Kuala Lumpur: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has refuted an allegation that the government provided RM2 million in compensation to the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Jalan Masjid India, asserting the claim is entirely false and baseless.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zaliha emphasized that the government had neither promised nor approved any compensation for the temple as alleged. She clarified that no agreement or any other ‘deal’ existed beyond the resolution reached, where the temple management agreed to relocate to a new site. Dr Zaliha described the decision as a result of harmonious discussions among all involved parties, achieving a win-win solution.
Dr Zaliha mentioned that the construction of a mosque, delayed since 2020 on privately-owned land, can now proceed as planned, while the temple management has consented to move to an alternative site that has been identified. Her statement was in response to a claim made by preacher Firdaus Wong Wai Hung on Facebook, urging the government to reveal the actual ‘deal’ regarding the temple issue and questioning whether the temple received RM2 million in compensation.
Dr Zaliha reiterated that this case should not serve as a precedent for any future cases. She noted that the resolution was specific to the issue, handled with wisdom and legal compliance, considering the sensitivities of all involved parties. She called on all parties to end the controversy and avoid inciting religious or racial sentiments based on unverified information, warning that such actions could threaten the collectively built harmony and unity.
Yesterday, Dr Zaliha stated that after negotiations involving various parties, including the temple management, the government identified a new relocation site measuring 4,000 square feet, approximately 50 meters from the original location. Last Thursday, media reports indicated that discussions on the temple’s relocation, situated on land owned by Jakel Group, proceeded harmoniously among the company, the temple management, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall.