KUALA LUMPUR – MIC president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran has lashed out at “immature” Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and challenged the Kedah menteri besar to have the party banned, following the demolition of a Hindu temple by Alor Star authorities.
“The Kedah MB should answer our questions or provide a replacement site for the temple,” said Vigneswaran in a statement.
“Go and ask what happened to the promise of the PAS president (Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang), who gave an assurance that he would not demolish temples if PAS (came to power).”
He said Sanusi should not be arrogant, and that MIC is not dependent on the Islamist party in the Perikatan Nasional government.
“Do not forget your situation six months ago. This is PAS’ true colours, which is to appear friendly before becoming the government.
“PAS used to be (closer) to Umno. Now, it has its tune (closer) to Bersatu. It seems one can’t blame DAP when PAS left Pakatan Rakyat, because now, we can see PAS’ actions.”
He said he will accept it if Sanusi gets MIC banned, but asked whether the latter is willing to quit as menteri besar should the bid fail.
Sanusi is a “liar” for claiming that the federal and state governments do not provide allocations for temples, he added.
The PAS leader told a press conference yesterday that MIC should be banned if it is found to have “provoked the people to break the law”.
“When a temple is built in an unauthorised place, it violates the law.
“Was MIC established as a political party to incite the people to break the law?
“If they were set up to incite the public, then MIC should be banned in this country.”
His comments followed the Alor Star City Council’s demolition of a 30-year-old Hindu temple in Taman Bersatu, Kuala Kedah, as well as a hall and five parking areas.
This came after the state government’s decision to build a futsal facility.
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 said Kedah’s budget for next year has no provisions for non-Muslim houses of worship. – The Vibes, December 3, 2020
