Najib: Probe protest over temple relocation
By V Shankar Ganesh, NST
SHAH ALAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has expressed concern over the way a group of people had protested yesterday against the proposed relocation of a temple here.
It is learnt that he had called on the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan to investigate the matter and prevent it from getting out of hand.
About 50 people had gathered at the gates of the State Secretariat building yesterday protesting against the temple's relocation in an insulting manner to a particular community.
They were at the gates for 15 minutes before being dispersed by the police.
The group, who claimed to be residents of Section 23, had opposed the relocation of the temple in Section 19 to their neighbourhood.
Meanwhile, Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said he had spoken to the prime minister about the incident, adding that Najib was upset by what had happened.
"The prime minister is upset by what happened this afternoon. He will look into the matter immediately and nip it in the bud," Subramaniam said.
"He has also ordered the IGP to look into the matter urgently and prevent it from getting out of hand."
Subramaniam said while the prime minister was promoting the 1Malaysia concept and racial unity, yesterday's protest would hinder the process and turn back the clock.
The Section 19 temple is about 150 years old and was originally located in a plantation, but when the State Economic Development Corporation decided to develop the area into a housing estate, it left the temple there.
Initially, the temple was supposed to be relocated to an industrial area in Section 22, but was moved to Section 23 to make it more accessible for devotees.
Certain quarters had blamed the state government's lack of consultation with the people for the latest incident.
Bernama reports that Musa said he had asked Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar to investigate the case and take those responsible to task.
"I also urge witnesses to lodge police reports to enable us to take action against those involved," he said.
Khalid, when contacted by the news agency, said action would be taken against those involved in the incident.
"Whatever problems you have, discuss them first."
