Hassan's open letter to Anwar: A call for Madani fairness in temple issue
Published: Mar 23, 2025 9:27 AM
Updated: 12:37 PM
Summary
- Hassan Abdul Karim calls for Madani fairness in the Jalan Masjid India temple issue, reminding Anwar Ibrahim of his 2019 speech in Doha and saying now is the time to demonstrate a solution.
- Pasir Gudang MP says PM can show that he is a unifying and compassionate leader for all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion.
In an open letter to Anwar Ibrahim, PKR lawmaker Hassan Abdul Karim urged the prime minister to resolve the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple issue with fairness and wisdom.
The Pasir Gudang MP said the Hindu temple in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, should not be demolished to make way for a mosque, which should be constructed adjacent to it instead.
“I am writing this open letter as a Muslim MP from PKR (which is part of Pakatan Harapan), a supporter of the Madani government, and a long-time personal supporter of Anwar.
“In line with the principles of the Madani government, which are rooted in the Islamic philosophy of justice and compassion, I urge Anwar to resolve the issue of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple with fairness and wisdom.
“I believe that Anwar has the capability to do so,” read the letter dated March 23.
Hassan (above, right) said he personally witnessed Anwar, as a Muslim democrat, delivering a speech on the Renaissance from an enlightened and progressive Islamic perspective at a renowned university in Doha, Qatar, in 2019.
“Now, in our homeland in 2025, as prime minister, Anwar has the opportunity to demonstrate a solution to the issue involving the existing temple and the planned mosque at Jalan Masjid India,” he added.
Freedom to practise religion
Hassan also cited Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution, which states that Islam is the religion of the federation, but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the federation.
He said the Hindu community, like followers of other religions, acknowledges the special position of Islam in this country.
“They only wish to practise their faith peacefully without any disruption,” he added.
The Pasir Gudang MP said the Hindu temple in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, should not be demolished to make way for a mosque, which should be constructed adjacent to it instead.
“I am writing this open letter as a Muslim MP from PKR (which is part of Pakatan Harapan), a supporter of the Madani government, and a long-time personal supporter of Anwar.
“In line with the principles of the Madani government, which are rooted in the Islamic philosophy of justice and compassion, I urge Anwar to resolve the issue of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple with fairness and wisdom.
“I believe that Anwar has the capability to do so,” read the letter dated March 23.
Hassan (above, right) said he personally witnessed Anwar, as a Muslim democrat, delivering a speech on the Renaissance from an enlightened and progressive Islamic perspective at a renowned university in Doha, Qatar, in 2019.
“Now, in our homeland in 2025, as prime minister, Anwar has the opportunity to demonstrate a solution to the issue involving the existing temple and the planned mosque at Jalan Masjid India,” he added.
Freedom to practise religion
Hassan also cited Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution, which states that Islam is the religion of the federation, but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the federation.
He said the Hindu community, like followers of other religions, acknowledges the special position of Islam in this country.
“They only wish to practise their faith peacefully without any disruption,” he added.
Hassan noted that the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple has stood for over 100 years, long before Malaya gained independence and was built with the approval of the authorities at the time when the country was still under British rule.
“Therefore, with great humility, I urge Anwar to take a fair and wise approach to resolving this issue based on the Madani principles that have been well received by Malaysia's multi-religious society.
“Two important steps should be considered. First, the temple should not be demolished.
“As a Muslim, I appeal to the prime minister, who is a respected Muslim leader both domestically and internationally, to uphold the values of kindness and respect as taught in Islam by preserving the rights of the Hindu community in Malaysia,” he said.
The second solution, Hassan wrote, is for the prime minister to propose that the new mosque be built on an alternative site nearby or adjacent to the temple.
“This would allow the mosque to be constructed while the existing temple remains intact and undisturbed,” he added.
Preserving harmony
Hassan said if such a resolution is achieved, it would bring numerous benefits, including preventing any harm or distress to any ethnic or religious group, as well as avoiding racial and religious divisions.
“And most importantly, during this blessed month of Ramadan, demonstrating the prime minister’s role as a unifying and compassionate leader for all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion,” he added.
Anwar, who is scheduled to officiate the groundbreaking ceremony for the mosque on March 27, has called for an amicable solution to the matter.
Yesterday, the prime minister courted flak from Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) executive director Zaid Malek for stating that the “mosque would be built and the temple would be given a place”.
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