Malaysian PM for probe into temple issue

Malaysian Premier Najib Razak has voiced concern over the way a group of Muslims protested against the proposed relocation of a Hindu temple in an area near Kuala Lumpur and vowed to nip the matter in the bud, directing police to probe it and prevent it from getting out of hand.

About 50 people had gathered at the gates of the State Secretariat building yesterday protesting against the temple's relocation in the pre-dominantly Muslim neighbourhood of Shah Alam. They were at the gates for 15 minutes before being dispersed by the police.

Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Najib asked Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan to investigate the matter and prevent the situation from getting out of hand.

Human Resources Minister S Subramaniam said he had spoken to the Prime Minister about the incident, adding that Najib was "upset" by what had happened.

"The Prime Minister is upset by what happened this afternoon. He will look into the matter immediately and nip it in the bud," Subramaniam was quoted by the 'New Straits times' as saying. "He has also ordered the IGP to look into the matter urgently and prevent it from getting out of hand."

Subramaniam said while the Prime Minister was promoting the '1Malaysia' concept and racial unity, Friday's protest would hinder the process and turn back the clock.

The President of the Malaysian Indian Congress, the largest ethnic Indian political party in the country, Samy Vellu, also strongly condemned the incident.

The 150-year-old temple was originally located in a plantation, which the State Economic Development Corporation has decided to develop into a housing estate.

Initially, the temple was supposed to be relocated to an industrial area, but was moved to another part of the neighbourhood to make it more accessible for devotees.

Certain quarters had blamed the state government's lack of consultation with the people for the latest incident.

Meanwhile, national news agency Bernama said the police chief had asked Selangor state police chief Khalid Abu Bakar to investigate the case and take those responsible to task.

"I also urge witnesses to lodge police reports to enable us to take action against those involved," he said.

Khalid, when contacted by the news agency, said action would be taken against those involved in the incident.