Clearing the air over Sungai Tuan development project

THE Sri Mahamariamman Temple Devasthanam management has denied any conflict of interest in the development of the Sungai Tuan land belonging to the temple.

Chairman Tan Sri R. Nadaraja said there were allegations on the involvement of a temple trustee, who was said to be a director in one of the companies wholly-owned by the developer.

Nadaraja, however, clarified that the trustee joined the company in 2016 after the agreement was signed between the temple and the developer in 2014 for the mixed development project.

“The company, a subsidiary of the development company, is dormant.

"We have checked with our legal advisors and there is no conflict of interest,” he said.

He added that the trustee has also resigned from his position with the company.

With regards to the project’s construction, Nadaraja said approval to develop the agricultural land was received in 2016 from the Attorney General’s (AG) Office.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple Devasthanam has been managing a few temples based on a 1930 court order from a civil suit, with the latest amended order made in 2017.

The order defines the make-up and structure of the committee and is under the purview of the AG Chambers.

Nadaraja said in the agreement with the developer, payment to the landowner should commence within two-and-a-half years upon receiving consent from the AG.

“This means the payment should commence on Nov 19 this year but the full settlement should be made within four years,” he added.

The agreement stipulates that 25% of the project’s gross development value (GDV) would be paid to the temple within two-and-a-half years.

The GDV of the project in 2014 was valued at RM250mil hence the amount payable to the temple was RM62.5mil.

However, the amount can vary based on the GDV once the project takes off.

He said the caveat on the land had also been lifted within 24 hours after the temple had found out about it through media reports.

The developer, he elaborated, has also started the process for land conversion.

“The district office has given the developer three instalments to pay RM8mil for the land conversion.

"I think one portion has been paid so far,” he added.

Nadaraja said the project which included a condominium would benefit the Indian community.

He said this during a special dialogue session organised by National Public Complaints and Welfare Service Centre (PAR).

PAR chairman Datuk A. Chandrakumanan said the dialogue was organised to hear the other side of the story.

He said it was necessary for everyone to verify facts and seek clarification from those involved, especially Nadaraja, who has been directly linked to allegations circulating on social media.

During the dialogue, most of the attendees expressed support for the temple committee that has come under public scrutiny of late.

Some even voiced displeasure over a rally that is being organised on June 24 asking for Nadaraja’s resignation as temple chairman.

Nadaraja said it should be the board’s decision for him to resign or his own decision to step down.

It is learnt that the rally is being organised by the Persatuan Agamam Ani Malaysia.

The association could not be reached for comments at press time.