(Video) Selangor MB asks developer to delay demolishing temple

PETALING JAYA: Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Azmin Ali has called on One City Development Sdn Bhd, to put their plans to evict and eventually demolish the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in USJ 25, Puchong on hold pending talks.
Following discussions with Selangor state executive councillor V. Ganabatirau, Klang MP Charles Santiago, Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo and Subang MP N. Sivarasa, Mohamed Azmin said he will be meeting all relevant stakeholders within two weeks to discuss and find a suitable solution to the matter.
"Over the last few days, concerns have been raised about the impending demolition of the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in USJ 25, Puchong.
"I understand that this demolition is at the initiative of the developer of the area called One City Development Sdn Bhd, who has obtained a court order giving them possession of the temple land.
"I am also informed that there is now a dispute over this court order," he said in a statement, today.
In view of the fact that this is an old temple and the concerns raised by the Indian community, Mohamed Azmin said that he has since spoken to the developer concerned and persuaded them to put their eviction of the temple on hold.
Last Thursday, a group reportedly staged a protest at the temple after learning that it will be demolished and relocated, although no such incident occurred.
This after an individual, M. Nagaraju who claimed that his grandfather had built the current temple structure along with several Indian NGOs demanded for the temple to remain at its current location.
Additionally, the group also urged the Selangor government to step in and save the temple on its religious and heritage merits.
However, the temple's management committee president K.K Chelapa said a larger piece of land in USJ 23 has been secured to relocate the temple, with One City Development agreeing to contribute RM1.5 million for the construction.
Below is a video of a group staging a peaceful protest near the temple: