Ramasamy: Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple ain’t an illegal structure but a legitimate historic landmark
I WELCOME the recent clarification by MIC deputy president and Tapah MP Datuk Seri M. Saravanan regarding the status of the 130-year-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Hindu temple in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur.
His statement corrects widespread misconceptions while re-affirming that the temple is not an illegal structure as some have wrongly claimed.
In a media conference at the temple site, Saravanan dispelled confusion surrounding the temple’s re-location.
He clarified that the temple was never moved from its original location – only a portion of its land was acquired in 2008 by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for road expansion. The temple itself remained intact.
Furthermore, DBKL’s recognition of the temple through the provision of water and electricity services further affirms its legitimacy.
A temple that has existed for over 130 years and receives such municipal support can hardly be deemed illegal.
Land sold without its knowledge
Former Malaysian Hindu Sangam (MHS) president Datuk A. Vaithilingam echoed Saravanan’s remarks, emphasising that only a small section of the temple’s land was affected in 2008 and not the temple itself.
This clarification effectively counters any justification for the temple’s forced re-location.
Despite its historical and religious significance, the land on which the temple stands was sold to Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd in 2014 – without the temple’s knowledge or consent.
Now, following unsuccessful negotiations to re-locate the temple for the construction of Masjid Madani, there is an informal appeal for DBKL and the federal government to facilitate the re-location of the temple.
It is understood that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate the mosque’s ground-breaking ceremony this Thursday (March 27).
However, his administration must acknowledge that the temple is not an illegal structure. Those advocating for its removal have masked their religious and racial prejudices behind claims of illegality.
Ramsamy and his Urimai team visit in a recent visit to the 130-year-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Hindu temple in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur
A swipe at MIC
While Saravanan’s statement is a welcome development, it comes too late.
As part of the government for decades, MIC should have acted sooner to protect the temple by ensuring the land was designated as a Rumah Ibadat Bukan Islam (RIBI) a.k.a. site for non-Muslim worship.
Even the late MIC strongman Tun Samy Vellu – despite his financial contributions to the temple – failed to secure this designation.
Hindus and the wider public have the right to question why MIC did not take decisive action earlier.
Had DBKL acted fairly and gazetted the land as RIBI, this entire controversy over the temple’s legality would have been avoided.
Call for religious solidarity
Anwar must uphold fairness for all races and religions in Malaysia. He must remember that his government was elected in 2022 with support from Malays, Indians and Chinese. Having ascended to power, he must not abandon concerns of the Indian community.
Interestingly, there are rumours that Jakel Trading is considering allowing the mosque and temple to coexist side-by-side. If true, this could be a commendable move that fosters religious harmony.
The Madani concept should not be used merely for political rhetoric – it should reflect true solidarity among Malaysia’s diverse communities.
As far as Urimai – the Rights of Malaysian Party – is concerned, the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple should remain in its current location.
If necessary, Urimai is open to the idea of the mosque being constructed beside it thus embracing a broader vision of religious co-existence.
The latest revelations, particularly the confirmation that the temple was never re-located in 2008, have further weaken any argument for its removal.
Anwar must not play politics with this issue. Instead, he should champion a solution that respects history, heritage and the rights of all Malaysians. – March 24, 2025
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
A swipe at MIC
While Saravanan’s statement is a welcome development, it comes too late.
As part of the government for decades, MIC should have acted sooner to protect the temple by ensuring the land was designated as a Rumah Ibadat Bukan Islam (RIBI) a.k.a. site for non-Muslim worship.
Even the late MIC strongman Tun Samy Vellu – despite his financial contributions to the temple – failed to secure this designation.
Hindus and the wider public have the right to question why MIC did not take decisive action earlier.
Had DBKL acted fairly and gazetted the land as RIBI, this entire controversy over the temple’s legality would have been avoided.
Call for religious solidarity
Anwar must uphold fairness for all races and religions in Malaysia. He must remember that his government was elected in 2022 with support from Malays, Indians and Chinese. Having ascended to power, he must not abandon concerns of the Indian community.
Interestingly, there are rumours that Jakel Trading is considering allowing the mosque and temple to coexist side-by-side. If true, this could be a commendable move that fosters religious harmony.
The Madani concept should not be used merely for political rhetoric – it should reflect true solidarity among Malaysia’s diverse communities.
As far as Urimai – the Rights of Malaysian Party – is concerned, the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple should remain in its current location.
If necessary, Urimai is open to the idea of the mosque being constructed beside it thus embracing a broader vision of religious co-existence.
The latest revelations, particularly the confirmation that the temple was never re-located in 2008, have further weaken any argument for its removal.
Anwar must not play politics with this issue. Instead, he should champion a solution that respects history, heritage and the rights of all Malaysians. – March 24, 2025
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
Building the mosque next door to the temple is a good compromise. Live and worship side by side, like the 2-state solution. One side may agree but the other side may say no way; from the Gombak River to Jalan TAR, KL will be free.
ReplyDelete