One City Development Sdn Bhd today expressed regret and sadness over “events that have unfolded” in the move to relocate the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Subang Jaya.
At the same time, the owner of the land on which the temple sits, reiterated that it had not hired “unruly people to instigate riots” at the temple on Monday and that it wanted an “appropriate” resolution to the dispute.
They said in a statement: “Our unwavering value for law, order, peace and harmony are the reasons why we have taken our time in exercising the execution of the consent judgment for the temple’s relocation which was issued in 2014 by the Shah Alam High Court.
“The temple transfer operations have always been coordinated with the local authorities and relevant agencies to ensure its proper and peaceful relocation. We are cognisant and respectful of the cultural and religious sensitivities in Malaysia, which we thought were being handled appropriately.”
They were obviously referring to remarks by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who, in commenting on reports that the developer’s lawyers had hired “thugs” to break into the temple, said: “They did not think it through when they asked Malays to take charge of the Hindu temple. These were foreigners, they do not understand Malaysian practices or culture.”
The statement said: “Media reports now point to our company for the hiring of unruly people to instigate riots and civil unrest, all for the purpose of relocating the temple. These reports are absolutely inaccurate. The personnel on the site were in fact directed to provide logistical support and assist in the orderly relocation under police watch.
“We sincerely regret the situation. We are fully committed to the Malaysian government and the leadership of the prime minister for guidance and appropriate resolution at the earliest possible time.”
One City: We respect Malaysian law, want ‘appropriate’ resolution to temple issue