Oppressive Malaysian authorities plan to demolish 131-year old Hindu Mandir to make way for a mosque

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s insistence on the ground-breaking ceremony for the planned mosque is another example of rising religious intolerance and oppression in Malaysia.

Devi Sri Pathrakaliamman mandir was built in 1894, prior to Malaysia’s independence from the British Empire and is located in the Jalan Masjid India area of Kuala Lumpur, which has always had a diverse population. This mandir is an integral part of the area and has served the local Hindu community for over a century. Despite existing for over a century, Kuala Lumpur City Hall approved the construction of a mosque next to the mandir and said it had identified a site for “relocating” the mandir.¹

Whitewashing the demolition

The fact that the Malaysian authorities are claiming the mandir will simply be “relocated” is clearly an attempt to whitewash the plan to demolish a historical religious site. How can the mandir be relocated without it being demolished first? The religious sanctity of the mandir is under direct attack, and relocating it would be equivalent to destroying the sanctity and holiness of the place of worship. Even the Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, has become involved by urging “an amicable resolution”.² One must question how there can be an amicable resolution to a move by the Malaysian authorities to demolish a place of worship despite those representing the mandir clearly stating they would prefer to stay where they are.³

Anwar Ibrahim is even expected to attend the ground-breaking ceremony of the mosque, which is expected to be named after his political slogan “madani”.⁴ This is extremely concerning as it highlights the current Malaysian government’s intolerance of minorities. Opposition groups have strongly criticised the moves to displace the mandir, with the United for the Rights of Malaysians Party chairman, Professor Ramasamy Palanisamy, pointing out that “the removal of a long-established Hindu temple for any other purpose is unacceptable, particularly in a nation that prides itself on being multi-racial and multi-religious”.⁴

False claims by Malaysian prime minister

Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia

Anwar Ibrahim’s false claims that the mandir had been built illegally is simply an attempt to downplay the significance of the forced displacement. A lawyer for a reputable human rights group in Malaysia has pointed out such claims display the current Malaysian Prime Minister’s “serious ignorance of the history, facts and circumstances” and is “deeply disrespectful to devotees of the temple and the Hindu community at large, and displays a surprising lack of regard on the part of a sitting Prime Minister”.⁶

The escalation of religious intolerance and oppression of minorities in Malaysia are particularly concerning because the country has a rich history of diversity and religious harmony. The early Malay kingdoms were significantly influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism, which influenced their cultural traditions and political structures.⁷ It is devastating to witness how members of the Malaysian authorities and even the Malaysian Prime Minister himself are oppressing minorities with whom they share a common ancestral heritage. It would be worthwhile for both Anwar Ibrahim and other members of the Malaysian authorities to realise that true peace and understanding will only materialise when there is mutual respect.⁸

The Malaysian authorities are sending a message that Hindus in Malaysia are not valued citizens of the country and have diminished rights. Why is the mainstream Western media not reporting on and criticising this oppressive move by the Malaysian authorities?

Whitewashing the demolition

False claims by Malaysian prime minister

References

Related Posts