Kedah temple demolition could lead to reduced Indian support, says Saravanan

Ravin Palanisamy Ravin Palanisamy Updated 5 years ago · Published on 3 Dec 2020 7:09PM · 2 Comments

MIC deputy president M. Saravanan says Kedah's demolition of a Hindu temple could cost the government Indian votes. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, December 3, 2020.

KEDAH Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s decision to demolish a temple in the state despite his promise that no action will be taken without consultation with stakeholders is shocking and disappointing, said M. Saravanan.

The MIC deputy president said the decision could lead to a decline in Indian support in the next general election.

Saravanan, who is human resources minister, said Sanusi had promised in July to inform National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique and himself if there were any places of worship in the state that were to be demolished.

“During a roundtable discussion on July 26, Kedah MB Sanusi had promised to inform both ministers, if there were any temples to be demolished prior to any enforcement.

“This assurance was not only given to Hindu temples but also for all places of worship in the state.

“It came to a shock to me to learn that the PAS MB had blatantly disregarded the promise and continued the demolition of a temple in the state recently,” Saravanan said in a statement today. 

On Tuesday, Alor Setar City Council demolished the Sri Raja Muniswarar Temple at Taman Bersatu, Kuala Kedah, which is said to be over 50 years old.

Sanusi said places of worship must be built with prior permission from the local government, adding that MIC should be outlawed if it instigates members of the public into lawbreaking.

He also said MIC should not defend those who have run afoul of the law.

Saravanan said Sanusi’s decision to demolish the temple goes against the spirit of a national coalition government and could potentially lead to a fall-off in Indian support.

“This goes against the spirit of a national coalition government and any decline in Indian support for the ruling coalition in the future would be due to these deceitful actions by the Kedah MB,” he added.

The Tapah MP said that Sanusi had blatantly abused his power bestowed as MB and demanded that he explain why the temple was demolished without consultation. 

He said MIC has also contacted several national PAS leaders demanding explanation on the issue.

Saravanan added that PAS should show that they are a government for all races and religions. – December 3, 2020.

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Comments

  • One has to be a fool to trust what UMNO says.
    One has to be an even greater fool to rely on promises made by PAS.

    Posted 5 years ago by Arul Inthirarajah · Reply

  • Now you know who is the fool to believe in PAS ...

    Posted 5 years ago by Sin Fook Choo · Reply