Minister: Preacher's RM2m temple claim untrue, don't incite strife
Published: Mar 26, 2025 5:43 PM
Updated: 8:59 PM
Summary
- Federal Territories Minister Zaliha Mustafa denies claims that the government gave RM2 million in compensation to the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple.
- The temple will be relocated to a new permanent site to allow the construction of a mosque.
- Zailha also urges against the spread of false information to avoid religious tensions.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Zaliha Mustafa refuted allegations by preacher Firdaus Wong that the government gave RM2 million in compensation to the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple at Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur.
“This allegation is completely untrue and baseless,” she said in a statement.
She also urged all parties to refrain from inciting religious or racial sentiments based on inaccurate information.
Zaliha clarified that the government had neither promised nor approved any form of compensation to the temple, as claimed.
“In fact, there is no agreement or any other ‘deal’ aside from the resolution that I officially announced yesterday,” she added.
After several days of intense debate, including discussions that spilled onto social media, the committee of the 130-year-old temple agreed to relocate to facilitate the construction of a mosque on land owned by Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd.
Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple
Zaliha emphasised that a “win-win” outcome was achieved through harmonious discussions among all involved parties.
“Most importantly, the construction of the mosque, which had been delayed since 2020 on privately owned land, can now proceed as planned, while the temple management has agreed to relocate to an identified alternative site,” she added.
She said this case should not be used as a precedent for any future cases.
“It is a specific resolution to this particular issue, handled wisely in accordance with legal provisions and with due consideration for the sensitivities of all parties involved.
“I urge all parties to put an end to this unnecessary controversy.
“Let us not fuel religious or racial sentiments based on inaccurate information, as it could jeopardise the harmony and unity that we have built together,” Zaliha added.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) agreed to relocate the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple to a new location located approximately 50m from its current site along Jalan Munshi Abdullah, off Jalan Masjid India.
The 4,000 square feet plot of land would be gazetted for the temple on a permanent basis.
Zaliha emphasised that a “win-win” outcome was achieved through harmonious discussions among all involved parties.
“Most importantly, the construction of the mosque, which had been delayed since 2020 on privately owned land, can now proceed as planned, while the temple management has agreed to relocate to an identified alternative site,” she added.
She said this case should not be used as a precedent for any future cases.
“It is a specific resolution to this particular issue, handled wisely in accordance with legal provisions and with due consideration for the sensitivities of all parties involved.
“I urge all parties to put an end to this unnecessary controversy.
“Let us not fuel religious or racial sentiments based on inaccurate information, as it could jeopardise the harmony and unity that we have built together,” Zaliha added.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) agreed to relocate the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple to a new location located approximately 50m from its current site along Jalan Munshi Abdullah, off Jalan Masjid India.
The 4,000 square feet plot of land would be gazetted for the temple on a permanent basis.
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