Pakatan, Barisan unite to call for emergency motion to debate temple fracas in Parliament

Pakatan, BN and independent MPs stand united in calling for emergency Parliament debate on temple incident.

KUALA LUMPUR: Lawmakers have set aside their political differences to come together in calling for an emergency motion to debate the recent fiasco the over 100-year-old Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam temple in USJ, Subang Jaya. 

Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil said that both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan lawmakers had submitted a motion with Speaker Datuk Mohammad Ariff Md Yusof for the issue to be brought up for debates in the current parliament session. 

“We stand here in solidarity as we believe we need to come together to discuss the issue in a harmonious manner and move forward,” he said during a press conference at Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 27). 

Fahmi, who is from PKR, said that Mohammad Ariff had agreed to consider the motion and will decide to allocate time for this on Thursday (Nov 29) for debates to take place. 

Lawmakers from PAS and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will be invited to show support for the motion this coming Thursday, added Fahmi. 

Also present were independents Bagan Serai MP Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali and Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin. 

Barisan stalwart MP Tan Sri Noh Omar, who was also present during the press conference, said that all Malaysians need to unite and remain harmonious to avoid chaos and clashes. 

“We should not politicise the issue and remain united as we share a multiracial society. Let’s not have any provocative elements adding fuel to the flames. 

“Because if it burns out of control, everyone will be hurt,” the Tanjong Karang MP said. 

At the same time, Klang MP Charles Santiago urged members of the public not to speculate or blow things out of proportion. 

“We need to come together and hold on to our core values of peace, justice and harmony. We are 61-years-old and we have learnt to live in peace together,” he said.  

“Let us continue to live in peace,” he said, adding that the public should not get involved in spreading false rumours on social media. 

Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh said that authorities should take action against instigators who are bent on fuelling racial flames. 

“We must remain calm in such situations as this is our main priority,” he added.