Ex Hindu Sangam Chief Temple Ceded Space For Roadworks Not Relocated

---

 


Former Malaysian Hindu Sangam president A Vaithilingam has clarified that the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple on Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, was not “relocated” in 2008.
He explained that after discussions, the temple committee agreed to cede “about two or three feet of temple space” to accommodate a road widening project.
Emphasising that the temple was never moved, Vaithilingam stated: “It has always been there.”
“I have seen this temple at the same venue since my school days in 1947 onwards. This is the truth,” he added in a statement.
Vaithilingam (above), who was part of a committee appointed by the then Kuala Lumpur mayor, said several meetings were held to address issues concerning temples in the area.
“We discussed this temple and were told a neighbouring developer complained, asking the temple to make way for widening the road.
“Later, we went there with DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall) officials and discussed the matter with the temple head. The developer was not there. After a few more visits, the temple agreed to give way to about two or three feet of temple space along the side of the road.
“Earlier, an alternate site along the bank of the river in the vicinity was rejected because the site was a regular flood-prone area. The sacrifice made by the temple for some roadworks solved the situation,” he added.
Controversial issue
Vaithilingam also revealed that DBKL approved plans to renovate the temple.
“Subsequently, a ‘kumbabhishegam’ (consecration ceremony) was held, and I was present. (Former MIC president) S Samy Vellu was also present,” he added.
Previous reports suggested that the 130-year-old temple was relocated to the present site where the landowner, Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd, is planning to build a mosque.
The issue became controversial after it was revealed that the temple would be moved.
Lawyers for Liberty claimed that DBKL had sold the land to Jakel Trading in 2014 without the temple committee’s knowledge.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate the groundbreaking ceremony for the mosque on March 27. - Mkini

---