Devotees throng Batu Caves ahead of Thaipusam

 

Waves of Hindu devotees thronged the Batu Caves Temple since last night following the 'Silver Chariot' procession from the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Jalan Tun HS Lee in Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with Thaipusam tomorrow.

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Dhevasthanam honorary secretary RT Sundaram said more than 1.6 million people are expected to gather at Batu Caves tomorrow, with 200,000 Hindus performing rituals in the annual religious event.

“The temple management has made thorough preparations to accommodate the crowds of people who will enliven Batu Caves during the Thaipusam festivities,” he told Bernama in Kuala Lumpur today.

Thaipusam is celebrated in the month of ‘Thai’, the 10th month in the Tamil calendar, and also commemorates the occasion (day) when Lord Murugan or Subramaniam or Kartikeya as he is also known, received the ‘Vel’ or divine spear from his mother, Parvati, so he could vanquish the evil demon ‘Soorapadman’.

Sundaram said the ‘silver chariot’ carrying the deities Lord Murugan and his two consorts Valli and Theivanai from, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple started at 10pm last night in a slow procession, covering 13 kilometres, to Batu Caves.

Sundaram said the ‘silver chariot’ with the deities will return to Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at 4pm on Wednesday (Feb 4).

He added that the ‘silver chariot’ has been given a facelift this year by widening its size, adding wheels and replacing the silver after 30 years.

Sundaram said that like previous years, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is expected to participate and witness the unique celebrations at Batu Caves at 10am on Thaipusam day (tomorrow).

Visitors can also witness a special photo exhibition celebrating 125 years of Thaipusam featuring 200 photographs which chronicles the development of the festival since 1891. The exhibition will be open to the public until Feb 8.

During Thaipusam, devotees carry ‘paal kudam’ (pots filled with milk) and decorated ‘kavadis’ up the stairs to the cave temple to fulfill their vows in exchange for answered prayers.

Thousands try to beat the crowd tomorrow

Meanwhile, a Bernama survey of Batu Caves found thousands of devotees had begun fullfilling their vows by shaving their heads, carrying pots of milk and offering prayers to beat the crowd tomorrow.

A devotee, G Ayanar, 68, from Felda Palung 8, Negri Sembilan, who was with his grandson G Kesavan, 17, and an acquaintance, K Murali, 43, said they had walked from Senawang via Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur since last Saturday to fulfill their vows at the Batu Caves temple today.

“I still want to maintain the tradition of walking 70km once a year to celebrate Thaipusam at Batu Caves temple, to offer my prayers and to seek the deity’s blessings for the whole family,” he said.

Murali said he will be shaving his head in gratitude for the well-being of his whole family after surviving a robbery incident that took place in 2010.

Kesavan expressed his excitement in having the opportunity to accompany his grandfather to carry on the tradition of celebrating Thaipusam in Batu Caves.

- Bernama

Batu Caves dress code draws mixed reaction

While some devotees and a stall operator are against it, several joggers lauded the move and said they will abide by the regulation.

KUALA LUMPUR: The dress code imposed by the Batu Caves Sri Subramaniar Temple committee drew brickbats from joggers and devotees alike.

While some argued that it may affect tourist arrival, one even gave spiritual reasons to back his argument.

D Ponranggan, a senior citizen who frequents the temple for prayers, said a man of faith would not be perturbed by people wearing shorts or any other attire.

“Are you telling me that our people are so weak in faith that a man or women in shorts would distract them while praying?” he asked.

Ponranggan, a permanent resident in Malaysia, argued that imposing such a guideline would not give foreigners a good impression of Malaysia as a developing country.

“Our body itself is a temple and God lives in everyone. So, are we still going to stop ourselves from seeing people in shorts and skirts wherever we go? I think this is not logical,” he said.

Yesterday, FMT reported that the temple committee has imposed several prohibition on the visitors such as no smoking, running up the steps and spitting as well as barring them from wearing shorts, skirts and having pets with them.

Temple committee chairman R Nadarajah claimed that devotees were feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable to see people wearing shorts and working out in front of the temple when prayers were being conducted.

Ponranggan, however, believes that spitting and littering should be prohibited not only in a temple compound but in all areas.

Another devotee who frequents the temple, Tamilselvi Renggan, was more vocal against the ban. She said many devotees visit the temple may be wearing traditional attire but of the revealing type.

“Even the saree blouses and other traditional clothing worn by these devotees are very revealing.

“If you are going to impose this ban on tourist, how do you expect tourists to know all this when they are not aware of our culture?” asked the 36-year old homemaker.

Rent out proper attires

E Iyappan, a 26-year old Indian national, said he feared such a ban would affect tourists visits to the temple.

He suggested that the temple committee follows the rules of the temples in India where the temple committee provides stalls selling or renting out proper attire for worship.

“How do you expect tourists to know the temple regulations? In India, there are temples which practices strict dress codes but they do have stalls which sells or rents out proper attire,” said Iyappan.

M Krishnan, 54, supported Iyappan’s argument, saying that the temple committee should place stalls providing attires such as dhotis and sarees if they want to impose the ban.

“But these people (temple management) are just making things worse for tourists who are taking the trouble to learn our religion and culture,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abu Lais, 56, a frequent jogger at the area lauded the temple management’s ban and said everyone should abide by the regulations imposed.

“One must always remember that although it is a favourite area for many to workout, it is still primarily a place of worship. Hence, joggers and visitors should respect the code of conduct of any places of worship they step into,” said Abu.

However, he believed that tourists should be given some leeway due to cultural differences.

Another jogger, who wished to be only known as Noraida, said she would abide by any regulations imposed by the temple as a sign of respect.

“I will respect any regulation in a place of worship. However, I don’t think it is logical to impose the ban on tourists as they may not know the rules,” said the 46-year-old.

A florist, who declined to be named, also said the new regulation may affect his business as many tourist purchase garlands, flowers and prayer items from him.

“This ban will affect my business as tourists may stop coming to this place,” he said.

Meanwhile, a check by FMT this morning found that the signboard informing of the ban has been removed by the temple committee.

When asked, the temple committee honorary secretary RT Sundram said they are planning to replace it with a new one to better inform the public.

“The original depicted a person in business attire and many thought devotees had to wear a suit to enter the temple. So, we need to put a better and accurate picture so as to not mislead the public.”

No spitting, no shorts: Dress code at Batu Caves

The Batu Caves Sri Subramaniar temple has come up with a dress code for visitors and joggers after receiving several complaints from devotees.

PETALING JAYA: A dress code for visitors, especially morning joggers, to the Batu Caves Sri Subramaniar temple has been put up at the foot of the 272 steps due to complaints made by temple devotees.

Temple committee chairman R Nadarajah said devotees came to pray as early as 7am and they were especially embarrassed and disturbed to see people exercising in front of the temple when prayers were being conducted.

“People cannot exercise in front of the temple in shorts. We have been receiving complaints every week,” said Nadarajah.

He said joggers in shorts would be told to exercise in the field nearby.

Nadarajah said this when asked to comment on a Chinese daily report on six dress code prohibitions imposed by temple management committee.

According to the Sin Chew Daily’s front page report, visitors to Batu Caves are not allowed to smoke, run up the 272 steps, spit, wear shorts, wear skirts and bring pets.

Temple’s works committee chairman N Sivakumar said devotees wearing shorts and carrying kavadis during Thaipusam would however be allowed.

“They are coming here for a religious purpose and there will be no restrictions for tourists during Thaipusam,” he said.

He added that competitions such as the Tanggathon Batu Caves could still be held provided that the participants were properly attired and inform the temple committee in advance.

“We can allocate one or two flight of steps for the participants without inconveniencing and endangering devotees,” he said.

More than 800,000 locals and foreigners visit the temple every year.

Exco man to mediate in Batu Caves issue

Selangor state exco member V Ganabatirau is willing to be a mediator in the ongoing tussle between the MPS and Batu Caves temple committee.

PETALING JAYA: Selangor state exco member V Ganabatirau is willing to mediate between the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) and the Batu Caves temple committee on the issue of unauthorised structures in the temple’s compound.

“I have spoken to both sides and obviously both parties have their own version of the story. I hope to resolve the issue once and for all,” said the DAP Kota Alam Shah MP.

“I’ve managed to get the council president Azizi Mohd Zain to agree for a meeting with myself and the temple committee on July 2,” he added.

The council issued a stop-work order to the temple committee recently on the cable car project, which is to help the disabled and the elderly to fulfill their vows without having to climb the 272 steps.

“The council claims that the temple committee had not submitted plans and other relevant documents on the project.

“They also told me that there are safety concerns about the piling work needed for the project near the limestone cave.

“The council is concerned that the piling work may affect the stability of the surrounding buildings.

“They are not asking the temple committee to cancel the project, but to ensure that the buildings in the surroundings are not affected by the piling work,” he added.

Ganabatirau urged the temple committee to attend the meeting so that the issue could be resolved once and for all.

“The temple committee has given the council until June 30 to revoke the stop-work order failing which the temple board may decide to take court action.

Ganabatirau also said it was not fair for the temple committee to go to court without attending the meeting.

“If they have proof of the plans and relevant documents being submitted, then put it on the table,” he said.

Ganabatirau said this in reply to the temple committee chairman R Nadarajah’s statement that they would take the issue to court if they did not receive a reply from the council by June 30.
- See more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/06/21/exco-man-to-mediate-in-batu-caves-issue/#sthash.CK78n0nJ.dpuf

Council stops Batu Caves cable car project

A Selangor government task force finds that facilities around the temple were built without approval.

PETALING JAYA: The Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) has ordered the Subramaniar temple to stop work on the Batu Caves cable car project that it announced early this year.

Selayang municipal council (MPS) chairman Azizi Mohd Zain told FMT today that the temple authorities had failed to comply with the council’s demand for building plans for facilities built around the temple since the 1980s.

“We have issued the temple committee a stop work order after an independent task force appointed by the state government reported to the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTEN) last month that the buildings in the vicinity of the temple were built without permits,” Azizi said.

“Even the Murugan statue constructed at the foot of the temple steps was placed there without approval.”

The stop-work order on the cable car facilities was prompted by the task force’s findings.

The Subramaniar temple in Batu Caves is a major Hindu spiritual and tourist attraction centre for tens of thousands of people from all over the world during the Thaipusam religious celebration.

Last January, temple committee chairman R Nadarajah announced that a cable car project was planned for the benefit of the elderly and disabled.

He said then that MPS had given the green light and that the project and was scheduled for completion next January.

The project, worth RM10 million, was contracted to the Calcutta-based company Damodar Ropeways and was supposed to take off by March.

Batu Caves condo cancelled: Who suffers?

Artist rendition of the now-scrapped Dolomite Park Avenue condominium.
The Nut Graph
WHEN protests arose over the controversial Dolomite Park Avenue condominium being built near Batu Caves, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had this to say: “I give you my assurance that if Barisan Nasional (BN) takes over Selangor, we will cancel this project.” Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has gone one up on Najib and announced on 24 Jan 2013 that the project would be cancelled to safeguard the public and protect the environment.
It is easy for politicians to promise a solution to a problem, especially as a condition for being voted into power, or to be seen as being sensitive to voters’ complaints. But often, the issue is more complex and the promised “solution” causes even more problems. What are some of the ramifications of cancelling or stopping a project once development approval has been granted?
Costing public money
In all this talk of cancelling the project, politicians have left out an important group that would be severely affected – the buyers of the condominium units. These buyers would have paid a down payment, secured a bank loan, and signed a sales and purchase agreement. These would only have taken place with the necessary approvals from the local council for the project.
Usually, local councils would be slow to cancel any approved development because the ramifications are immense. If the development approval was correctly granted, the council would potentially have to pay compensation to the developer and buyers for the cancellation. This means that keeping the promise to halt the project may result in a large sum of public money being spent to pay off aggrieved parties. Harming the public’s purse would also not be popular politically. This, then, leads one to wonder what will happen after the general election, and whether such promises will then be dropped for the next politically expedient pledge.
Under the Town and Country Planning Act, it is the state planning committee that is legally empowered to order a stop to the project. The order would be published in the government gazette, mentioning the state planning committee meeting that affirmed the order. As Khalid made no mention of the law being invoked in his announcement to cancel the project, it is still possible for the government to back out later and say he acted prematurely.
Buyers beware
There is, however, the option of arguing that the documentation and approvals are not in order due to fraud or corruption, and finding a way to absolve the council from paying any compensation. But even if there is a valid legal reason to stop the project, this still leaves buyers in a lurch.
Take the case of the purchasers of the Taman Petaling Utama Block E low-cost flat, which started construction in April 2004. It was meant to house 276 villagers from several demolished squatter villages in PJS 1. Sales and purchase agreements were signed with bank loans approved for 262 buyers, as the remainder failed to qualify for the bank loans. The project was supposed to be completed in May 2006.
On 2 June 2006, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) received a solicitor’s letter sent on behalf of the owner of a house located next to the project. The house owner objected to the project and had obtained a court injunction from the Shah Alam High Court dated 9 July 2004 that prohibited construction of the project pending the case hearing.
Since then, the buyers have had a tough time trying to resolve their predicament. On 23 July 2007, they met with MBPJ officers to discuss the problems, assisted by the office of then Petaling Jaya Selatan member of Parliament Datuk Donald Lim. Promises were made, but no action was forthcoming. On 8 March 2008, the Selangor government changed hands to the Pakatan Rakyat.
From 2008 to 2010, the buyers had several meetings with MBPJ and their new elected representatives, and more promises were made to resolve the problems. When still no solution was found, the buyers staged a protest at Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim’s office on 15 Nov 2011. Khalid reportedly promised an answer within a week. He said: “We need to discuss with the developer and other agencies to resolve the matter. These things will take time.”
Several options were proposed, but it is now 2013 with no building in sight. Meanwhile, the buyers are still servicing bank loans with only a sales and purchase agreement to show for all the money they are paying. It will be five years soon, from the time the present PR government came into power, but it doesn’t appear like the problems will be solved before the next general election.
READ MORE HERE

Kerajaan Selangor batal projek kondo Batu Caves

Keputusan dibuat demi menjaga keselamatan orang ramai dan memelihara alam sekitar, kata Menteri Besar.

PETALING JAYA: Kerajaan Selangor hari ini membatalkan projek kondominium 26 tingkat di Batu Caves, dekat ini.

Dengan keputusan itu, kebenaran merancang yang telah diberikan kepada Dolomite Properties Sdn Bhd untuk pembinaan kondominium Dolomite Park Avenue setinggi 26 tingkat dibatalkan.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim mengumumkan pembatalan tersebut dalam satu kenyataan media petang ini.

“Jawankuasa Bebas bagi mengkaji dan menilai pembangunan di Batu Caves dan kawasan sekitarnya telah mengadakan mesyuarat yang pertama pada Selasa lalu.

“Dalam mesyuarat itu, Jabatan Perancang Bandar dan Desa telah membentangkan secara terperinci status pembinaan struktur dan bangunan di Batu Caves serta tahap keselamatannya.

“Selepas mendengar penjelasan itu, saya membuat keputusan supaya Majlis Perbandaran Selayang (MPS) membatalkan kebenaran merancang yang telah diberikan kepada Dolomite Properties Sdn Bhd untuk pembinaan kondominium Dolomite Park Avenue setinggi 26 tingkat.

“Keputusan ini dibuat demi menjaga keselamatan orang ramai dan memelihara alam sekitar.

“Saya mengucapkan terima kasih kepada mereka kerana kesediaan untuk membantu kerajaan negeri mencari jalan penyelesaian jangka panjang terhadap isu pembangunan di Batu Caves dan sekitarnya,” kata Abdul Khalid dalam kenyataan tersebut.

Beliau amat berharap keputusan ini diterima positif oleh semua pihak kerana ia melibatkan keselamatan orang ramai.

Beliau menambah, kerajaan Selangor tidak berkompromi dengan mana-mana projek pembangunan yang boleh mengancam keselamatan rakyat.

Kerajaan Selangor, kata Menteri Besar menyokong sebarang projek pembangunan untuk kesejahteraan rakyat tetapi ia perlu dirancang dengan teliti, mengikut peraturan dan tidak membahayakan keselamatan rakyat.

Batu Caves condo: What they’re not telling you

Batu Caves (Wiki commons)

A LOT of accusations and allegations have been made in the recent case of the condominium development near Batu Caves. On one hand, the current Pakatan Rakyat (PR) Selangor government has accused the former Barisan Nasional (BN) government of approving the Dolomite Park Avenue condominium project. This was why, they said, the PR government allowed the project to continue.
The BN’s response was that they only gave planning approval, which isn’t a development order. According to the BN, the Selangor government had every right to stop the project if it wanted to. The BN also noted that approval to build the condominium was given on 26 June 2008, after the PR had come into power in Selangor.
Which coalition is telling the truth? What’s the difference between a planning approval and a development order? And what else aren’t they telling us?
Planning permission
The approval that the BN government gave is called a “planning permission”. The Town and Country Planning Act describes the process in which a planning permission is applied for. The extensive plans that need to be submitted for this planning permission include a geotechnical report and a survey of all forms of vegetation and trees. It also includes a land use analysis and its effects on adjoining land.
The developer must also submit “layout plans”, which include measures for the protection and improvement of the land’s physical environment and the trees in the area, and the allocation of public parks. If the application does not violate any of the automatic rejection clauses, the local council can grant planning permission either absolutely or subject to such conditions as it thinks fit. The council can also consult residents and ratepayers before giving this approval.
This entire process only deals with the submission of technical documentation and studies, with proposals based on those submissions. Planning permission is approved when these documents are in order. Hence, approvals given at this stage do not yet constitute permission to carry out development works.
Take, for example, the planning permission given by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to redevelop the PKNS building in Section 52, PJ. Among the conditions the developer had yet to obtain at the time of approval was:
(B) xiv. Merujuk serta mendapatkan kelulusan dari JKR Selangor bagi tambahan satu lorong di interchange bersebelahan PJ Hilton dari arah KL ke Jalan Barat.
Land conversion
The next step is land conversion, which is covered under the National Land Code. In most cases, land earmarked for development is categorised for agricultural use. Or a land owner with land meant for residential use may want to build something bigger and convert the land use for commercial purposes.
At this stage, the prepared and submitted plans detailed above must be presented to the state government’s Land Office for further deliberation. If the government denies the land conversion at this stage, the development cannot proceed.

Those who protest the condominium’s construction claim the work is an environmental risk that will jeopardise the temple grounds (Wiki commons)

On the other hand, if the land conversion is approved, the developer must pay a premium for land conversion. This premium is calculated based on the number of units and the type of units that will be built, minus the portion of land that will be surrendered to the government for public use. Land lot numbers for all the units to be built and for designated public spaces are also assigned at this stage.
It is important to note here that once this premium is calculated and paid, the development plans cannot change. This is because any attempt to add structures or units would mean that the developer is cheating the government out of the premium it deserves.
In the case of the Batu Caves condominium, I am made to understand that the land was originally mining land. So, land conversion had to happen before the development could proceed.
Permission to build
Once all that is done, the developer needs two things. One, a developer’s licence from the Housing and Local Government Ministry as stipulated under the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act. And two, a development order from the local council, as stipulated under the Streets, Drainage and Building Act, to proceed with actual construction.
At this stage, details of the buildings to be constructed are submitted to the local council engineers for approval. Control of the construction site, passage of heavy vehicles, and even limitation of construction hours are some of the conditions that the local council can impose on developers.
Since the approval to build the Batu Caves condominium was reportedly given on 26 June 2008, this suggests that the double-checking of facts, the project’s viability, and land use conversion were already completed at this juncture.
Show me your vote
From a technical standpoint, if due process had been followed, the PR government would have no problems whatsoever in explaining why they approved the development order for the Batu Caves condominium. They would also not have any need to blame the previous government for the earlier planning permission.
A commission to study the matter is also unnecessary if all the technical departments had done their job and were able to provide the justification for their decisions at a moment’s notice. (Side rant: if you need an independent commission to check the work of your own staff, you are in serious trouble.)
Apart from that, what we also have are both political coalitions promising to cancel the project. Clearly, because the Indian vote matters in what will be a hotly contested impending general election, neither coalition can risk the ire of the Batu Caves temple committee and their supporters.
Here’s the thing though – both the BN and PR have been coy about how exactly they will cancel the development and what the cost will be to ratepayers.
From BN to PR
To understand how things can go quite wrong, it would be instructive to direct our attention to Damansara Jaya, where the Atria Shopping Centre used to stand. During the 2008 election campaign, Tony Pua and Dr Cheah Wing Yin brandished MBPJ meeting minutes at their ceramah to show that the BN had approved the redevelopment of the shopping centre, which residents were unhappy about. The duo promised that the DAP would stop the redevelopment if they were voted in.

The Atria Shopping Centre which has since been torn down to be redeveloped (Source: pjnet.com.my)

Today, it’s clear the DAP was unable to keep that promise. The redevelopment of the Atria Shopping Complex is well underway. Why did the DAP fail to keep its promise to voters? Because planning permission for the complex’s redevelopment was issued on 28 Feb 2008 before the PR came into power.
But wait. Didn’t I say that planning permission is not the same as the actual development order? Yes I did, and that is exactly how the process is meant to work.
However, the BN government made it a standard that once a local council gives planning permission, a development is considered approved and all other permissions or approvals can be obtained during construction. Here are a couple of projects that were approved and developed under BN rule that did not follow due process:
Ken Damansara III did not convert the land title use from “fruit orchard” to “residential” until a few months before the building was issued a certificate of fitness.
The commercial developments in Section 13, PJ still have land titles with the land use category of “industrial” even though the buildings there are up and running today as commercial properties.
Unfortunately, the PR government inherited from the BN this understanding of how development rules work. Subsequently, they apologised to Damansara Jaya residents by saying the developer had to be allowed to continue with the redevelopment of Atria Shopping Centre. Otherwise, MBPJ would be hit with a lawsuit and PJ ratepayers would bear the cost. As a compromise to residents, MBPJ scaled down the redevelopment of the shopping centre.
But here is where the logic fails. If planning permission was given and guaranteed approval for development was implied, the PR government would not be able to even scale down the project, not legally at least. In truth, the development process as practised by the state government under both the BN and PR is so mired with haphazard inconsistencies that the various government departments can’t even keep their records straight.
So what are we left with? Correcting the system would be too tedious and involve stepping on too many toes. It is much easier for our politicians, especially when the polls are so close, to point fingers at each other and make promises that they cannot legally implement.
Will the Batu Caves condominium be a repeat of what the Damansara Jaya residents experienced? We will know after the next general election.

Pakatan rep wants Liu to resign over Batu Caves condo controversy

(The Star) -  State Local Government committee chairman Ronnie Liu has been challenged to resign if he is not able to stop the controversial 29-storey condominium project in Batu Caves.

The dare came from his Pakatan Rakyat ally, Kota Raja assemblyman M Manoharan, at the state assembly sitting on Tuesday.

"The temple is a national heritage. It is obvious that the people do not want the project or any other projects to be build next to the temple complex.

"Therefore, if the project is not scrapped, will you resign?" Manoharan said in a supplementary question.

Liu replied saying resignation should not be the issue. "What is important is that the project must be stopped and the state (government) is doing its best."

"There is a lot to consider. For instance, the project cannot be scrapped as more than 60% of the units had been sold.

"If the project is stopped, the state and federal government will have to compensate the developer," he said.
Liu pointed out that the federal government also had the power to stop the project by revoking the developer's advertising license and sales permit.

'DOE okayed condo after Dolomite gave solution'

The Department of Environment (DOE) and the Minerals and Geoscience Department had "no objections" to the controversial 29-storey condominium project next to Batu Caves after an "engineering solution" was presented by developer Dolomite Sdn Bhd.

"The Geoscience Department had initially said it was not good location to build (the structure) but the developer showed that it is able to and had the engineering solution.

"Then the DOE gave the certification and permission, so after that the Geoscience Department no longer had objections," Housing and Local Government Minister Chor Chee Heung (right) told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Chor said this when winding up during the committee stage debate on the Budget 2013 allocation for his ministry.

Selangor executive councillors Ronnie Liu and Dr Xavier Jeyakumar have said that the previous BN government approved the project in 2007 despite objections from the DOE.
'BN and Pakatan must share blame'

However, Chor said, the Pakatan Rakyat government too must share the blame as the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) councillors who approved the building plans in July 2008 did so under Pakatan's rule.

"If you say it should not have been approved (due to the DOE objections), then why did the MPS full board approve it in July 2008?" he asked.

Chor said the BN-era councillors had only approved planning and no construction could be undertaken solely with that.

"When the (Pakatan) councillors were appointed, they agreed with the development. So BN and Pakatan both had a hand in this," he said.

Abdul Khalid Samad (PAS-Shah Alam) rose to object to this claim, saying that it was not up to the local councillors to approve building plans as they do not have the expertise to do so.

"These are councillors who were appointed a month before and they were made to make a decision on something that had an approved building plan, without information from the geoscience report, etc.

"It's not fair. You are evading the issue and putting blame on the blameless," Abdul Khalid said.

To this, the minister said the procedure dictated that all plans must be "endorsed" by a full board meeting of the council.

"Why don't you check with them (MPS)? You have your connections, you check. What's the point of me lying in this august house?" Chor replied.

He then elaborated on the DOE and geoscience report, after being pressed by M Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat), much to the minister's frustration.

"Shut up and listen to me. You are such a ruffian!" Chor said, after both he and deputy speaker Ronald Kiandee failed to halt Kulasegaran's continuous interruptions.

MPS chief's transfer illegal, say councillors

Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) said the Public Services Department (PSD) does not have the powers to transfer out a local council president.

Exco member Eric Tan Pok Shyong claimed that department’s move yesterday to transfer MPS chief Zainal Abidin Aala to the Institut of National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) contravenes the Local Government Act 1976.

“The PSD is not established under any act. It is only an agency that assists the government.

“Therefore what powers do they have?” he said during a press conference at Menara MPS today.

In what some have suspected to be linked to the Batu Caves condominium controversy, Zainal was given a 24-hour notice for the transfer.

Former MPS councillor and present senator A Kohilan Pillay had organised a BN-led protest to allege that the Pakatan Selangor government was responsible for plans to build a 29-storey condominium close to the iconic Batu Caves temple.

However Selangor exco Ronnie Liu subsequently exposed details showing that MPS councillors under the BN-led government, that included Kohilan himself, had approved of the project in 2007.
Yesterday, Liu speculated that Zainal's sudden transfer could be due to his Oct 30 press conference, in which he cleared Pakatan of approving the controversial condominium project.
Selangor MB Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has since ordered the works to be stopped, and not to be left out, Prime Minister Najib Razak ironically has also promised that the project would be scrapped if BN wins back power in the state.
Transfer 'unprofessional'
Tan meanwhile said the matter also went against Article 132(2) of the federal constitution that places the appointment of a state official under the authority of the state government.

“Under the federal constitution, the federal government does not have the right over state officials,” he said.

Another Selayang councillor A Rahim Ahmad Kasdi alleged that the transfer was a form of “punishment” for Zainal to “freeze” his career advancement.

“Intan is known to be a ‘cold storage’, an easy life with little work to do,” he said.

Other councillors voiced concern that the 24-hour transfer was “unprofessional and (the federal government) seen as “always hindering to the administration of the state”.

They called for the federal government to review such procedures.

They added that MPS will hold an emergency meeting to urge the state government to take tough action against the move.

Batu Caves condo opens a Pandora's box of deception

COMMENT The announcement by PM Najib Abdul Razak to scrap the 29-storey condominium has turned the condo issue into an open BN vs Pakatan Rakyat row.

By making the announcement, Najib has flexed his muscles to impress the Indian community into believing that he can better serve them than the Pakatan Selangor government.

But he contradicted himself by the transfer of the president of Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) for disclosing the minutes of 2007 meeting which clearly showed that it was BN councillors who approved the project.

If not for the Pakatan government in Selangor state, the PM would not have bothered to come to Batu Caves and call for the project to be scrapped.

Umno leaders were never bothered about Batu Caves before the 2008 election.

The authority to issue and cancel the development order of the 29 storey condominium, lies with MPS and the state government, not with the prime minister.

Being a premier he must respect the rules and regulations and promote good governance.

Why in the first place did the premier not express his displeasure at those who approved the project and call for action against the guilty parties?

Looks like Najib (left) wants to politicise the condo issue to win Indian votes.

Since MIC has become a liability to BN, Najib has to use his authority win the Indian votes.

This project was approved without the environmental impact assessment and no thorough consultation with all the stakeholders.

It is unfortunate that all these deficiencies in the approval process did not bother the PM.

He was only concerned with scrapping the condo project and applying for Unesco heritage listing.

He should have expressed his concern over the approval and need for good governance.

He failed to use the condo project to highlight the larger issue of corruption and disregard for the sanctity of the temple by the relevant government departments, during the approval process.
Investigation must be initiated
If Najib is really concerned about the temple and Batu Caves issue, he must initiate an investigation into the temple management committee and appoint respectable people to it.

The current committee is self-appointed does not reflect the wishes of the community.

The 1930 court order has to be done away with and let the committee come under a new Hindu endowment board.

Batu Caves is a heritage and environment issue. It is a site and legacy that must protected.

Therefore the temple committee must be headed by a respectable public figure who is more transparent and accountable.

The Selangor menteri besar has appointed N Sadasivam to review the whole condo project approval along with all other projects approved in the vicinity of Batu Caves.

This is a timely and a professional approach to a lasting solution.

Najib should emulate the Selangor government's way of handling the Batu Caves condo controversy created by the BN government.

He should not look at the Indian community from the vote bank perspective but as minorities who have equal rights.

---

S RAMAKRISHNAN is a senator in the Upper House of Parliament.

Batu Caves condo - 'Guilty parties will face justice'

The prime minister's rousing pledge to stop the 29-storey condominium project planned next to Batu Caves has only strengthened the Selangor government’s resolve to “undo the previous BN government's negligence”.

In a statement today, Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the Pakatan Rakyat-led state government will not only correct BN's mistakes, it will also bring those responsible for “negligence and abuse” to justice.

“The people of Selangor must weigh the PM's ‘promise’ carefully, considering that it was the BN-led Selangor government which approved the project,” he said.

“We put the people's interests first and will not hesitate to take any party to justice, if any form of negligence or abuse is found.”

Khalid also said it was “unprofessional” of premier and BN head Najib Abdul Razak (right) to vow to cancel the project if the BN wrests power from Pakatan in Selangor in the upcoming general election.

He said this clearly shows that Najib is merely seeking popularity and has no interest in solving the problem.

“His statement ... has a negative impact on good governance and integrity ... as the cancellation of any (approved) project must follow procedures,” noted Khalid.

“Najib's behaviour has motivated the Selangor government to administer (the state) in a more professional, transparent and responsible manner compared to the inconsistent BN.”

Head of review panel appointed

Khalid announced that the state government will appoint former Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) director N Sadasivan to chair a committee that will review the condominium project.

Sadasivan was chosen as he is experienced in matters of management, and has held directorships in prominent organisations like Bank Negara Malaysia, Danaharta Nasional Bhd and Petronas.
“He will be assisted by several committee members, to be announced at a later time, consisting of professionals and independent parties who will assist the government in handling this issue,” he said.

Selangor town and country planning department deputy director Norasiah Bee will act as the committee secretary, while the department will provide any assistance required.

“I will meet with Sadasivan and the other committee members this week to inform of them of this decision,” Khalid said.

Among others, he said, the committee will review all development projects that have been completed and planned in the Batu Caves area, taking into consideration community well being, Hindu interests, environment and prevailing regulations.

“The state feels that this committee will be able to add value to the effort to have the Batu Caves listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site,” he added.

Najib’s announcement of scrapping of Batu Caves condo project if BN wins Selangor desecrates Deepavali as it is not a “triumph of light over darkness” but continued spreading of darkness to prevent the triumph of light

Despite the screaming headlines, “S’gor BN to scrap Batu Caves condo if we win” (Malaysiakini), “Najib promises Indians no Batu Caves condo if BN regains Selangor” (The Malaysian Insider), “PM: We’ll scrap Batu Caves project if we win Selangor” (New Straits Times); “Najib: Return Selangor to Barisan and Batu Caves ground will be safe” (Star) and “PM: Bt Caves development will stop if BN regains S’gor” (Sun), the first reaction of fair-minded, reasonable and patriotic Malaysians is one of distinct unease and discomfort, even feeling of being repelled by an inchoate sense that something is wrong or just not right in what the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak had done.
Why is this so? Why are these people, who want the 29-storey Dolomite Park Avenue condominium project to be scrapped, not welcoming Najib’s announcement with open arms and unqualified support?
This is also my immediate response. In 1980, I had announced a “DAP Save Batu Caves Campaign” to join forces with all conservationist and environmental groups to save the 500 million-year-old Malaysian natural heritage and the religious shrine of 800,000 Hindus in Malaysia by stopping all quarrying activities at Batu Caves.
Having saved Batu Caves once, DAP and Pakatan Rakyat would have no hesitation to spearhead another “Save Batu Caves Campaign” as a result of the MIC/BN approval of the 29-storey condo project in Batu Caves in 2007.
However, DAP and Pakatan Rakyat have not launched a second “Save Batu Caves Campaign” as the Pakatan Rakyat Selangor State Government has immediately issued a “stop work” order as the condominium project should not have been approved by the Barisan Nasional authorities in 2007 as for example, objections of the state Department of Environment (DOE) had been ignored.
Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has announced an independent task force to examine the issues surrounding the 29-storey Dolomite Avenue Park condo project in Batu Caves and to make recommendations to the Selangor State Government how best to safeguard the sacred site while allowing development in the surrounding areas.
Why then should Najib’s announcement that the Dolomite Avenue Park condo project would be scrapped if BN retakes Selangor create a sense of unease, discomfort and even a repelling feeling, when it is an end everybody wanted?
This is because Najib’s announcement of scrapping of Batu Caves condo project if BN wins Selangor is not a “triumph of light over darkness”, of truth over deceit, or good over evil, but the continued spreading of darkness to prevent the triumph of light.
It causes unease, discomfort and a repelling feeling because it desecrates the essence and spirit of Deepevali.
Yesterday, I had sought public views on my blog on their responses to Najib’s announcement. The following is a sample of these views:

1. “If Selangor did not fall into Pakatan’s hands in 2008, there would have been a condominium now… Remember TBH (Teoh Beng Hock). He also promised to leave NO STONES UNTURNED. TBH is still turning in his grave.”
2. “This has to be a wake-up call to all Indians. Najib is trying to take you for a ride. First, BN steals the rakyat’s money, and when exposed, they promise to pay back the money provided they win Selangor. We all know that Najib has zero leadership qualities, but to make a pledge like that during Diwali?”
3. “FIRST, umno whacked you black and blue.
NEXT, umno promised to let you have some medication.
AND FOR THAT, you are supposed to feel mighty grateful; and give umno all your nambekei and more importantly, your vote too.”
4. “Right now whatever he promises – whether to proceed or reverse- apart from whether or not subsequent deed will honour the promise – is not dictated by right or wrong having regard to balancing all competing considerations but by whether or not the promises will secure more votes that they alienate. Electoral victory and preservation of his position that he cannot afford to lose are the imperatives in his mind, and hence this purely populist approach to issues. Nothing else.”
5. “BN is now becoming a comedy. They have lost their marbles / senses. Create the problem, then scraps it, ignoring the cost to the people who bought. This is totally irresponsible. They want to win so badly, by hook or by crook.”

There is no doubt that Najib’s announcement has left a bad taste in the mouth of all right-thinking and decent Malaysians, desecrating the sacred day of Deepavali!
Najib would have come over with greater honesty and rectitude if he had publicly apologised for MIC/BN approval of the 29-storey condominium project in Batu Caves in 2007, identified and punished all the MIC/BN councillors and leaders responsible for the project (nobody would believe that top MIC/BN leaders were not involved in giving the green light for such a project), as well as declare what would be the MIC/BN contributions to undo the 2007 MIC/BN approval for the condo project, as for instance how much MIC/BN would contribute if there is any element of financial compensation involved.
Let all MIC/BN leaders, whether national or state, who had given their approval to the 29-storey condo project in Batu Caves in 2007 step forward to confess their roles.

PM: S'gor BN to scrap Batu Caves condo if we win

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today promised to scrap a controversial condominium project located next to the Batu Caves temple complex if BN retakes Selangor.

He also announced that the cabinet would apply for Unesco World Heritage Site status for the complex once Malaysia's term in the World Heritage Commission expires in 2015.

In addition, he announced that Deepavali would be a public holiday for the Federal Territory of Labuan beginning next year.
"I guarantee that if BN successfully retakes Selangor, that 29-storey condominium project will be cancelled by the new BN government.
"We don't want new developments that threaten Batu Caves.
"Therefore, I make this (promise) and as you know - the BN government is a 'Janji Ditepati' government," he said.
'BN will defend Batu Caves'
Najib was speaking to some 5,000 guests this morning during an open house function at the Batu Caves temple complex organised by MIC in conjunction with the Deepavali celebrations.

The condominium project was approved by the previous BN administration while the current Pakatan Rakyat administration has put the project on hold pending review.
According to The Sun, the Selayang town council's full board meeting approved the project on Nov 29, 2007. The council members are BN appointees.
During his speech, Najib said that Batu Caves is held with high regard by Malaysia's Hindu community and BN would "defend" the site.
"The Batu Caves complex must be preserved and defended from anything that threatens Batu Cave's position as a holy place to the Hindus.

"I wish to announce before thousands of Hindus at Batu Caves on Deepavali Day that the BN government would defend the complex," said Najib, who is also Selangor BN head.
Heritage site
Indian voters form a sizeable minority in Selangor, the country's richest state, who most analyst claim are evenly split between BN and Pakatan.
It appears ironic that BN has now offered to "defend" Batu Caves, given that its defeat in Selangor during the 2008 general election was attributed to the state-ordered destruction of numerous Hindu temples between 2006 and 2007.
This caused widespread dissatisfaction against BN and the MIC, led by S Samy Vellu (left) who was in attendance at the event today.
As for the application for the World Heritage Site status, Najib said there is a "technicality" to prevent conflict of interest, thus Malaysia could not make any application until 2015.

He said that the cabinet has charged the ministry of information, communication and culture with the task and it will be executed once Malaysia's term in the commission expires.

If successful, Batu Caves would join five other locations in Malaysia that enjoy World Heritage status: George Town, Melaka, Lenggong Valley, Gunung Mulu National Park, and Kinabalu Park.

The temple complex is already a national heritage site, drawing millions of Hindu pilgrims every Thaipusam.

Batu Caves Will Be Preserved - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Tuesday gave the assurance that the Batu Caves area will be preserved.

He said if the Barisan Nasional (BN) was able to re-capture Selangor in the coming general election, it would annul the 29-storey condominium project in the area and instead, propose for Batu Caves to be declared a world heritage site.

Najib said Batu Caves was close to the hearts of Hindus not only in Malaysia but also abroad as they considered it to be a holy place.

"We do not want development in this area to threaten the future of the Batu Caves complex," he said when addressing the crowd that had thronged the Deepavali Open House organised by MIC at the Batu Caves Complex here.

Many quarters have objected to the implementation of the proposed condominium project, planned to be built near the limestone hill at the complex.

On the move to make Batu Caves a world heritage site, Najib said the matter would have to be brought to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organisation (Unesco) after Malaysia completed its term as a member of the World Heritage Commission in 2015.

This effort will be made through the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry.

"We cannot submit the application now because there may be a conflict of interest. Our term ends in 2015 and after that we will submit our official request for the Batu Caves Complex to be declared by Unesco as a world heritage site," he added.

In his speech, Najib also announced that the Deepavali public holiday would also be observed in the Federal Territory of Labuan.

"Although Labuan does not have many Hindus, but because Labuan is also part of the Federal Territories, they are also eligible to observe the day as a public holiday," said Najib.

He regarded the Deepavali Open House organised by MIC, held at Batu Caves for the second time, as a merry one and the crowd gathered at the premises as a reflection of the 1Malaysia spirit.

"The 1Malaysia spirit which is supported by mutual respect among the races, religions and cultures which as been nurtured for so long is the pillar of our country," he added.

Najib later attended the Deepavali open house organised by the Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) at Rumah Puspanita here where he was greeted on arrival by MAICCI president Datuk K.K.Eswaran.

Present were Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa, Raja Nong Chik, Liow, Koh and Wanita Umno Chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil as well as Najib's son Nor Ashman.

Before leaving the event where guests included orphans and underprivileged children about 45 minutes later, Najib cut a three-tiered Deepavali cake and received a garland of flowers from Eswaran.

Meanwhile, Eswaran urged the Indian community to give their full support to the government and the prime minister, and stressed on the importance of practising the 1Malaysia concept.

He said under Najib, the government extended assistance which allowed more Indians to participate in the business sector including small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

"The Indian business community can't complain any more and must give full support to Datuk Seri Najib because he has shown his concern towards us," he said, citing the RM180 million special allocation for Indian entrepreneurs as an example.

Najib then headed for the Federal Territory People's Progressive Party's (PPP) Deepavali do in Jalan Sentul here which was attended by PPP president Datuk M.Kayveas, Federal Territory PPP chairman Datuk A.Chandrakumanan and party senior vice-president Datuk Maglin Dennis D'Cruz as well as other cabinet members and politicians.

Kohilan mum on condo approval after minutes expose

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister A Kohilan Pillay has declined to comment after the minutes of a Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) full board meeting showed he had approved the controversial Dolomite Park Avenue condominium project.

Kohilan, who was a Selayang municipal councillor between 1997 and 2008, said he needed time to go through all the meetings on the project before coming up with a statement.

"Let me check again the meeting minutes... I need to go through all the meetings and then I can comment," he said when contacted this morning.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, theSun reported that the minutes of MPS full board meeting of Nov 29, 2007, showed that Kohilan and 19 other councillors, including three from the MIC, had approved the project.

The project, which includes a 29-storey condominium, has been mired in controversy because it was approved despite its proximity to the iconic Sri Subramaniar Temple in Batu Caves, and beside steep limestone hills.

Kohilan had been among the prominent figures who protested against the project on Oct 26 and accused the Pakatan Selangor government of approving the luxury project.

Asked about the veracity of the minutes that showed otherwise, Kohilan replied: "God knows... I will need to check with my lawyers."
'Approved despite DOE reservations'

Prior to the minutes becoming public, Kohilan had denied approving the project, stating that it was approved by the One Stop Centre (OSC) and not by councillors at the full board meeting of the MPS.

However, current MPS councillor Lee Khai Loon had refuted this, stating that all OSC approvals must receive endorsement from the full board meeting before approval.

Kohilan had also said that only a "planning permit" was approved during his tenure which he claims was basic and does not reveal the details of the project, such as the number of storeys.

However, according to theSun, the application for the condominium project was accompanied together with the detailed layout and building plans.

In a separate report, it was also revealed that the project was approved despite an earlier letter from the Selangor Department of Environment stating its opposition to the project as it could potentially cause landslides in the locality.

Kohilan, three MIC reps gave nod to Batu Caves project

PETALING JAYA (Nov 6, 2012): It’s official - all 19 members who attended the full board meeting of the Selayang Municipal Council voted in favour of approving the Dolomite Avenue Park project in Batu Caves in 2007. Despite earlier denials and assertions by some councillors that they were neither party nor privy to the approval process, minutes of the meeting held on Nov 29, 2007 - obtained by theSun - show otherwise. Deputy foreign affairs minister Datuk A. Kohilan Pillai, who was a councillor between 1997 and 2008, had voted in favour of the project. So did the three councillors from the MIC – Rajakupal Sinnathamby, Jayakumaran Govindasamy and Rajandran Muniandy. Both Gerakan, of which Kohilan is a member, and the MIC, have recently accused the current Pakatan-led Selangor government of approving the project. On Oct 26, former MIC president and works minister, Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, spearheaded a demonstration at the Sri Subramaniar Temple at Batu Caves - which is beside the project site - calling for a stop to the project. Kohilan, who had joined the scores of protesters, has since vehemently denied his involvement in the project's approval, claiming that only a “planning permit” was issued during his tenure. Such a permit is also referred to as a “development order” which allows immediate development. Kohilan has reportedly claimed that the application from Dolomite was basic and did not indicate details. But documents show that the application was submitted with detailed layout and building plans. The minutes also show that approval was given for dual-development - 18 units of three-story shop-lots and two tower blocks – one of 25-storeys and another of 29. In a twist of irony showing that local councils can work efficiently if they want to, council president Datuk Zainal Abidin Azim issued the go-ahead on Nov 30 – just 24 hours after the full board endorsed the approval. The minutes also showed that approval was “subject to conditions” and these included those recommended by the Geosciences and Minerals Department which has since briefed the state government on non-compliance. It is learnt that the department indicated that the developer had failed to comply with some of the conditions set, especially the construction of the Geobrugg that should have been done before the work on the shop lots had begun. Yesterday, theSun reported that the council had also defied objections from the Selangor Department of Environment (DOE) which had expressed its reservations on development which is in close proximity to the limestone hills.

Selayang Council defied the DOE 6 November 2012 The Sun Karen Arukesamy and Michelle Chun newsdesk@thesundaily.com PETALING JAYA (Nov 6, 2012): The Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) defied objections from the Selangor Department of Environment (DOE) in giving the go-ahead for the controversial development of the Dolomite Park Avenue project in Batu Caves in 2007. Even before the land was cleared for development, the council had been alerted to the geological and natural sensitivity of the nearby limestone hills and surrounding areas. Yet, the council chose to ignore such views which are critical when approving development projects. A copy of the DOE letter to the council dated Jan 24, 2007 has been made available to theSun. In the letter, which was copied to the developer, the DOE identified the problems and justified its stand on the project. The key phrase in that letter read: "Jabatan ini tidak menyokong pembangunan di atas memandangkan ianya berpotensi menimbulkan tanah runtuh dan sebagainya." (This department does not support this development as it has the potential to create landslides and other problems.) However, the DOE said that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was not necessary as the development covers about 3ha – far below the minimum area of 50ha required by the law. The council had consulted nine related agencies to provide their input on the proposed development. Even the Geosciences and Minerals Department (JMG) had its reservations and asked that five conditions be fulfilled (see box). Despite such strong objections, the council gave the go-ahead and approved the construction of 18 units of three-storey shop lots and two tower blocks – one of 25-storeys and another of 29. The construction of the shop lots has since been completed, some of which have been sold and occupied. According to planning experts, the mere construction without the developer having met the conditions, especially in the wake of the "non-support" from the DOE, should have dissuaded the council from issuing any development order. The developer, Dolomite Industries Company Sdn Bhd, submitted its plans to the council in June 2006. In an unprecedented move, within four weeks, the council sought the views of nine government agencies – unusual for councils which usually take months to get files moving. The Selangor Town Planning Department in a letter dated Aug 25 stated it had no objection as the development "had potential to be incorporated in the overall development of the neighbourhood" (see chronology). Having received feedback from the agencies, including the reservations from both the DOE and JMG, the One-Stop Centre (OSC) committee, which had been set up by the council, approved the project in a meeting on Sept 27, 2007. It is not immediately known if the comments from these two departments were considered, but according to documents made available to theSun, three councillors – Datuk Raja Paduka Wan Mahmood Pa'wan Teh, Yuszahari Mohd Yusoff and Soohaimi Abd Rahman – attended the meeting together with representatives from the departments of the council. Conspicuously present were chief clerks of the Planning and Buildings Divisions. All decisions made by the various sub-committees of the council including the OSC have to be endorsed at the council's full board meeting which is attended by all 24 appointed-councillors. It is not known when the council met but on Nov 30, 2007, council president Datuk Zainal Abidin Azim wrote to Dolomite enclosing the Development Order.

Pakatan to probe Batu Caves temple boss’ wealth

DAP says Nadarajah’s riches will be given to poor Indians if found to be ill gotten.

SEREMBAN: Batu Caves temple chairman R Nadarajah will be among the first targets of investigation into public figures suspected of accumulating ill gotten wealth if Pakatan Rakyat takes over Putrajaya after the general election, according to DAP.

If Nadarajah’s guilt were proven, the wealth he had wrongfully acquired would be confiscated and returned to poor Indians, especially those who have disabled children, said Senawang state assemblyman P Gunasekaran, who sits in DAP’s Central Working Committee.

“Nadarajah has been the Batu Caves temple chairman for the past 37 years and we believe he has extraordinary assets in Malaysia and overseas, like in Tamil Nadu and Australia,” he said.

The Pakatan programme to investigate the assets of public figures holding extraordinary wealth was announced last weekend in Seremban Jaya, during the Pakatan rally billed as Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat.

Gunasekaran spoke at that rally, promising his large rain-soaked audience a “real Deepavali” with the toppling of Barisan Nasional from the seat of power.

His speech was enthusiastically received by the mixed-race crowd, estimated to number about 30,000.

DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang also delivered a well-received speech.

Lim promised that Pakatan would abolish the Automatic Enforcement System (AES) to catch traffic offenders and replace it with “our own AES system to catch individuals with extraordinary wealth”.

“We will automatically charge them in court,” he said.

“Are you ready for the change?” he asked, and the biggest ever crowd for any Pakatan ceramah in Negeri Sembilan responded with a resounding “Yes.”

Lim used the occasion to mock Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, saying he held two records—for being the longest-serving Malaysian premier without a popular mandate, and for taking the longest time to dissolve Parliament.

He predicted that Najib would set his third record once the results of the 13th general election were in. “He will be the last prime minister from Umno.”

By Stephen Ng,
It appears to me that someone is indeed lying, and MIC should now go back to ask why former councillor, A Kohilan Pillay, had failed to block the construction project in 2007, despite his and P Kamalanathan's absence from the full board meeting.

Now that the project is going ahead, both former councillors should be held accountable for their failure to protect the interest of the Indians.

Firstly, why were they absent for something as important as the full board meeting, especially when it involved an important issue like protecting the Batu Caves, if this was ever at the heart of MIC in the first place?

Secondly, despite their absence, why did the duo not raise this issue up again after the approval was given by the full board?

Did they even write in officially to object against the project? I am sure within the MIC, there is still room to raise up the subject all the way to the president himself.

Now for former MIC president Samy Vellu to suddenly wake up and be involved in a public demonstration, and for the duo to claim that it was only a planning approval that was made by the full MPS board, and not making noise over it, is like telling the whole world that the Earth is square.

Thirdly, why did the full board approve the project despite it having social, religious and environmental implications?

In the first place, the Department of Environment had already stated its objections against the project.

The full board was then made of representatives from BN-linked political parties.

Did they not have any consideration towards the sensitivities of the Hindu community and did they think they were too powerful that no one could stand in their way to stop the project?

What irks me is to see the former MIC president himself leading the demonstration!

And the lack of sincerity in this entire issue when MIC is supposed to protect the interests of the Hindu community, in much the same way MCA is supposed to protect the interest of the Chinese.

But what history tells us is that both parties are too engrossed with power struggles so much so they has failed utterly in their role as race-based parties.

As a Malaysian citizen, I totally reject race-based political parties. It is time for us as a country to look at ourselves objectively, putting aside the emotional side of things. We are lagging behind countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

If I were a foreign investor, where would I put my money?

We should be grateful that the old investors are still having confidence in our economy, but the newer ones see us as a small economy, with too many political and policy controls over the business sector.

If we try, for the sake of winning Selangor, to apply pressure on the Selangor state government now to withdraw the project, and pay millions of ringgits to compensate the developer, Selangor taxpayers are not going to take it easy on the MIC.

In particular, on these two former MPS councillors and the entire BN which made up the full board, for their failure to stop the project right from the beginning.

We are not going to pay for their failure without lashing back at them.