Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Get approval before building temples - The Star

May 6, 2008

MALAYSIA Hindu Sangam has advised Hindu temple building committees to get approval from local authorities before building their temples to avoid any untoward incident.

Its Butterworth Council chairman G. Shanmuganathan said it was important for temple committees to follow the law failing which illegally constructed temples would be demolished.

“We cannot blame the government when such things happen,” he said during a meeting with representatives from 32 temple committees and six Hindu-based non-governmental organisations recently.

Present were Bagan Dalam assemblyman A. Tanasekharan, Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer and philanthropist Datuk R. Arunasalam.


Friendly chat: Tanasekharan (white short-sleeved shirt) talking to temple representatives and Hindu NGO leaders. With them is Rayer (white, long-sleeved shirt).

Shanmuganathan said there were instances where these committees submitted their plans after the structures had already been up in the hope that local authorities would approve them.

He also advised Hindus to restrict the number of temples erected and to be aware of their temple sites so that they would not be relocated.

At the dialogue, the participants highlighted various issues including police delay in issuing procession permits despite them having submitted the applications much earlier.

Tanasekharan and Rayer promised to look into the issues raised and approach the relevant authorities.

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