MIC wants Hindu temple issues solved amicably

KUALA LUMPUR: Matters regarding Hindu temples, including relocation and demolition of the building or structure to make way for development must be solved in an amicable way said MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.
He said the temple management and developers should hold discussions and address any issues that arise before proceeding with any construction work at the site of Hindu temples.
"With industrial development, there will be challenges faced by temples, especially temples that have been around for more than a hundred years, to stay in place without facing eviction," said Subramaniam after launching the 1st National Hindu Temple Convention, here today.
Thus, Subramaniam who is also Health Minister said laws from the state level right up to the federal level have to be taken seriously in the development of temples.
Meanwhile, a guideline on Hindu Temples was also simultaneously launched today, to provide information on Hindu temples, Hindu rites and rituals and the temple's role in the community.
Subramaniam when asked how would the guideline serve as part of the National Blueprint for the Indian community said a few temples in the country will be identified to serve the community.
"From the success of these temples, more temples will be selected to help in community transformation programmes so as to develop the Indian community," he said.
Echoing Subramaniam's sentiment was Malaysia Hindu Sangam president Datuk R. S. Mohan Shan who called on temples facing problems, especially eviction, to reach out to the association for intervention.
"We are trying to solve this problem, we want them (temple management) to invite us as a mediator, but too often they want to solve it by themselves. So, they end up having problems with developers," Mohan told Bernama on the sidelines of the convention.
MIC Central Working Committee member Datuk M. Saravanan and some 200 representatives from various temples throughout the country also attended the convention, here today. — Bernama