By P. Manurachna
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 21: A group of NGOs has condemned Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor over the demolition of the temple in Kedah.
In a press conference held here on Monday, the group also demanded Sanusi to apologize over his derogatory remarks against the Indian community.
Malaysia Hindu Unity Association president V Kandasamy said: “Kedah MB has also called Indians and Chinese as alcoholic which is literally wrong, we are strongly against the statement and need him to apologies for his illiterate act.”
Kandasamy also said that Sanusi should have consulted the temple authorities and local leaders before the demolition of the temple.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram (MHDM) president A. Radhakrishnan stressed that: “We must have really adhered the meaning of this slogan and must not violate any rights of any religion, respect is an essential right”, he said.
Meanwhile, United Malaysian Hindu Voice (UMHV) president P. Navindran urged the government to stop temple demolitions and remain sensitive to the rights of the Hindu community.
“The government should prepare an ecosystem to safeguard the rights of the Malaysian Hindu community.
“Temples in Malaysia are not only important to the Hindus but also a part of the nation’s history and culture.
“Demolition of the temple also contradicts the nation’s constitution as Malaysia practices freedom of practice of religion,” he added.
Navindran said that UMHV is also prepared to work together with the government to bring a permanent solution for the issues faced by Hindu temples in the country.
On Dec 1, the Alor Setar City Council demolished the Sri Raja Muniswarar Hindu Temple in Taman Bersatu, Kuala Kedah.
Sanusi had defended the temple demolition saying it was built on gazetted land.
He also hit out at his critics saying that they were speaking “because one is drunk on the toddy of popularity, and become race champions in the present”.
