'Dialogue, understanding key to solving illegal temple issue'
Zarrah Morden
Published: Apr 5, 2025 10:36 AM
Updated: 4:39 PM
Summary
- Dialogue for understanding will resolve tensions over “illegal” temples, says Malaysian Hindu Sangam (MHS) former president A Vaithilingam.
- The 90-year-old veteran social activist says temple issues have been occurring since independence, but those who don’t understand are spreading misinformation and uneasiness.
With rising inter-religious tensions over Hindu temples perceived as illegal, a former president of the Malaysian Hindu Sangam (MHS) touts dialogue as the key to resolving the issue.
A Vaithilingam, who has taken part in discussions with many key political figures over the legal status of temples, said that these conversations led to understanding.
This, in turn, led to negotiations that resolved the issue for all resolved parties, the 90-year-old veteran social activist added.
“The government has been understanding, but some people who don’t understand are creating a lot of uneasiness,” he told Malaysiakini in an interview.
The issue of “illegal” temples came up when plans to demolish the 130-year-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur to make way for a mosque came into the public eye.
A Vaithilingam, who has taken part in discussions with many key political figures over the legal status of temples, said that these conversations led to understanding.
This, in turn, led to negotiations that resolved the issue for all resolved parties, the 90-year-old veteran social activist added.
“The government has been understanding, but some people who don’t understand are creating a lot of uneasiness,” he told Malaysiakini in an interview.
The issue of “illegal” temples came up when plans to demolish the 130-year-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur to make way for a mosque came into the public eye.
The issue has since been settled amicably, with the temple committee agreeing to relocate a short distance away.
However, the move sparked polarised reactions, with discussions online focusing on the legal status of Hindu temples.
A Facebook group sprang up amid the ongoing issue. Titled “Rumah Ibadat Haram Dibina Dimana Hari Ini?” (Where are illegal houses of worship being established today?), users in the group share pictures, videos, and locations of small temples and shrines.
Although some group members have cautioned against raising the matter in a way that clashes with 3R (race, religion, royalty) sentiments that are viewed as seditious, others have gone on to express pro-Malay and Islam views.
‘Issue since independence, squatting claims rubbish’
Vaithilingam spoke on how dialogue was traditionally relied upon to relieve tensions over this issue.
He provided an example of a successful discussion he had with former PAS president Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.
Former PAS president Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat
The issue involved two temples - the first was renting a property owned by Kelantan royalty, who asked the committee to move the temple out, he said.
The second temple owned the land it sits on and agreed to combine with the first after a meeting with MHS.
After the agreement was made, Nik Aziz gave permission for the new temple to be a three-storey building.
“So we have no enmity with anyone,” Vaithilingam said.
The issue has existed for decades, since Malaysia’s independence, but it has been handled on a case-by-case basis, he explained.
“Only lately, some people say we are squatting, we are cheating and all. It’s utter rubbish,” he said.
Even with the changes in political leaders over the years, Vaithilingam said, peaceful discussions when issues are raised have helped stifle negativity.
He added that within these discussions, he witnessed cooperation and understanding between different racial and religious groups as well.
The issue involved two temples - the first was renting a property owned by Kelantan royalty, who asked the committee to move the temple out, he said.
The second temple owned the land it sits on and agreed to combine with the first after a meeting with MHS.
After the agreement was made, Nik Aziz gave permission for the new temple to be a three-storey building.
“So we have no enmity with anyone,” Vaithilingam said.
The issue has existed for decades, since Malaysia’s independence, but it has been handled on a case-by-case basis, he explained.
“Only lately, some people say we are squatting, we are cheating and all. It’s utter rubbish,” he said.
Even with the changes in political leaders over the years, Vaithilingam said, peaceful discussions when issues are raised have helped stifle negativity.
He added that within these discussions, he witnessed cooperation and understanding between different racial and religious groups as well.
Dialogue & understanding DON'T exist in the dogma of zombieicism!
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