Hindu Sangam / Hindu Sevai Sangam – inaction or betrayal?

They held a demonstration, dragging a severed cow-head, an animal sacred in Hinduism, which they stomped on and spat. They guaranteed bloodshed and racial tension should the relocation take place.

If they can do something so atrocious during Ramadan which Muslims observe as a holy month where even wars and conflicts are stopped and put to a hold, God only knows what is to come.

This incident got the whole nation furious against the Federal government led by UMNO and the ineffectiveness of the police force. The police allowed the protesters to incite religious hatred and declined to maintain civil order as well as the rule of law.

Then the Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein endorsed the whole incident by defending and justifying the demonstration after meeting with the Malay-Muslim representatives of Shah Alam's Section 23 at his office.

It is interesting to note that a check revealed that the neighbourhood was multi-racial, with Indians making up more than a quarter of those who live there. Also, a recent visit by Malaysiakini to the Section 23 residential area indicated that the proposed temple site was located at the junction of Persiaran Jubli Perak and Persiaran Perusahaan, facing an industrial lot. Separated by a playground, a TNB generator and a multi-purpose hall, the temple is about 400 meters away from the nearest houses, mostly occupied by Indians and Chinese.

Many individuals,leaders,groups ,opposition and NGO’s condemned and expressed their disapproval. There were similar condemnation from international bodies and organizations. A candle light vigil is being organized to express protest.

First temples were being demolished and now even relocations are objected to. There are so many places in Malaysia where temples, mosques and churches are built near each other. There is nothing in the Quran or the constitution that says it is wrong. If mosques are built in non-Malay majority areas, would that mean non-Malays can now protest?

Can they step on the Quran or bring a swine's head into the compound of a mosque to protest?

This blatant display of intolerance and insensitivity is concluded by some to be the result of 40 years of government-enforced indoctrination on the Malay community. Right from school, Malays are taught about the superiority of Islam during compulsory religious classes by comparing it to other 'inferior' religions and the  creeping Islamisation of government schools is there for all to see.

It is vital here to recognise that the Hindu temple concerned was built 150 years ago at the time when that part of Selangor was still just a jungle. Then the jungle was cleared and turned into a rubber estate and, soon after, the temple emerged to serve the needs of the Indian estate workers. So the temple was built long before Shah Alam ever became a residential area, let alone a Malay residential area.

In that sense the houses that came along 100 years or so later encroached on the Hindu temple. It was not a case of a Hindu temple being built in a housing area, or a Malay housing area. It was a case of the houses being built in the Hindu temple area. So the houses were ‘disturbing’ the Hindu temple rather than the other way around. But the Hindu temple was asked to relocate because it was accused of disturbing the housing area whereas it should have been the Hindus who should have protested against the houses that were now ‘disturbing’ their temple.

Recently, we lost the rights to the only Indian Heritage village Kg Buah Pala in Penang, and now the Section 23 temple. Do we keep giving in on what  rightfully belongs to us or does all of this serve a greater hidden agenda?

What is worse is that despite the despicable and degrading manner in which the Muslim residents of Section 23 in Shah Alam insulted the Hindu religion and the Indian community, encouraged by the irresponsible police and later defended and justified by a minister who has so often himself been cited for inciting violence a group who call themselves the Malaysia Hindu Sevai Sangam so indignifiedly met the protesting residents the day after the protest to hold a dialogue.

VK Regu apparently said his movement had a fruitful meeting and that they had explained to the Muslim residents how the Hindus' feelings were hurt by their actions. He also told them why cows are considered sacred to the Hindus, adding that his movement plans to hold more meetings with the residents in the near future.

What right did they Hindu Sevai Sangam have to speak to this group of abusive, racist extremist as representatives of the Hindu and Indian community? When the entire nation and international groups are at an uproar with the apparent racism and lack of religious freedom in Malaysia, why do you belittle yourself? Where is your dignity in sucking up to the Malays? Is this perhaps why some have lately graded you as “Najib’s ally” in attempting to divert the Indians' ongoing struggle against discrimination, inequality, marginalization, injustice and racism?  

The so-called police are apparently still investigating the matter when the crime is so apparent and the perpetrators so visible. The BN government through its minister has endorsed the illegality of the act and the words uttered. No apology has been made for bringing the entire nation into disruption and yet the Hindu Sevai Sangam has jumped the gun in the pretense of remedying the state of affairs. But who for? Perhaps the Federal Government or even UMNO but certainly not for the Hindus.

Now the Hindu Sangam, by wanting to meet up with the residents of  Section 23 in Shah Alam seems to be in competition with the Hindu Sevai Sangam on who will suck up to the BN led government first. Haven’t you learnt from the past, aren’t the wounds still fresh? And yet you have not voiced your condemnation and disapproval nor have you demanded for immediate and tough action to be taken as strongly and vividly as many other individuals, groups, NGO’s, and politicians. It is similar inaction by you in the past that has allowed others to trample on our religion. And you call yourself the national representative of Hindus and Hinduism. This is a state of disgust. Shame on you.

We have had enough of this “mandore” like interferences only to leave matters unanswered and rectified.

There are many who believe that the organisers of the Section 23 protest will only get a slap on the wrist and nothing more. It would be similar to what happened at Kg Medan where none of the Malays who participated in the riots were punished and that would it be any different with this lot?

This group must apologize publicly for their actions. However, a public apology and the law are two different matters all together. The law must still take its course. If the law is not exercised in a just manner it will create greater havoc in the country. The actions of this group will be used as precedent for other groups and this is dangerous for all and definitely not in the best interests of Malaysia.

We will no longer remain silent; we will strive for our rights with our heads held high.