Another Malaysian Hindu Temple Demolished

October 30, 2007

Source: Hindu Press International

http://www.hinduismtoday.com/hpi/2007/10/30.shtml#1

Datuk A.Vaithilingam, President of the Malaysia Hindu Sangam issued this press release today:

The Malaysia Hindu Sangam is gravely shocked at the sudden demolition of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Taman Karuppiah, Shah Alam. This has happened suddenly when the Mayor of Shah Alam ordered the temple to be demolished today because of a Court Order. It is most disturbing that the former Chairman of the temple is the late YB Dato' K. Sivalingam who passed away early this year. We are shocked at the manhandling of devotees by the Police force. Barbaric act of assault by the enforcement officers on the Chief Priest Siva Sri Ramalingga Gurukal touches on the sensitivity of Hindus in Malaysia. The devotees were able to carry the Deities to a temporary canopy tent nearby through the commotion risking their lives.

We understand that the Court Order was taken about 3 years ago for all the squatters and buildings including this temple and the places of worship to be removed. The temple until to date had not received any official notification on this matter other than verbally being told last night that they have to move to a new site within a few days. The representatives from the State Government and Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam had informed last night that they will be given a few days to move the temple. They were also told that a "Surau" (small Muslim prayer hall) nearby will also have to move.