MINISTER in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa dismissed all claims that the government gave the management of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple RM2 million in compensation.
She said the government never promised or approved any form of compensation to the temple as claimed, nor was any other agreement or deal made besides the resolution reached, which is to relocate the place of worship to a new location.
"I would like to stress that the decision made is the result of harmonious discussions among all parties involved and is win-win."
"The most important thing is that the construction of the mosque, which has been delayed since 2020 on private land, can continue as planned, while the temple authorities have agreed to relocate to an alternative site that has been identified," she said in a statement today.
She was commenting on allegations made by independent preacher Firdaus Wong Wai Hung through a post on his Facebook page yesterday, which called on the government to reveal the 'real deal' regarding the temple issue and the question of whether the temple received RM2 million in compensation
Dr. Zaliha also reiterated that the case in question cannot be used as a reference (precedent) for any other cases in the future.
"It is a specific solution to the issue, addressed with full wisdom, in accordance with the rule of law, and considering the sensitivities of various parties," she added. - March 26, 2025
