Demolition of the Indian temple

Religion issues are one of the most sensitive issues in Malaysia. When carrying out duties, not only local authorities but all government agencies should be more sensitive. The laws made by the Government are for the benefits of the people, so when it is enforce, it should be more sensitive but it should not be exploited, misinterpreted or take advantages.

Read the Star story.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will ensure the relocation of temples and other places of worship were done in an orderly manner, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He added that local authorities should be more sensitive, when carrying out demolition involving places of worship.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the demolition of the Indian temple in Padang Jawa in Klang in November, which was built on private land, could have been postponed to a later date.

“The demolition should not have been carried out a week before Deepavali. The relevant authorities could have postponed it one or two months later.

“That was wrong on their part. We are sorry for that,” he told a one-day special convention for MIC branch chairmen at the PWTC Sunday.

Advising local authorities not to repeat such an incident, Najib said they should work together with the local MIC leadership first before carrying such demolition orders at an appropriate time.

Najib also stressed the temple’s deities were not desecrated during the demolition.

“I have checked with several sources on the matter,” he added.