KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has urged all parties to step back and allow the rightful stakeholders to handle the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple issue, warning against external interference and political opportunism.
He stressed that textile company Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd (Jakel), which owns the land, and the temple management should lead the discussions, and not other external parties.
“This matter should be handled by the landowner and the temple management. They have had numerous discussions on this, particularly as it involves Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) regarding alternative land arrangements. Give them the space to continue discussions,” he said.
“That is also what the Prime Minister has requested, and the temple management has previously expressed their views and requests regarding several relocation sites.
“This matter is being handled by DBKL and other relevant parties to ensure harmony and prevent misunderstandings. Jakel has made it clear that they want the process to proceed peacefully,” he said at a breaking of fast event with his constituents in Lembah Pantai today.
Fahmi also stressed that the land in question is privately owned and not government-owned property.
“Furthermore, land in Kuala Lumpur has been gazetted under the KL2020 local plan since 2018, and whatever is stipulated in that plan remains in effect,” he said.
The Lembah Pantai MP did not hold back in criticising those stoking tensions for their own agendas, urging all parties to stay calm and allow for an amicable resolution.
“Do not take actions that go beyond the limits of the law. I also remind all netizens that I have come across highly offensive comments. The police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are monitoring the situation.
“If anyone violates the law, stern action will be taken against them.
“The Prime Minister has also reminded everyone not to take advantage of the situation for political gain,” he added.
Previously, Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple management representative Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan expressed hope that the temple could remain at its current location, despite the land being privately owned.
She said that DBKL had a social responsibility to assist the temple in maintaining its location, as it had stood on the site for over 130 years. She also noted that the temple management was not informed about the land sale that took place in 2014.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim cautioned all parties against exploiting the issue for political mileage, stating that discussions were ongoing to find the best solution to the matter.
The land was sold by DBKL to Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd in 2014, and the company has since proposed constructing a mosque there, sparking objections from the temple management and community leaders. While Jakel has assured that no demolition will occur until relocation discussions are finalised, the temple committee remains firmly opposed to moving.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association adviser Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar defended DBKL’s actions, saying that the land sale was legally sound and cannot be undone.
He stressed that, under the National Land Code, a registered landowner’s rights are absolute and that challenging the transaction is legally baseless.
He also praised the landowner’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful resolution, drawing parallels to Islamic principles of religious respect.
However, sources told Scoop that Jakel is considering a solution that would see both places of worship standing side by side, ensuring a peaceful resolution to the land dispute. – March 22, 2025