It seems that all this while, there were certain rulings for building places of worship in Selangor. In particular, there are limitation in terms of size (10,000 sqft), and land allocation by developer for new housing projects (0.4ha). There’s also limitation in terms of height, it seems. Wonder why the previous state government discriminated so much? Is it due to inaction by the community leaders or leaders refusing to listen to coalition partners? I remember folks talking about the temples not allowed to be taller than the nearby mosques. Not sure how true it was, but the statement by Dr Xavier indicates some truth in that notion. The following excerpts are from The Star:<\/p>\n
SHAH ALAM: Non-Muslim places of worship in Selangor will have a higher annual allocation and the limit on the land size removed, under proposed changes to the guidelines.\u00a0 Also proposed will be that all land earmarked for places of worship should not be located near oxidation pond, septic tanks, high tension wires or large drains.<\/p>\n
State health, plantation workers, poverty and caring government committee chairman Dr Xavier Jayakumar said he felt the current RM3mil allocation from the state government was too small compared to its large population.\u00a0 He said he would recommend to the state executive council to raise the amount substantially in next year’s budget but declined to reveal the amount sought for.<\/p>\n
He added the current 930 sq m limit for the size and limits on height and length of the buildings should not be fixed because there were many things to be considered like the location and needs of the community.<\/p>\n
Dr Xavier said he and Liu felt the current condition for a 0.4ha land allocation for non-Muslim places worship in major development was inadequate given the large population in such areas.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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However, in NST, it is stated that the limits has been abolished:<\/p>\n
SHAH ALAM: A requirement that limits new non-Muslim places of worship to 10,000 sq feet has been abolished by the state government. State Health, Plantation Workers, Poverty and Caring Government Committee chairman Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar said the requirement was impractical and as such, no predetermined limits on size, length and height would be imposed on any religious community.\u00a0 Dr Xavier said town planners must consider the size and needs of the communities.”The proposed places of worship should be big enough to cater to the needs of a particular religious community in any area.”<\/p>\n
He said no more places of worship would be built next to sewage ponds, high-tension wires or power substations.
\nDevelopers will also be required to set aside more land for non-Muslim places of worship. Currently, they are required to set aside 0.4ha, which is far from adequate.<\/p>\nThe state will also raise the annual budget for non-Muslim places of worship.\u00a0 “The current annual allocation is RM3 million but a more substantial amount will now be provided,” he said, adding that the actual amount would be announced later.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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As for location of temples, even in my housing area, the temple is located under the water reservoir, probably relocated when developer took over the land. We have read many cases in the papers where temples are located in ridiculous places like next to septic tanks, oxidation ponds, large drainage, retention ponds, rubbish dumps etc. This boils down to lack of proper ruling, which in turn reflects on the previous government and authorities – arrogance, disrespect, and houlier-than-thou attitude towards people of other faith. Its easy to proclaim over microphones that many things were done for places of worships, but the reality felt by people is different. Imagine waiting decades for a church application to be approved in Shah Alam!<\/p>\n
RM3 million annual allocation of course is not enough for the population of people who follow faiths like Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Sikhism, Jainism, etc. Hopefully the new government will be able to increase the allocation according to the population ratio and different faiths. Can’t believe that the previous government practised so much discrimination for the last 50 years. When the people make noise, the leaders will immediately announce publicly special allocation which is approved due to request by community leaders. This is how things have been working all this while. Like a drama.<\/p>\n
State health, plantation workers, poverty and caring government committee chairman Dr Xavier Jayakumar said he felt the current RM3mil allocation from the state government was too small compared to its large population. He said he would recommend to the state executive council to raise the amount substantially in next year’s budget but declined to reveal the amount sought for.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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As for the problem in Bandar Botanic Klang, according to Star, Xavier is quoted as saying “Sai Baba followers” were allocated half (0.2ha) of the 0.4ha land, while Christian and Buddhist community each got 0.1ha. That would mean “Sai Baba followers” should have come under Hindu community allocation. But now, the Hindu community is asking for a temple. So, on what basis was the earlier allocation given to the Sai Baba followers? Who made the wrong decision and on what basis? I’m not against Sai Baba group or any other groups, but in this instance, if Hindus ask for a temple, other communities will wonder why we are asking for it when already have Sai Center there. This puts the center and the community in bad light.\u00a0 But the way Xavier puts it, Sai Baba followers don’t come under Hindu faith, so that why this problem is happening now. Anyone can clarify?<\/p>\n
\u00a0“In Bandar Botanic, Klang, for instance, half of the 0.4ha site was given to the Sai Baba followers, a quarter to Buddhists and the rest to Christians while the sizeable population of Hindus there do not have a place to build a temple,” he said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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Finally, they have had 3 meetings so far, so I hope the new guidelines will be properly developed and implemented. No point talking alot, but it must be seen to be adhered too.<\/p>\n
Dr Xavier was speaking yesterday after meeting non-Muslim leaders from the various communities. State Local Government, Study and Research Committee chairman Ronnie Liu was also at the meeting to discuss new guidelines for non-Muslim places of worship. Dr Xavier said the meeting was the third held with state and national religious authorities. “The new guidelines will be implemented once a consensus is reached.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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Xavier also said that he and Ronnie Liu had directed the local authorities not to demolish temples without state goverment authorities. When was the directive issued? Before of after the Kapar Amman temple problem<\/a>? Thise guys must realise that to ensure the guidelines are followed, close cooperation is needed. If the police and local authorities do not support the state government, then these guideline will be just on paper. The new government will also face the wrath of the rakyat for talking a lot, but not able to take action. They should not be promising things if they cannot fulfill it.<\/p>\n
Dr Xavier also said that he and Liu had also directed all local authorities not to issue demolition notices or tear down places of worship without the approval of the state government.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n