Kuala Lumpur: The harmonious resolution of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple relocation issue underscores the MADANI Government’s success in addressing religious sensitivities with wisdom, fairness, and consensus. Community Communications Department (JKOM) director-general Datuk Ismail Yusop emphasized that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s firm stance that the temple would not be demolished but must adhere to legal procedures reflects the Malay adage ‘seperti menarik rambut dalam tepung, rambut jangan putus, tepung jangan berselerak’, which means to handle matters carefully and fairly.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ismail expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s wisdom in leading the MADANI Government, allowing the issue to be resolved peacefully without racial or religious conflict. The government’s approach respected the landowner’s rights, addressed the needs of the temple community through negotiation, and achieved a win-win solution that preserved interfaith harmony.
Following discussions among various parties, it was announced that a new 4,000-square-foot site, approximately 50 meters from the original location along Jalan Masjid India, was identified for the temple’s relocation. Ismail highlighted that the MADANI Government’s approach, which involved negotiation, respect for land ownership, planned relocation, and maintaining harmony, was a result of discussions with multiple stakeholders, including the temple management.
He described this as a manifestation of inclusive and mature leadership, where decisions are made with careful consideration rather than pressure or confrontation. Meanwhile, PKR Religious Understanding and Strengthening Department director, Amidi Abdul Manan, urged all parties to respect Anwar’s decision and cease further disputes over the temple relocation. He noted that racially driven arguments could cause divisions in the country.
Amidi emphasized that the Prime Minister made two clear points: Malaysia is a nation of laws, and it is essential to respect and adhere to established rules and regulations. Additionally, he stated that this resolution should not set a precedent for future cases, as each temple-related issue must be considered individually based on its unique circumstances.