'No one above the law' - DAP grassroots chide Rayer for defending temple without permit
Alyaa Alhadjri & Hariz Mohd
Published: Aug 22, 2026 4:56 PM
Updated: 7:47 PM
A group of DAP grassroots leaders has reprimanded party lawmaker RSN Rayer for defending a Hindu temple in Perlis, which was demolished by state authorities on Thursday after it was found to have been built on government land without a permit.
They said that while dialogue should be encouraged to find the best solution, unlawful activities should not be condoned.
Furthermore, leaders must verify facts and take an impartial position when a community's interests conflict with the law, they added.
"A responsible leader should educate society whenever an issue arises that involves the violation of laws, instead of defending such action.
"No one is above the law, including the country’s top leaders, as this is a principle that guides every Malaysian.
"We must be consistent in this regard and should not practise double standards," they said in a statement which was signed by 14 DAP members.
They included Selangor DAP Youth vice chief Nur Rahim Nasir, DAP branch leaders Shakir Ameer Mohideen (Setia Impian), Farhan Haziq (Bandar Baru Bangi), Abdul Majid Abd Aziz (Pekan Paloh), Nor Miswary Ramli (Pusat Bandar Shah Alam), Izzul Afiq (Taman Kemuncak), Aslam Ahmad Ramli (Kampung Tunku SS1), and Aldrin Ng (Kampung Baru Pasir Pinji), as well as former Dusun Tua assemblyperson Edry Faizal Yusof.
While their statement did not name Rayer (above), several of the signatories confirmed to Malaysiakini that it was linked to the Jelutong MP's condemnation of the state government for demolishing the Veeramakaliamman Temple at Bukit Lagi in Kangar.
‘Dangerous’ message
The group said a reckless statement can create confusion, and sending a message that appears to defend land encroachment activities in the name of religion is dangerous to Malaysia's multiracial society.
Malaysiakini has reached out to Rayer for comment.
On Aug 20, Rayer described the demolition as deeply regrettable and warned that Malaysians should not allow Perikatan Nasional to take federal power, describing the coalition as "insensitive and inconsiderate towards a plural society, other ethnic groups, and religions".
READ MORE: 'Demanding accountability is not incitement': Senator backs Rayer in Perlis temple row
The PN-led Perlis administration has since defended its action, with exco Izizam Ibrahim saying the state government held several engagement sessions with the temple management committee before the demolition and advised it to find a suitable alternative site.
Rayer's statement has also drawn criticism from political figures within Pakatan Harapan and its federal ally, Umno.
Call a spade a spade
Edry, when contacted, said politicians have the responsibility to set the record straight instead of prioritising popularity.
Published: Aug 22, 2026 4:56 PM
Updated: 7:47 PM
A group of DAP grassroots leaders has reprimanded party lawmaker RSN Rayer for defending a Hindu temple in Perlis, which was demolished by state authorities on Thursday after it was found to have been built on government land without a permit.
They said that while dialogue should be encouraged to find the best solution, unlawful activities should not be condoned.
Furthermore, leaders must verify facts and take an impartial position when a community's interests conflict with the law, they added.
"A responsible leader should educate society whenever an issue arises that involves the violation of laws, instead of defending such action.
"No one is above the law, including the country’s top leaders, as this is a principle that guides every Malaysian.
"We must be consistent in this regard and should not practise double standards," they said in a statement which was signed by 14 DAP members.
They included Selangor DAP Youth vice chief Nur Rahim Nasir, DAP branch leaders Shakir Ameer Mohideen (Setia Impian), Farhan Haziq (Bandar Baru Bangi), Abdul Majid Abd Aziz (Pekan Paloh), Nor Miswary Ramli (Pusat Bandar Shah Alam), Izzul Afiq (Taman Kemuncak), Aslam Ahmad Ramli (Kampung Tunku SS1), and Aldrin Ng (Kampung Baru Pasir Pinji), as well as former Dusun Tua assemblyperson Edry Faizal Yusof.
While their statement did not name Rayer (above), several of the signatories confirmed to Malaysiakini that it was linked to the Jelutong MP's condemnation of the state government for demolishing the Veeramakaliamman Temple at Bukit Lagi in Kangar.
‘Dangerous’ message
The group said a reckless statement can create confusion, and sending a message that appears to defend land encroachment activities in the name of religion is dangerous to Malaysia's multiracial society.
Malaysiakini has reached out to Rayer for comment.
On Aug 20, Rayer described the demolition as deeply regrettable and warned that Malaysians should not allow Perikatan Nasional to take federal power, describing the coalition as "insensitive and inconsiderate towards a plural society, other ethnic groups, and religions".
READ MORE: 'Demanding accountability is not incitement': Senator backs Rayer in Perlis temple row
The PN-led Perlis administration has since defended its action, with exco Izizam Ibrahim saying the state government held several engagement sessions with the temple management committee before the demolition and advised it to find a suitable alternative site.
Rayer's statement has also drawn criticism from political figures within Pakatan Harapan and its federal ally, Umno.
Call a spade a spade
Edry, when contacted, said politicians have the responsibility to set the record straight instead of prioritising popularity.
DAP member Edry Faizal Yusof
Leaders should stick to the truth and call a spade a spade, he stressed.
"If something is wrong, we must say that it is wrong. But at the same time, we call for an amicable solution.
"But sometimes we do not hear such a statement. Let's say in the issue of land encroachment, there is no statement calling it wrong, only calling for it to be solved properly.
"If something is against the law, we must say that it is against the law," he said.
The former lawmaker pointed out that such a lopsided approach has caused many to condemn authorities when they take action against illegal construction and renovation of residential buildings.
Edry said the principle of upholding the law applies to all parties and situations, not only when it comes to places of worship.
He claimed there was a recent case where a political party defended an allegedly illegal stall from being demolished by the authorities.
"If we always want to play politics, then how are we going to educate the people about what is right and what is wrong?" he asked.
"If something is wrong, we must say that it is wrong. But at the same time, we call for an amicable solution.
"But sometimes we do not hear such a statement. Let's say in the issue of land encroachment, there is no statement calling it wrong, only calling for it to be solved properly.
"If something is against the law, we must say that it is against the law," he said.
The former lawmaker pointed out that such a lopsided approach has caused many to condemn authorities when they take action against illegal construction and renovation of residential buildings.
Edry said the principle of upholding the law applies to all parties and situations, not only when it comes to places of worship.
He claimed there was a recent case where a political party defended an allegedly illegal stall from being demolished by the authorities.
"If we always want to play politics, then how are we going to educate the people about what is right and what is wrong?" he asked.
No comments:
Post a Comment