Ramasamy’s Urimai opposes historic Hindu temple in Jalan Masjid India making way for purported Madani Mosque
THE United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) has expressed deep concern over the potential removal of the Dewi Sri Pathra Kaliamman Temple, a 130-year-old Hindu place of worship located in the heart of Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur.
Reports indicate that the temple may have to make way for a new mosque – the “Madani Mosque” – set to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“The temple stands as a significant cultural and religious landmark, pre-dating Malaysia’s independence,” Urimai’s chairman prof Ramasamy Palanisamy pointed out in a statement.
“However, the land on which it is situated was reportedly sold to a developer who is now responsible for constructing the mosque. Despite extensive efforts, the temple community has been unable to secure a suitable alternative site in the vicinity.”
As such, Urimai has urged the federal government and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to intervene by ensuring that the temple is not displaced.
Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy
“The removal of a long-established Hindu temple for any other purpose is unacceptable, particularly in a nation that prides itself on being multi-racial and multi-religious,” insisted the former DAP stalwart and ex-Penang chief minister II.
A media conference on this issue will be held at the Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) office in Section 8, Pealing Jaya at 11am tomorrow (March 20).
It will feature prominent figures such as former Malaysian Bar president nnd BERSIH chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan; lawyer and former MP N. Surendran; prominent activist Hishamuddin Rais; and LFL’s director Zaid Malek.
Staring at the prospect of the historical temple’s demolishment, Ramasamy stressed the need for PMX to align his domestic policies with the multi-racial and multi-religious image he promotes on the international stage.
“Right-thinking Malaysians, especially the Hindu community, will not stand by and watch the erasure of a historical religious site.,” stressed the former three-term Perai state assemblyman
“If the Anwar administration truly upholds the principles of inclusivity and religious harmony, why was the temple not allowed to remain in its original location?”
Added Ramasamy: “Urimai calls for immediate action to protect this temple and ensure that religious and cultural heritage is respected in Malaysia.” – March 19, 2025
Main image credit: Temple Hunters/Facebook
“The removal of a long-established Hindu temple for any other purpose is unacceptable, particularly in a nation that prides itself on being multi-racial and multi-religious,” insisted the former DAP stalwart and ex-Penang chief minister II.
A media conference on this issue will be held at the Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) office in Section 8, Pealing Jaya at 11am tomorrow (March 20).
It will feature prominent figures such as former Malaysian Bar president nnd BERSIH chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan; lawyer and former MP N. Surendran; prominent activist Hishamuddin Rais; and LFL’s director Zaid Malek.
Staring at the prospect of the historical temple’s demolishment, Ramasamy stressed the need for PMX to align his domestic policies with the multi-racial and multi-religious image he promotes on the international stage.
“Right-thinking Malaysians, especially the Hindu community, will not stand by and watch the erasure of a historical religious site.,” stressed the former three-term Perai state assemblyman
“If the Anwar administration truly upholds the principles of inclusivity and religious harmony, why was the temple not allowed to remain in its original location?”
Added Ramasamy: “Urimai calls for immediate action to protect this temple and ensure that religious and cultural heritage is respected in Malaysia.” – March 19, 2025
Main image credit: Temple Hunters/Facebook
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