Facebook usually removes a post when it gets a request from local authorities or when a report is lodged against the post, following a review to determine whether there has been a breach of the social media giant’s community standards.

Ramasamy said he was only notified that his post did not meet community standards, with no other option given.

“So much for freedom of information. FB should have told me the offensive parts of the post, if there were offensive parts.”

The post highlighted concerns over the recent demolition of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at the Kamunting detention centre in Taiping.

The demolition took place during the movement-control order (MCO), and despite assurances to the temple owners and other parties that it would not be destroyed.

“This temple existed even before the Kamunting detention centre was set up,” said Ramasamy.

“Is there going to be the provision of alternative land?

“Both BN and Pakatan Harapan failed to resolve the temple matter, but PN ended the very existence of the temple.”

It was reported in Tamil dailies last week that the house of worship was destroyed during its closure under the MCO.

Temple authorities were not informed of the move.

They are quoted as saying the Perak government, prior to the 2018 general election, had vowed that no Hindu temples would be demolished.

In previous elections, BN lost Indian votes following the demolition of reportedly illegal temples nationwide. – June 10, 2020.