Malaysiakini reports more details from the PR-led state government and a PR MP emerges. Earlier Ronnie Liu gave his points, and now we have Xavier (state EXCO) and Zuraida (MP for Ampang).

According to Xavier, the MPAJ ordered the demolition without the knowledge or directive of the state government. Secondly, the temple is not registered with the state council. He also tries to argue that it is not a temple but a shrine!!!! The size is immaterial. The issue is giving due respect. Don’t tell me can demolish a surau but not a mosque.

“We have a format prepared for temples in Selangor to register with the state but this temple was not on the list of registered temples. And it is not a temple, it is a shrine which it is located on a forest reserve,” he said.

Xavier also denied the accusation by MIC on PR breaking its promise. Instead he said MIC was trying to politicise the issue. (Well, what you expect a political party to do? Crazy fellow!). He says the focus is now to find a way to restore the temple. (OBVIOUSLY!).

“Pointing fingers at another is not going to solve the problem,” he said. “It was actually demolished in 2002 but the temple committee had it rebuilt when the opposition came into power March this year. But they failed to register it.”

So, giving failure to register as an excuse?

Ampang MP, Zuraida Kamaruddin adds more confusion by saying that its was probably a result of misunderstanding between the municipal authorities and the temple committee. How many times have we heard this kind of reasons? Why not just get rid of people who always misunderstand?

The incident happened following a misunderstanding between MPAJ and the temple management on renovation works and documentations relating to management procedures,” said Zuraida in a statement today.

According to Zuraida, some MPAJ councillors had already met with the council’s vice-chief to resolve the matter. Some documents have already been prepared and were under consideration, she added.

She also pointed out that (temple chairman) Murugiah had previously complained the temple’s problems had not been resolved by the previous Barisan Nasional state government even after 19 years.

Finally, Zuraida blasted the MIC for trying to take advantage of the current situation, accusing it of trying to create backlash for the Pakatan Rakyat government.“The component BN party is taking this opportunity to try and restore its organisation and their reports were made to attract attention,” she said.

But Malaysiakini noted that the MP never did explain how and why the temple was demolished. So, she beat around the bush, but could not answer the question.

Meanwhile, the temple’s chairman S Murugiah has demanded to know who was responsible for tearing down the temple. The 37-year old told Malaysiakini that he suspected someone had reported on the shrine and this had led to its demolition.

I also don’t understand the chairman’s comments. If its just documentation or registration problem, surely the MPAJ would have sent letter or warning first. Not straightaway demolish.

So, this is a peculiar case. Who authorised the demolition. Let’s wait for MPAJ boss to answer.

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