KUALA LUMPUR — The resolution for the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple, which will be relocated 50 metres from its original site, is not to be taken as a precedent for other houses of worship involved in land disputes, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
Each case is to be dealt with according to its specific circumstances, she said when announcing the relocation of the temple in the Jalan Masjid India area here to give way to a mosque.
“Each case involving places of worship will be evaluated individually, based on guidelines, land status and applicable regulations.
“The government reminds all parties that any new place of worship must comply with existing guidelines and regulations to ensure harmony and public order in the Federal Territories,” she added.
Zaliha in a press conference today announced the relocation by 50 m, capping a week of emotional debate over the 130-year-old temple which sits among the city’s modern buildings and skyscrapers.
The temple’s current site is on land that belongs to Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd, which bought the plot from DBKL in 2014. It received approval to build a mosque in 2019, and the go-ahead for its construction in 2021.
Lawyers speaking for the temple committee last week said temple management was kept in the dark about the land sale.
The issue has stirred emotions and debate over the legality of the temple, and why DBKL had not offered to sell the land to the temple management.
Jakel Trading and the temple management were asked to negotiate the matter, facilitated by DBKL.
The relocation was announced today after a meeting between temple authorities and DBKL.
Zaliha said the current temple would not be demolished and would continue to operate as usual while the new structure is built.
She said the government urged everyone, including leaders and the public, not to exploit the issue by inciting racial or religious sentiments.
“This debate must end immediately. Let us all continue to preserve the harmony and peace that have long been the foundation of our nation’s strength,” she said.
“The government remains committed to respecting the rights and beliefs of all religious communities while ensuring that every decision made is fair, inclusive, and in the best interest of all,” she added.
Meanwhile, MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M Saravanan was reported saying the temple’s new location would be gazetted for its permanent use.
Saravanan, who was present at the temple management’s meeting with DBKL today, told Free Malaysia Today this was the assurance given to the temple committee.
The rush to find a resolution comes ahead of a groundbreaking ceremony for the mosque at the temple site this Thursday (March 27) to be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Earlier today, Anwar stated he would attend the groundbreaking ceremony, affirming the need for a new mosque in the area as nearby ones have reached full capacity. – March 25, 2025