Press Statement issued by Wanita MCA Selangor chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun

30 September 2008

CHEW MEI FUN: Pakatan Rakyat’s promise to protect religious freedoms merely a ploy

Wanita MCA Selangor chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun today condemned the Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor state government’s action in demolishing the Sri Mahakaliaman Hindu temple which had contradicted their earlier promise to the Indian community. “It appears that Pakatan Rakyat’s promise of religious freedoms and protection of houses of worship before the March 8 General Elections was merely a ploy to fish for votes. Such a stunt belittles the voters’ trust and support in them.”

“The Indian voters supported the Pakatan Rakyat during the General Elections because they did not expect such treatment to befall them. It is unfortunate that the Selangor state government’s behavior of demolishing temples continues to happen.”

Mei Fun said on 10 September 2008, the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council without prior notice had demolished the 50-year-old Sri Mahakaliaman temple was disrespectful. “Such an act of disrespect against Hindu believers has hurt the feelings of local Hindu residents.”

“The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council enforcement officers demolished the temple without attempting to relocate the temple to another suitable place. They also heavy-handedly demolished the temple which is a sacred place of worship for Hindu believers. They did not take into consideration of the feelings of Hindu believers.”

According to a report, Ampang Jaya has ten Hindu temples which face the same fate of being demolished. Mei Fun hopes YB Ronnie Liu who is responsible for local council matters will look seriously into the matter whereby action will be taken against local council enforcement officers who forcibly demolished temples.

“Residents in Selangor especially the Indian community would want the Selangor government to quickly respond to Hindu temple demolition and explain to the public and take necessary action against those responsible for this act to resolve the unhappiness among the affected Hindu believers.”

Mei Fun also urged Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor government to be sincere when dealing with multi-religious issues. She added, “they should practise what they preach and not to clown around with people’s trust and support placed in them.”