SEPANG: Parties involved in the relocation of Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple on Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur are in discussions to find the best way for the matter to be resolved, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister hoped that the stakeholders would continue with their efforts to find an amicable solution to the issue.
He also reminded all parties not to act as self-proclaimed champions on the matter.
“The problem is there are religious opportunists who have never been involved in Hindu religious activities, suddenly positioning themselves as champions and making statements as if the temple is about to be demolished.
“I cannot imagine myself as Prime Minister ordering the demolition of any temple or religious establishment,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Masjid Sultan Abdul Samad at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Anwar explained that the land in question has been owned by a private entity since 2012 and does not belong to the government.
The owner has decided to build a mosque at the location.
“It’s an old temple but its status is not officially approved.
“To maintain harmony, the company (which owns the land) has agreed to provide assistance. DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall) has already identified a replacement site to prevent any issues.
“I hope there will be no inappropriate response, including from the Muslim community. We will handle this matter properly.
“The mosque will be built as planned and a site for the temple will be provided,” he said, Bernama reported.
Media reported that discussions on the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple were progressing harmoniously between the company, the temple management and DBKL.
Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif was quoted as saying that DBKL is acting as a facilitator to ensure that the relocation process from private land to a new site is handled smoothly.
