Block Facebook Page For Racism On Hindu Temples Ngo Urges Mcmc

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Malaysia Council of Hindu Temples and Hindu Associations (Mahima) president N Sivakumar urged MCMC to block a Facebook page where racist remarks were made in regard to the construction of temples and shrines in the country.
"Why are they (posters and commenters in the group) targeting minorities?" Sivakumar (above) asked when contacted by Malaysiakini.
Based on Malaysiakini’s checks, the Facebook page titled "Rumah Ibadat Haram Dibina Dimana Hari Ini?" (Where are illegal houses of worship being established today?), commentators post pictures, videos, and locations of small temples and shrines.
One of the users shared a video from another page, which depicted a small shrine off the road in Petaling Jaya, allegedly from 2014 until now. Commentators urged the public to lodge reports against the structures.
One poster even claimed those who construct illegal temples are supporters of Zionism - while another brought up the death of firefighter Adib Kassim, who died after a riot at a temple in Selangor.
The group currently has 37,432 members and is rising. The earliest post found in the group was made on March 22.
When contacted, MCMC said it had not received any complaints about the Facebook page.
Exaggerating the issue
Unimpressed, Sivakumar criticised the page administrator for exaggerating the whole issue, adding there was no point in posting comments on it as it would only trigger retaliation.
"Then, it will also become a religious issue," he added.
The issue began with a controversy around the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple in Kuala Lumpur, which will be demolished to make way for a mosque.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the temple was built without permission and must be handled lawfully while ensuring a respectful relocation.
The issue has since been resolved amicably as the temple committee has struck a deal with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) over the relocation.
Earlier, Malaysia Mosque for Al-Aqsa and Palestine (MM4AP) co-chairperson Ahmad Awang warned certain quarters against fuelling religious tension by likening alleged land encroachments to build Hindu temples in Malaysia to the Israeli Zionist regime’s occupation of land in Gaza.- Mkini

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