MEDIA STATEMENT BY PROF DR P.RAMASAMY
CHAIRMAN, URIMAI PARTY
Even though Malaysia Hindu Association (MHS) is registered under corporation law, it has the right to call the National Meeting on 6th April 2025 to unite Hindu Temple representatives.
The main objective of this conference is to discuss the legal status of existence in many Hindu temples are unregistered. This is not the mistake of temple administration, but the problem caused by administrative confusion.
The main topic of debate includes controversy regarding the condition of Devi Sri Badrakaliamman Temple in Masjid India and its transfer.
Vice President of Rights Party David Marshall demands government action to remove some Hindu temples marked as “illegal” on Google Maps.
This is so inexperienced and unrealistic. The statement has been filed regardless of the historical and socio-political backgrounds of Hindu temples in Malaysia, regardless of how they appear.
These are mostly temples built in private gardens during immigration.
The legal status of temples is not due to the personal decision of administrative groups. On contrary, the problem created by the decisions made by state and municipal officials.
The government is classifying temples as “illegal” according to the convenience. But thus indifferently deny historical violations of justice and administration banning temples from getting legal recognition.
130 years old Devi Sri Badrakaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Masjid India is an example for this. This temple didn’t become “illegal” because it didn’t try to get legal recognition. On the contrary, the reason is that Kuala Lumpur Municipal Corporation (DBKL) officials denied the registration action for this.
Because of that, is this temple still considered “illegal”? Or did the DBKL plan and implement it as a political decision with the religious and ethnic sentiments of the majority?
One more trouble to this situation is that this temple land was sold to Jagel Trading. What is the purpose of this?
Even though some praised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as a Gandhi-Mandela politician, it is sad that the temple has accepted the official description of “illegal”.
What was the need to accept this decision without his in-depth study? This seems to be an attempt to pacify majority political forces.
Some law experts have confirmed the legality of this temple based on its historical basis. Also, is Jaquel Trading’s land procurement legal? The question has also been raised.
But some legislators, some Indian representatives in the government have taken a miraculous stand of praising for being in favor of this temple transfer.
Malaysia Hindu Association (MHS) portrays itself as the main organization representing all Hindu temples. But since it is a volunteer organization (NGO), its authority is under limit.
Membership post at MHS is mostly symbolic. Also, differences of opinion within its organization have further affected the performance of MHS in solving problems faced by Hindu temples.
The effort of conducting the MHS national level Hindu temple delegates is commendable, but will it bring any change in the end? This is suspicious.
Government’s refusal to set up National Hindu Endowments Board, ensures government refuses to show real efforts to solve these temple related issues.
Even though the idea about this was imposed in the past, no administration has the political power to implement it. Meanwhile, the National Unity Ministry does not have the ability to provide strong advice to the Hindu community.
It’s minister or deputy minister should avoid saying this government is not accessible. Although there is doubt that the MHS crowd will get trivial change, there is no weapon that this is the first attempt to ensure the unity of Hindus.
It has its limitations and challenges. But MHS should appreciate making an effort first. Its leaders should thank first for their voice against the majority political challenges faced by the Hindu community.
