(Pasir Gudang, Johor, MP Hassan Abdul karim (pic) from PKR has released an open letter yesterday (23 March) to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urging him to make a bold decision of letting the Hindu temple stay where it is and move the proposed ‘Madani Mosque’ project elsewhere. This is the English version of his letter written in Malay)
YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Prime Minister of Malaysia,
Putrajaya.
March 23, 2025
SUBJECT: ISSUE OF THE TEMPLE AT JALAN MASJID INDIA, KUALA LUMPUR
I hope YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim is in good health.
- I am writing this open letter as a Muslim Member of Parliament from the PKR Party (Pakatan Harapan), a supporter of the Madani Government, and a long-time personal supporter of Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim (DSAI).
- In line with the principles of the Madani Government, which are based on Islamic philosophy emphasizing justice and compassion, I urge DSAI to resolve the issue concerning the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple at Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, in a fair and wise manner. I believe YAB DSAI has the ability to do so.
- I personally witnessed, at a prestigious university in Doha, Qatar, in 2019, how DSAI, as a Muslim democrat, spoke about the Renaissance from an Islamic perspective that is noble and progressive. Now, in 2025, as the Prime Minister of Malaysia, DSAI has the opportunity to find a solution to this existing temple issue, alongside the construction of a new mosque in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur.
- Before proceeding further, let us refer to Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, which states that “Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation.”
- The Hindu community in Malaysia, like followers of other religions, acknowledges the special position of Islam in this country. They only seek to practice their religion peacefully without any interference.
- The Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Jalan Masjid India has been in existence for over 100 years, dating long before Malaya gained independence. The country was still under British colonial rule at that time. The temple was built with the permission of the authorities as a place of worship for Hindu Indian laborers who were brought in by the British to work on roads, railways, and other infrastructure—many of which still exist today. The temple has continued to serve the Hindu community peacefully for generations.
- Therefore, with humility, I urge YAB DSAI to find a fair and wise resolution based on the principles of Madani governance, which has been well accepted by Malaysia’s multireligious society.
- Two steps should be taken:
– First, the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple should not be demolished. As a Muslim, I call upon the Prime Minister, who is also a respected Muslim leader both locally and internationally, to demonstrate the values of kindness and respect in line with Islamic teachings, by upholding the rights of Malaysian Hindus.
– Second, YAB DSAI should propose an alternative location for the new mosque, ensuring that it is built on a separate nearby site rather than replacing the existing temple. This way, the mosque can be constructed, and the temple remains untouched in its current location.
- If such a solution can be achieved, it would bring many benefits, including:
– No racial or religious group would feel hurt or marginalized.
– Racial and religious divisions can be avoided.
– Most importantly, during this holy month of Ramadhan, the Prime Minister can set an example of a just and compassionate leader who governs fairly for all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Hassan Abdul Karim
Member of Parliament for Pasir Gudang
March 23, 2025
