More on Ampang Kaliamman Temple issue

October 3rd, 2008 by poobalan | View blog reactions Leave a reply »
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I guess the topic is still about the Kaliamman temple since even yesterday night it still appeared on Buletin Utama news! This time, TV3 decided to focus on the suspension of the MPAJ deputy president which was decided without having a full EXCO board meeting. It showed parts of interview with the EXCO for housing, building management and squatter ( i think). He said such an action will create fear in civil servants who want to follow rules but afraid of politicians interference. He said such decisions should have been taken in EXCO meeting and not by just few people.

The news also showed ADUN for Teratai, Janice saying that they were not informed before and after the temple demolition, and only got to know via the media. She said, temple chairman said a member of public complained, and immediately the enforcement unit came and demolished the temple. I guess she herself was surprised with the speed and efficiency of the MPAJ enforcement officers. Same day response!

Next to talk was ADUN Seri Kembangan, the EXCO in charge of New Village development and Illegal Factory Solutions, Ean Yong, who said that if the deputy was founf guilty, he will be facing disciplinary action.

Now, the most important comment was by the Chief Minister Khalid himself who stammered while talking that “something must not be right” if this thing happened. I’m not sure what he was trying to say. Least convincing to hear him talk.

A quick jump to the Star for more clarity:

The state government will engage the Ampang Sri Mahakaliamman temple committee members in a dialogue to discuss relocating the temple to a more suitable place, said Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

Khalid added that the demolition was not in line with Pakatan Rakyat’s principles which propagated that all places of worship be given the due recognition and respect.

He added that the state government would also be talking to all local councils about the importance of decorum and sensitivity when dealing with places of worship.

According to Khalid the state government will also look into what had prompted the MPAJ to demolish the temple. Khalid also said if necessary action would be taken against the officer who had ordered the demolition.

He said the crux of the situation was ensuring that the state government delivered what was right as the Pakatan coalition stressed on justice for all.

Meanwhile, earlier I said that only MIC were making all the noise, but a day later, we see Selangor MCA’s Wanita Chief – Chew Mei Fun and  MCA Youth secretary Dr Wee Ka Siong also joining the fray.

Selangor Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun condemned the PKR-led Selangor government saying the party’s promise to protect houses of worship was merely a ploy to fish for votes.

“The Indian voters supported Pakatan Rakyat during the General Elections because they did not expect such treatment.”

MCA Youth secretary-general Dr Wee Ka Siong also expressed disappointment over the demolition and questioned PKR’s promise in their election manifesto.

Dr Wee urged the Selangor government especially the state’s three-men committee overseeing the matters concerning non-Muslims comprising Selangor exco members Ronnie Liu, Teresa Kok and Jayakumar to give a satisfactory reply to the demolition of the temple.

I believe this is the first time MCA representative talk about demolition of Hindu temple. Its Ok, better late than never. Ahh…the joy of being in the opposition. Isn’t it great to oppose everything and anything? 🙂

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