MIC deputy president M Saravanan denied allegations that the Hindu temple was built illegally, as evidence indicates that the structure is recognised by DBKL.
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC deputy president M Saravanan has denied that the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple was relocated to its current location, off Jalan Masjid India, in 2008.
Saravanan, who was deputy federal territories minister from 2008 to 2013, said certain individuals had the wrong impression that the temple shifted to the current location following a request by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
He pointed out that the shift only involved the temple workers’ quarters to make way for a road expansion project in 2008, after a request by DBKL in 2006.
“The temple was not relocated here in 2008 as some people claimed. It has always been here,” Saravanan told a press conference at the temple grounds today.
The Tapah MP also denied allegations that the Hindu temple was built illegally. He said there is clear evidence that the structure had always been recognised by DBKL.
“DBKL could have demolished it in 2008 if it had been illegal. Instead, they allowed the temple to install new pipes for its water supply. If the temple was illegal, why would DBKL have done all this?” he said.
Saravanan then showed reporters a copy of a DBKL letter in December 2008 stating that it had no objection to the plumbing work carried out on the plot.
He also dismissed rumours that the Hindu temple encroached on land reserved for a mosque, saying that the plot’s land status was categorised as “mixed development” when it was under DBKL’s jurisdiction.
Yesterday, Batu MP P Prabakaran said there had been false claims about the temple, among which was that it was built by devotees at the current site off Jalan Masjid India even though the land did not belong to them.
Prabakaran said the temple was moved to its current location, at Lot 328, Section 40, Jalan Bunus Enam off Jalan Masjid India, after obtaining all the necessary approvals from DBKL.
Earlier today, former Malaysia Hindu Sangam president A Vaithilingam dismissed such a claim, saying that the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple was never relocated in 2008.
“I was in the committee appointed by the then mayor and we had a series of meetings chaired by the deputy director-general of DBKL.
“We were able to resolve many problems involving temples (in the city),” he said in a statement.
He explained that a developer had complained and requested for the temple to be shifted for the widening of the road. The temple eventually agreed to shifting about two to three feet to make way for the construction to proceed.
“Then, DBKL approved the plan to renovate the temple. Subsequently, a kumbabishekam (blessing) ceremony was held and I was present at the event.
“S Samy Vellu, who was the works minister at the time, was also present. The temple has always been there.
“I have seen this temple at the same location since I started schooling from 1947 onwards. This is the truth,” he said.
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