I refer to the Malaysiakini report Temple demolition: Report lodged against police 'inaction' .
The Pakatan Rakyat Selangor state government should just use the Land Acquisition Act and acquire the land on which this temple is thus saving the temple. It is so simple so one wonders why the PKR MP is out there protesting with the rakyat about some police reports not acted upon. When the land is acquired, the registered owner is paid reasonably for the value of the land.
Talking about temples, the question now is what is the Selangor and the other Pakatan Rakyat state governments going to do about those temples that have been demolished? Alternative sites have to be be found and the temples re-built for the community. The same must also be done for the churches/chapels, temples, surau , etc. For the Catholics, we must think about that St Anne's Chapel in Serdang that was demolished.
The Pakatan Rakyat governments must also come in immediately and gazette (or do whatever necessary to) all land on which there are temples. If the owners individuals or other entities, then use the Land Acquisition Act or other means to ensure that the land is preserved for the temples, surau etc.
In fact, it is time for a re-look at the development for a new policy for temples, churches, surau , and other places of worship. There must be an immediate allocation of land in towns and areas where there was none during the BN rule of these states. Maybe, it should be that if there are 250 persons of a certain faith in an area (or extended area), then there is a need to build a chapel, a small temple, mosque etc.
There must also be a policy that all places of worship come under the responsibility of the state and as such there must be allocation for their maintenance. The regular monthly mowing of grass, beautification works, etc should come under the local councils. The same must also be for burial sites and cemeteries.
In fact, the Christian cemetery in Cheras is overuse. I heard that bodies are being buried above others or just too close together. There is a need for new Christian cemeteries, and cemeteries for other religions as well.
Talking about that, maybe it is time to ensure that there prayer places for all religions at all hospitals. I am sure the various different religious groups would be ever willing to look after these prayer rooms and assist in their setting-up.
Were the calls of Makkal Sakti used at them Pakatan Rakyat rallies all just for getting votes of the Indians or will we be seeing changes? The announcement of things to come in the PR states can be done now whilst the implementation could come some months later.
