KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) will be leading an initiative to formulate long-term solutions to the ongoing issues affecting Hindu temples across the country.
The apex Hindu body will hold a town hall meeting with Hindu temple leaders at the Kalamandapam Hall, located beside Sri Kandaswamy Temple in Scott Road, Brickfields, on April 6.
Among the topics expected to be discussed are temple land matters and strategies to prevent issues like the recent controversial relocation of the 130-year-old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple.
Speaking to Scoop, MHS president Ganesan Thangavelu said his council plays a crucial role in advocating for Hindu temples to safeguard their integrity and ensure they are not subjected to allegations from certain quarters.
“Recently, Hindu temples have been subjected to various allegations from certain sections of the Malaysian community. It is truly disheartening for us to witness. We need to put an end to this and cannot allow it to continue.
“To prevent such issues from recurring, MHS will take the lead in advocating for temples to protect their integrity by ensuring they follow legal processes, have their land gazetted and secure rightful ownership.
“This process is crucial in preventing unnecessary racial tensions that are deliberately propagated by certain individuals. That is why we are holding this urgent meeting – to ensure all temple leaders are on the same page and to prevent incidents like the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple relocation from happening again.
“We will not only invite MHS members but also temple leaders who are not part of MHS, as we have a duty to protect all Hindu temples in Malaysia,” Ganesan said when contacted.
Additionally, he said an MoU will be signed with representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, with several MPs expected to be present at the meeting.
“We cannot disclose the details of the MoU at this stage, but it will be signed with the Prime Minister’s Office once we have concluded a series of closed-door discussions with our council members in the lead-up to the town hall meeting with temple leaders.
“Before signing the MoU, we will seek input and approval from all temple leaders and the Indian MPs attending the town hall on April 6.
“From MHS’ perspective, there is no political agenda behind this town hall meeting. Our sole objective is to find concrete solutions to the recurring issues concerning Hindu temples that have persisted for decades.”
The town hall meeting is scheduled to take place from 8am to 3pm on April 6. – March 31, 2025