Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email The issue started when UHRC attacked the PHEB claiming it is being misused by political figures. The PHEB then replied, defending it self. Now DAP also steps in.
Penang Hindu board must go, says DAP
Athi Veeranggan | Feb 13, 08 2:55pm
http://malaysiakini.com/news/77994
DAP has called for repeal of the Hindu Endowment Ordinance 1906 and abolition of the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB), thereby dissolving the body that currently manages the assets of five Hindu temples in the state.
Penang DAP social and welfare bureau chief A Krishnan said the existence of the board and its control over Hindu endowments contravene the spirit of Article 11 of the Federal Constitution.
Article 11 states that the government shall not handle religious affairs pertaining to religions other than Islam. It explicitly states that the community of the particular religion shall set up its own board of trustees or foundation to manage its endowments.
“Since PHEB is a statutory body, the government is the de facto manager of Hindu religious affairs and endowments. This contravenes the spirit of the Article 11 and principles of freedom of worship in a democracy,” he told malaysiakini.
“The Hindu public has a constitutional right to manage their religious affairs and endowments.”
Since the ordinance and board are part of the colonial legacy, he said the government should repeal the law and consequently abolish the board.
The five temples are the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthabani Kovil (left), Arulmigu Sri Maha Mariamman Alayam, Sri Kunji Bihari Krishna Mandir and Sri Ramar Alayam, all in Georgetown, and the Sri Maha Mariamman Kovil in Butterworth.
The board also manages a 3,000 sq ft plot of land near the Air Itam River in Dhoby Ghaut, which had been gazetted by the local council for a Hindu crematorium.
Hindu endowments in Penang are estimated to be worth RM100 million. The temples pull in millions of ringgit in donations and prayer fees from Hindus each year, but the board has never revealed the accounts.
“Since the temples collect donations, the board should disclose details,” Krishnan said.
Over the years, many non-government organisations and DAP Indian Malaysian leaders have issued numerous calls for the abolition of the board and development of the endowments to benefit the Hindu community.
Insiders have alleged that the appointment of the board’s commissioners, 11 at present, have been based on political affiliation, nepotism and cronyism, rather than knowledge of Hinduism and administrative skills.
“This is wrong. The commissioners should be those with vast knowledge in Hinduism and respected public figures, not incompetent politicians,” said Krishnan.
He alleged that political intrusion and the tussle for power among commissioner have hindered development of the assets for the benefit of Hindus.
However, the PHEB had earlier defended itself against accusations that it is a tool of the state Barisan Nasional and that it has acted beyond its powers.
