Guan Eng perturbed over temple demolition


Malay Mail 26thApril2012

Guan Eng perturbed over temple demolition

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012 - 11:32
GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng wants Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha to intervene if the demolished 50-year-old Muniswarar Hindu Shrine is not rebuilt before the next general election.

He also asked why MCA president and Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya had not apologised to the Hindu  community over the incident.
He said the shrine was demolished by the PPSB last Friday.
According to Lim, several port workers had said the shrine, used by the workers and dealers, was demolished without any prior notice.
“Even though Dr Hilmi announced that the PPSB would bear the cost of rebuilding the shrine near the Prai Bulk Cargo Teminal in the Prai Industrial Area, its general manager, Abdul Halim Abdul Kader, denied such plans,” he said in a statement.
“When I visited the area on Monday, Abdul Halim said he had checked with Dr Hilmi’s office, affirming that it would not be rebuilt in the same area. So, where then will the temple be rebuilt?
“Is this just another of BN’s empty promises to be discarded after the coming general election? To demonstrate remorse for demolishing the shrine, both Dr Hilmi and Dr Chua must apologise on behalf of the PPC and PPSB to the Hindu community.”
Lim said the failure of Dr Hilmi and Dr Chua to immediately meet and explain to the port workers and Hindu community the reason behind the demolition was “regrettable, irresponsible and disrespectful”.

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