URIMAI criticizes temple demolition and land allocation policies

Professor Dr. P. Ramasamy, Chairman of the Parti Bersepakat Hak Rakyat Malaysia (URIMAI), has criticized the Malaysian government regarding the demolition of a Hindu temple in Kangar, Perlis. He argued that the Perlis state government, led by Perikatan Nasional (PN), is following a zero-tolerance policy toward temples deemed illegal or unauthorized.

Ramasamy attributed the rise in such enforcement actions to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, claiming the Prime Minister initiated a campaign by labeling certain Hindu temples as illegal. He expressed concern that while land is readily provided for mosques and suraus, there is a reluctance to provide land for non-Muslim places of worship, such as Hindu temples.

The URIMAI chairman highlighted a perceived double standard in law enforcement, noting that many temples have existed since the colonial era but remain in legal limbo due to unresolved land ownership. He urged the government to take a more humanitarian approach by providing alternative sites for these religious institutions rather than proceeding with demolitions.