HASTY DEMOLITION OF HINDU TEMPLE REGRETTED

Aliran shares the outrage expressed by Dr K Rajapathy over the callous demolition of a Hindu temple in Taman Brown by the North-East district land office in Penang.

We are particularly appalled that the temple was demolished while the temple officials were still negotiating the status of the temple with the state government.

Aliran is flabbergasted as to how the temple could be demolished when Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon had already instructed that no temple is to be demolished while negotiations are in progress.

This flagrant disregard for Koh’s authority, unfortunately, only confirms certain perceptions among some quarters that he is helpless when it comes to certain powerful bureaucrats who take matters into their own hands, ignoring a central authority that has to be consulted on sensitive issues.

The high-handed action by the district land office only demonstrates its arrogance of power and highlights the total lack of diplomacy and sensitivity that should be the hallmark of one’s conduct when dealing with religious issues.

Its hasty action is very unfortunate coming as it does so soon after the Kampung Rawa incident, when everyone is trying to diffuse tension and promote unity.
Aliran, in its latest issue of Aliran Monthly, has recommended the setting up of an inter-religious council, dialogue at all levels, and a spiritual transformation to overcome inter-ethnic strife. We urge the authorities to look into these measures urgently and seriously.

We also urge stern action to be taken against those who provoke inter-ethnic outrage through their actions.

P Ramakrishnan
President
30 May 1998