Former MCT CEO and One City deny involvement in temple incident

The photo of Tong Seech Wi (right) and a former top-level executive have been circulated online.

Former MCT Bhd CEO, Tong Seech Wi, has denied involvement in the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple relocation issue, after a photo of him and another former top-level executive were spread on social media.

The photo came with accusations that he had hired thugs to force the relocation of the temple in USJ, Subang Jaya.

The developer at the centre of the saga, One City Development Sdn Bhd, is wholly-owned by MCT Bhd, which is listed on Bursa Malaysia-

“It has come to my attention that my photograph is being spread on social media linking me with the land where the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is located, said Tong in a statement.

“I categorically deny any involvement with the recent events that have taken place.” 

He was referring to the temple being attacked by ruffians early on Monday morning (Nov 26) followed by fighting.

“I exited MCT Bhd in February 2018 when I sold the majority of my shares in the company. I have not been a director since I resigned on Feb 28, 2018," said Tong.

“Hence, I no longer have any dealings with the management or the operations of MCT Bhd or its subsidiary One City Development Sdn Bhd."

The Philippines-based Ayala Corporation conglomerate emerged as a shareholder in MCT in April 2015 with a 9.16% stake. Six months later, it raised its shareholdings in MCT to 32.95%. 

Ayala further increased its ownership early this year and now controls 66.25% of the company.

Tong urged all parties to remain calm and to resolve the matter amicably, adding that he was personally disheartened by the incidents. 

Meanwhile, One City Development Sdn Bhd once again denied involvement in instigating the riots.

Bernama had quoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim as saying that a preliminary investigation found that the incident was believed to be due to the acquisition of land in the area that was said to have been done “in an unpleasant manner” between the landowner and the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

“Perhaps the side wanting to take over (the land) engaged a group of Malay men to facilitate the acquisition.

"It is possible that they are gangsters and, of course, the Indian group attempted to check the intrusion.

"There is no issue of a racial clash,” he said.

One City issued a statement that it would like to "seek further clarification" on these remarks and emphasised that "we have always followed the rule of law".

The company said this could be seen in both the lengthy court cases and the discussions with the relevant stakeholders.

One City Development said it had also compensated the temple with a new site and RM1.5 million, and it is willing to allow time for rituals related to the relocation to take place.

So far, 19 people have been remanded to assist investigations on the first round of riots, including at least three One City employees.