KUALA LUMPUR – A network of Hindu groups has called on Kedah Menteri Besar Muhamad Sanusi Md Nor to publicly apologise for the state government’s move demolition of Hindu temples, as well as his condescending remarks against the community.
The Coalition of Hindu NGOs and Temples of Malaysia today condemned Sanusi, who is Kedah PAS deputy commissioner, for allegedly causing “racial and religious tensions” among Hindus in Malaysia by making uncalled-for comments insinuating Indians and Chinese as drunkards and under the influence of alcohol.
“His actions have also shown that the minority Indians, especially Hindus, are oppressed and their rights are violated in Kedah,” said the coalition’s spokesperson V. Kandasamy at a press conference today.
Kandasamy, who is also the Malaysian Hindu Unity Association (MAHA), president said
Sanusi must assure Hindus that the affected temples will be relocated to new sites agreed upon by the temple management and local leaders.
“It is the responsibility of the government to provide alternative land,as well as compensation for the reconstruction of said temples should they be required to make way for development projects.
“The Kedah MB’s actions clearly showed his disrespect to the sentiment of Hindus,” he said, adding that freedom of religion is enshrined in Article 11 of the Federal Constitution.
The coalition also slammed Indian representatives in PAS’ non-Muslim wing for failing to stand up for the Hindu community in this matter.
“They are there, supposedly to voice the rights of the Hindus and bring about an amicable solution to temple matters.
“But they have betrayed the Hindus by supporting the MB to demolish the temples,” he said.
Besides MAHA, the coalition also comprises Hindu Dharma Mamandram (MHDM), Malaysia Hindu Unity Association (MAHA), World Hindu Federation (WHF), Global Hindu Heritage Organisation (GHHO), Yayasan Sri Guruji Malaysia (YSGM), Hindu Youth Organisation (HYO), United Malaysian Hindu Voice (UMHV) and 19 temple associations nationwide.
Leaders of most of these groups were also present at the press conference.
In an effort to stop further demolition of temples in the future, the coalition has mooted that the federal government establish a non-Muslim department to cover the rights of other religions, proposing that it be placed under the Prime Minister’s Department.
“This is to ensure that matters pertaining to the non-Muslims are duly taken care of and addressed, especially with regards to Hindu temples,” he said.
The coalition’s reaction came after the Alor Setar City Council recently demolished a 30-year-old Hindu temple in Taman Bersatu, Kuala Kedah, as well as a hall and five parking areas earlier this month.
This came after the state government’s decision to build a futsal facility in the area.
The demolition triggered an outcry from Kedah MIC, which said religious freedom is being eroded in the state.
Another temple, located near the Alor Star train station, was razed earlier this year.
Asked about the matter in the state assembly, Sanusi reportedly said Kedah’s budget for next year had no provisions for non-Muslim houses of worship.
In a tit-for-tat battle that ensued afterwards, Sanusi said MIC should be banned if it incites people to break the law, in the wake of a demolition. He also lashed out DAP leaders who criticised the demolitions.
The PAS leader described his critics as “those who are drunk on the toddy of popularity and become champions of their race in the present” prompting outcry from Indian politicians on both sides of the political divide.
Meanwhile, the coalition expressed hope that the Sultan of Kedah and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will intervene and take necessary action against Sanusi to protect not just minorities, but ensure that such actions are not repeated again.
“This is in line with our first principle of the Rukun Negara: Belief in God,” he added. – The Vibes, December 21, 2020
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