KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor PKR Strategy Director, Saifuddin Shafi Muhammad, has warned Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) and former Bar Council President, Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, against further aggravating the issue surrounding the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple on Jalan Masjid India.
He emphasized that the matter should be resolved harmoniously and should not be exploited to incite racial or religious tensions.
“LFL and Ambiga should not make things worse. The tolerance of Malay Muslims does not mean they must bow down in weakness.
“The rights of all parties must be respected, but this should not be used as an excuse to undermine or challenge the position of Islam in this country,” he said.
Background of the Temple Relocation Issue
The Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple, a historic Hindu place of worship dating back to 1893, has been at the center of controversy following plans for its relocation.
The temple was originally relocated to its current site in 2008 under the directive of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). However, in 2014, the land was sold to Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd without consultation with the temple management.
Jakel Trading now plans to build a mosque, reportedly named Masjid Madani, on the acquired land, necessitating the temple’s relocation.
The temple committee, while acknowledging the land ownership, has expressed a willingness to coexist with the planned mosque, suggesting that both structures share the land to promote Malaysia’s religious harmony.
However, this proposal has drawn mixed reactions. Advocates like LFL and Ambiga argue that the temple’s historical and cultural significance should be preserved, and they have called for it to remain in its current location.
On the other hand, figures such as Umno Youth Chief Datuk Akmal Saleh have insisted on respecting property rights, noting that Jakel Trading has engaged in discussions for over a decade without enforcing immediate eviction.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has addressed the issue, stating that while the land is privately owned, a peaceful and fair resolution must be reached. He assured that the temple would not be demolished without a proper relocation plan and warned against those seeking to escalate tensions.
Following this, Saifuddin emphasized that external parties, including lawyers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), must respect the legal process and not take advantage of the situation to create further unrest.
“This matter should be resolved through discussions and negotiations, not through statements that provoke further conflict. Everyone must remain calm and respect decisions made fairly,” he added.
DBKL has since paused any demolition plans to allow further discussions between the temple committee, Jakel Trading, and the authorities in hopes of reaching a solution that upholds both religious harmony and legal integrity.
The case highlights the delicate balance between development, property rights, and the preservation of Malaysia’s religious and cultural heritage. -MalayaDailyToday
