KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 — Muslim residents at Puncak Alam, Kuala Selangor, protested today against the planned construction of a Hindu temple in the Muslim-majority area, a lawmaker has said.
Kuala Selangor MP Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim, who was not at the protest, told Malay Mail Online he was informed that some 300 to 500 residents showed up to express their dissatisfaction against the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state government for purportedly approving the construction of the temple without consulting residents.
“The argument is that 95 per cent is Muslim population; they wonder why the state government did not discuss with them before approving the development,” Irmohizam told Malay Mail Online over the phone.
The Umno lawmaker said the residents had reached out to him thinking that approval fell under the federal government, after they saw a sign saying that a Hindu temple will be built at Puncak Alam.
“They were so shocked and they were not very happy with the decision. I told them this is under the state government,” he said.
Irmohizam said he was also told that some of the protesters are at the police station to give their statements on why they held the rally, which was held at the land where the temple will purportedly be built.
Irmohizam said he understands that the protesters have sent letters to Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali’s office, as well as to the Kuala Selangor Municipal office and the land district office to voice their dissatisfaction.
About 50 residents at Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya, staged a protest against a new church in the area last month for putting up a cross on its façade, forcing it to later remove the Christian religious symbol.
The Muslim residents claimed that displaying the cross in a Muslim-majority area is a challenge to Islam and could influence young Muslims.
