Relocation of Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple Gazetted for Permanent Use
PETALING JAYA: In a sudden turn of events, the new location for the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple has been gazetted for permanent use, according to MIC deputy president M Saravanan. This development comes after the plan to relocate the 130-year-old Hindu temple to make way for a mosque had sparked a public backlash, including from NGOs, politicians, and lawyers.
Background
Earlier today, federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa announced that the temple would be moved 50m away to accommodate the construction of a mosque. The temple’s committee had agreed to the relocation, with the new site measuring 4,000 sq ft – the same as its existing premises.
Gazettement Details
Saravanan assured that "(The land will be) gazetted for permanent use by the temple. That is the assurance they (the temple committee) have been given." However, he emphasized that no further details have been made known. "There are no details as yet. We will find out later," he said.
FMT has reached out to Kuala Lumpur mayor Maimunah Sharif for further details on the gazettement.
Background to the Controversy
The plan to relocate the temple to make way for the mosque had caused widespread criticism. At a press conference last week, Aiman Dazuki, legal head of Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd, explained that the company acquired the land in 2012 and received permission to begin constructing a mosque there in 2021. However, he stated that Jakel had delayed the process "out of respect" for the temple’s relocation process. Aiman added that the firm had agreed to pay for the temple’s relocation, citing land constraints that made it impossible to proceed with the mosque’s construction without the temple’s relocation.
Conclusion
The gazettment of the new location for the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple is a significant development, offering a sense of relief to the Hindu community and others who had expressed concerns about the temple’s relocation. As the construction of the Madani Mosque proceeds, it is crucial that all parties involved remain committed to finding a mutually beneficial solution that respects the rights and beliefs of all stakeholders.
FAQs
- What is the new location of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple?
The new location has been gazetted for permanent use, but further details have not been disclosed. - What is the size of the new location?
The new site measures 4,000 sq ft, the same as the existing premises. - Who has agreed to pay for the temple’s relocation?
Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd has agreed to pay for the temple’s relocation. - What is the current status of the mosque construction?
The mosque’s construction is set to proceed, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Thursday.