Developer denies involvement in temple scuffle

PETALING JAYA: Developer One City Development Sdn Bhd has refuted allegations that it was behind the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple scuffle.

It said allegations that it had orchestrated the incident were malicious lies, and that the company condemned both acts of violence and insinuations that it would resort to "such despicable acts".

"Most importantly, One City is committed to adhering to the rule of law in addressing the temple which is sitting on its land," the developer said in a statement on Monday (Nov 26).

The developer said it was not advantageous to create unnecessary tension on its own land, stating this would defeat the purpose of going through the lengthy legal process and asking for the authorities' help in facilitating the temple's peaceful relocation.

One City said that those who had been following the Seafield temple issue were aware that the developer had postponed carrying out its writ of possession many times, and tried its level best to ensure peace was maintained during the execution process.

The developer said it would pursue legal action against defamatory statements made against it regarding the temple, and reiterated its aim to obtain possession of the land in a lawful and peaceful manner in line with the court order and consent judgment it had obtained.

One City also urged calm and for all parties to respect the court's bailiff, the police as well as its employees and officers who were carrying out their lawful duties.

In a separate statement, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) said the body strongly condemned the violence, and called on the police to leave no stones unturned when bringing those involved to justice.

"Such act of violence must never be condoned, a temple is a house of worship and its sanctity must be maintained at all times," the MCCBCHST said.

It also urged for calm, while allowing the police to carry out their professional duties, stating that no one should be allowed to compromise the country's harmonious existence, which MCCBCHST said had been Malaysia's strength.

Violence erupted early Monday (Nov 26) over the relocation of the temple leading to several vehicles being set on fire.

It was believed to have happened following a scuffle between two rival groups over the relocation of the temple in USJ25 to another site in USJ23.

According to Bernama, the temple was to have been relocated on Nov 22 following a consent judgment on March 11, 2014, at the Shah Alam High Court.