Residents oppose rebuilding of Hindu altar in Sepang

Despite overwhelming support from BN parties for a proposal to rebuild the Hindu altar at a house in Sepang which was demolished by the municipal council, the local residents association has opposed this.

Taman Seroja Residents Association president Kamarulzaman Mat Zain (right) said the reconstruction might be sensitive to the local community, which consists of 95 percent Malay and Muslim residents.

“Everything is still under control now, but we hope that (the issue) does not challenge us,” he told about 100 residents during a heated assembly at the local town hall yesterday.

His speech was greeted with shouts of “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is great) by the Malay crowd.

Given the significantly low Indian Malaysian population there, he said it is unnecessary to build temples for non-Muslims as the current facilities are  sufficient to accommodate their needs.

Holding up placards that read ‘No temple in residential area’, ‘Be sensitive to the locals’, ‘Dey, don’t challenge us!’, the Malay residents held a 45-minute protest in front of the town hall under the watchful eyes of police personnel.

The altar located within the gated compound of a house in Taman Seroja, Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, was demolished by some 30 Sepang Municipal Council (MPS) enforcement officers on Nov 20.

This sparked fierce criticism from both BN parties and Indian leaders from Pakatan Rakyat, who claimed that the enforcers had breached the state government’s procedures in relation to religious affairs.

Led by its chief T Mohan, MIC Youth had helped to rebuild the altar last Saturday.

This, however, did not go down well with Kamarulzaman, who slammed the party for complicating the issue.

“What is the motive of MIC Youth? I think it is not appropriate to rebuild the shrine when the issue is heated,” he said.

Asked whether the association’s stance would be seen as disrespecting the rights of minorities, he dismissed the allegation.

“No, because everyone has to obey the local council's law,” he explained, claiming that the reconstruction has violated the regulations.

Memo sent to MB’s office

Kamarulzaman announced that a memorandum containing 756 signatures from the residents was sent to the Selangor menteri besar’s office yesterday afternoon in support of MPS’ action to demolish the altar.

Accompanied by two representatives of the residents, Kamarulzaman also handed over a copy of the memorandum to the house owner at about 7pm.

It was received by the owner’s sister, M Thanalechemy, who said that her brother was not around.

She clarified that the altar, which was expanded early this year, is not for public use.

“We have been staying here for 15 years ... the shrine will remain for our family use only,” she said during a 15-minute amicable discussion with Kamarulzaman.

In response, Kamarulzaman urged her to comply with local council guidelines and appeal to MPS if the family has any issues.

Zurina Muhammad, who has been staying next door to the family for six years, told Malaysiakini that she has never had any problem with them.

“They profess their (religion). I profess my (religion). Our relationship has been very good.”

She conceded that the expansion of the altar may have caused some Muslims to feel uncomfortable.