KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has reminded all parties not to exploit the issue of the relocation of a temple along Jalan Masjid India for personal or political gain.
He urged those not directly involved to allow space for the relevant parties to resolve the matter peacefully and to refrain from taking actions that go beyond the boundaries of the law.
Fahmi, who is also the Lembah Pantai MP, said the matter should be handled by the landowner, Jakel Group, in collaboration with the management of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), which is facilitating the relocation and providing an alternative site.
“There have been extensive discussions among them. Therefore, those of us on the outside should give them space to continue their negotiations, as requested by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“The temple management had previously expressed their views and made requests regarding alternative locations. This matter has been and is being managed by DBKL and other parties to ensure harmony and prevent any misunderstandings, as Jakel also wishes for this process to proceed peacefully and smoothly,” he said.
Fahmi was speaking to the press after attending an Iftar and Hari Raya Aidilfitri assistance distribution event for Lembah Pantai residents here today.
He reminded all parties to avoid posting offensive comments on social media.
“The Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission are continuously monitoring the situation, and if anyone is found to have violated the law, strict action will be taken against them,” he said.
Earlier, the minister presented Aidilfitri assistance to 30 family representatives attending the event.
Some 1,100 families received aid of RM150 per family from the Lembah Pantai MP's office.
On Thursday (March 20), it was reported that discussions on the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple, which is situated on land owned by Jakel Group, were progressing harmoniously between the company, the temple management, and DBKL.
Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif said that DBKL is acting as a facilitator to ensure the smooth relocation from private land to a new site.
— Bernama
