15 July 2020

Press Statement by MCA Youth Deputy Chairperson Tan Chee Hiong

Postpone clearing out places of worship; seek solutions through dialogues

Set upon a multiracial backdrop, it is paramount for the Kedah state government and Alor Setar City Council to postpone taking any further action in relation to the temples and shrines, and hold a conversation with all stakeholders to explore amicable solutions.

Forcibly clearing out these places of worships by the authorities will serve no purpose but aggravate the people’s misgivings and misunderstandings against the government.

The prudent thing to do is to identify the contentious spots, and have a dialogue with the persons-in-charge to settle for an alternative, like relocating to a suitable placement. 

Take a multi-faceted approach to defuse the situation, and since this involves sensitive religious elements, MCA Youth implores the authorities to proceed forward with care.

This statement pertains to the recent clear-out notice issued to over six houses of worship by the Alor Setar City Council, and temples repurposed from shophouses were ordered to restore to its original looks.

Safety is key, and a decision should only be made after taking into consideration the feedback of the local community.

If safety is the primary concern, the authorities could resettle these temples and shrines to a more appropriate location; or if there are complaints from the nearby neighbourhood about the disruption of their daily lives, the authorities could act as the mediator between the stakeholders.

Many non-Muslim associations and organisations have trouble acquiring suitable land to build their places of worship. MCA Youth urges the government to show compassion and resolve this issue amicably.

Tan Chee Hiong
MCA Youth Deputy Chairperson

-MCA Online-