MB slammed by Pakatan MPs over ‘non-handling’ of altar issue

(NST) – Two Pakatan Rakyat MPs have hit out at the Selangor government over its handling of the demolition of a Hindu altar by the Sepang Municipal Council.

The person facing the brunt of their anger was none other than Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, who was chided for his hands-off approach in handling the issue.

Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo said it was unbecoming of Abdul Khalid to keep quiet despite the severity of the situation and wide condemnation from both sides of the political divide.

“Silence in situations like this by the menteri besar is, to my mind, clearly unacceptable,” Gobind, who is also DAP national legal bureau secretary, was quoted as saying by a news portal yesterday.

Gobind demanded to know how the Sepang Municipal Council managed to demolish the shrine despite being aware of the state government’s position on the matter.

“Why did they do it? Abdul Khalid should show he is serious and act against those who disobey,” he said, adding that the menteri besar must put a stop to such acts and respond promptly in dealing with such cases.

Gobind said it was about time Abdul Khalid met with all the local council chiefs and officials from the land office and demanded that they follow orders.

Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam also took the Selangor government to task for their flip-flop stance over the issue of temple demolition.

He said it had become clear that Pakatan elected representatives were not keeping to their promise that places of worship in Pakatan-led states would not be touched.

“They claimed to champion the issue but have done little in terms of action.”