The Perak Menteri Besar’s(MB) statement that no Hindu temples have been demolished in the state us simple incredible and unbelievable. He had said “we had never demolished any Hindu temples in Perak. When we have to construct roads, temples which sit on government land are relocated”
He is just dreaming and totally unaware of the situation of Hindu Temples in Perak where dozens of Hindu temples have been demolished in the last 10 years.Let me just give two examples.
1) Om Sri Shanty Vel Murugan temple located along Jalan Jelapang was demolished by the Ipoh City Council(MBI) on 24/2/ 2003. This is a registered temple. A police report was even lodged. A memorandum was even submitted to the MB on18thMarch2003. But to date no action has been taken against the MBI for breaching the provisions the law.
2) Another small temple which was situated near to Waller court in Ipoh was demolished by the MBI sometime in 2003. Here too no action has been taken against the MBIPerak has a large non muslim population ( nearly 48%+) and it is time it formulates and announces a definite policy on Hindu and Chinese temples including Christian churches.
Under the constitution all religions have a right to freedom of worship not just Islam and therefore the state have the responsibility to help, support and propagate all religions. It has to alienate sufficient land and resources for other religions to be practices freely.Such a policy is urgently needed in Perak state. Over 450 temples are squatting on government land in thestate and it is high time the government announce a clear and unambiguous policy on the future of these temples.We suggest the following:
1) Create an exco post(state cabinet) ) at the state level and appoint a person and set up a department to be specially to assist and to be in charge of all non-Muslim matters;
2) Allocated at least RM10,000 annually for each Temple or church but the amount to be increased if the situation warrants like in case where the maintenance of the temples warrants it;
3) The state should pay a monthly allowance for all priest of temples and or churches;
4) Electricity and water supply to all places of worship shall be the responsibility of the state;
5) The state to set up institutions to train priest musicians and others as so required for the place of worship;
6) Take immediate steps to register all places of worship and legalize their activity;
7) All activates of places of worship shall be free of requiring the need for police permits;
8) Enact laws to help the many citizens who are caught in the conversion cases.Are there definite plans to assist non-muslims and places of worship or will the MB proceed with his present ad hoc decisions on matters affecting them?
Lets us not indulge in election gimmicks. The non Muslims of Perak state have suffered enough. They have a right to know the future of their religion and whether the state government will honor the fundamental right to freedom of worship as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
It is incumbent on the Perak MB to publicly state his stand on the future of Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and other non-Muslim worship in the state of Perak
M. Kulasegaran
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