KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) said it is committed to working with the government, local authorities and all stakeholders to ensure Hindu houses of worship are preserved, respected and managed lawfully in line with the Malaysia Madani spirit, upholding justice, compassion and inclusivity.
Its president T. Ganesan, in a statement, said MHS supports the rule of law, but reiterates that the issue of Hindu temples is a historical and systemic issue that requires a structured solution.
"This can be achieved through dialogue, consultation and national policy framework to protect religious rights and national harmony.
"We note the statements by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim which emphasises that all houses of worship must comply with laws, planning regulations and land ownership rights, regardless of religion or race.
"As an umbrella organisation representing the Hindu community in Malaysia, we support the principles of the rule of law and inter-religious harmony as the foundation for national stability.
"At the same time, we would like to emphasise that the issue of Hindu temples is not new.
"It is a long-standing issue rooted in the country's history, heritage and socio-economic development, before and after independence," he said.
He said Hindu temples have existed for decades, and even centuries and function not only as places of worship but as centres of culture, welfare and community identity.
"This historical presence must be given fair and humane consideration in any administrative action.
"We stress that the existence of temples without formal approval often stems from historical constraints, weaknesses in past governance, changes in land status and the absence of clear early resolution mechanisms, rather than deliberate non-compliance with the law by the community.
"In line with the Federal Constitution, we stress that freedom of religion and the right of adherents to practice their beliefs must be protected.
"Any enforcement measures must be implemented in a fair, gradual, consultative and sensitive manner, taking into account the social implications and interfaith harmony," he said.
Ganesan said that during the Temple Townhall Meeting on April 6, 2025, MHS submitted a comprehensive memorandum to representatives of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) proposing the establishment of a regulatory body for Hindu houses of worship under the PMO, with joint oversight by Hindu non-governmental organisations led by MHS.
"This proposal aims to provide a long-term and structured solution, including a mechanism for the regularisation of temples that have land ownership issues, in line with the law, social justice and the historical reality of the existence of temples in Malaysia.
"We call on the Federal and state governments to pay attention to the memorandum and strengthen the approach of dialogue, consultation and the clarification of the status of the temple that has existed for a long time, including the gazetting of alternative sites or reasonable solutions, as opposed to hasty actions that will cause unrest in the community.
"We are concern over any reports or interpretations that could be mistakenly perceived as targeting temples or any particular religion.
"Such narratives, if not clarified, risk undermining national harmony and unity," he said.
