Perkasa trying to instigate over Hindu temple, Ku Nan says

(The Malay Mail) – Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor slammed Malay rights group Perkasa, labelling them instigators following the latter’s criticisms on the construction of the Sri Lalithambikai Alayam temple in Putrajaya.

“Why do they the need to make noise? Malaysia is a pluralistic country with many cultures, religions and races,” he said.

“Building a temple there won’t turn everyone in Putrajaya into Hindus. They (Perkasa) want to become instigators.”

His reaction was in reference to Perkasa Youth chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris who had on Wednesday said the construction of the temple in Putrajaya was unsuitable as the majority of those living there were Muslims.

Irwan was quoted as saying the temple’s doors should be facing Banting because there was a higher population of Hindus there and it would make it easier for devotees to get to the temple.

Tengku Adnan said Perkasa need to understand that there were temples in the area even before Putrajaya was developed.

“Before Putrajaya was developed, there were 17 temples in the estate there. The government promised to build a temple there because there are between 600 and 700 Hindus living there,” he said.

Tengku Adnan said the construction of the Sri Lalithambikai Alayam temple would benefit other races and not just the Hindus.

“It is constructed differently from other temples. There will also be a hall and a library. It is not just a temple, and it is not only for Hindus. Muslims, Christians, and everyone can use it,” he said.

The development of the Sri Lalithambikai Alayam temple in Presint 20, was announced in 2013 by Envoy to India and South Asia Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, costing RM12 million.

The temple will be able to accommodate 10,000 devotees and was initially scheduled to be completed by the middle of this year.