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Perlis govt ready for temple demolition lawsuit
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Culture & Society

Perlis govt ready for temple demolition lawsuit

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Perlis state government is prepared to face civil lawsuits over the demolition of a Hindu temple.
  • Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah stated the state has the right to defend its actions under the National Land Code 1965.
  • He advised external groups not to participate in planned protests, urging both sides to cease actions for police to resolve the issue.

The Perlis state government is ready to confront civil action filed by the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple Committee following the demolition of the place of worship. State Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah asserted that the state government possesses the right to defend its demolition actions, citing the National Land Code 1965.

The issue of lawsuits is common. On behalf of the state government, we are prepared, we will wait. Because this is our land, the state's land, so we will defend it.

— Abu Bakar HamzahThe Perlis Menteri Besar stated the state's readiness to face legal action over the temple demolition.

"The issue of lawsuits is common. On behalf of the state government, we are prepared, we will wait. Because this is our land, the state's land, so we will defend it," Hamzah stated. He indicated that any decisions made by the state government regarding such actions are considered from various perspectives.

Media reports indicated that the temple committee filed a civil suit against the Perlis state government, the Kangar Land Office, and the Kangar Municipal Council on August 19, the day before the demolition operation. The committee chairman, P Sathesh Kumar, reportedly expressed surprise at the demolition, as the state government had previously assured a grace period until the end of the year to resolve the matter.

For outsiders from Perlis, I advise you not to get involved in this rally if it is held. God willing, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will handle this matter well.

— Abu Bakar HamzahThe Menteri Besar advised external groups against participating in planned protests related to the temple demolition.

Meanwhile, Abu Bakar urged certain groups planning rallies to halt their actions. "For outsiders from Perlis, I advise you not to get involved in this rally if it is held. God willing, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will handle this matter well," he said. He added, "If possible, both parties should stop, and the state government, through PDRM, will resolve this issue amicably." Police had previously confirmed receiving a report concerning an attempted organization of a "Himpunan Merah" rally scheduled for August 30, following the temple's demolition.

If possible, both parties should stop, and the state government, through PDRM, will resolve this issue amicably.

— Abu Bakar HamzahHe called for a cessation of actions from both sides to allow the police to mediate the dispute.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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