MHDM: Ensure only Hindus are in Hindu temples

K PRAGALATH

Malaysia Hindudharma Maamandram (MHDM) has called on Hindu temple management and Hindus at large to ensure that temples are reserved for Hindus.

Its president Radhakrishnan Alagamalai called for the reservation following the controversy that sparked off after a group of Muslims visited the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple in Kampung Kasipillai, Kuala Lumpur.

“It has been made clear by certain delegation that their intent is to exploit our vulnerabilities in a concerted effort to convert Hindus to Islam,” MHDM said in a statement.

“We must take a firm stance that our temples are reserved solely for Hindus.

“The following directives should be outlined to reinforce our position:

  1. Non-Hindus should not be allowed to enter our temples beyond temple pillar in front of the inner sanctum.
  2. Non-Hindus who are believed to be and intend to propagate other than Hindu Dharma or to do conversion should not be allowed to enter our temple premises.
  3. For non-Hindus interested in understanding Hindu faith and practices, interfaith dialogue sessions can be organised in common places or included as a subject in the education system.
  4. We must assertively respond whenever our faith is humiliated or condemned.
  5. Temples should prominently display signage indicating that non-Hindus are not permitted entry beyond the temple pillar. We must have the courage to assert this boundary.

MHDM made this call following claims by Terengganu Mufti Datuk Dr Mohamad Sabri Haron and Syeikh Abdul Rahman Jaafar who said that Muslims are free to preach their faith in non-Muslim places of worship.

Controversy recently sparked off when a recording of a group of Muslims visited the temple in Kampung Kasipillai.

One of the participants who attended the event had claimed that there were similarities in Hinduism and Islam.

Among the participants include Perak Islamic Affairs Department staff.

The visit by the Muslims to the Hindu temple was organised by Global Unity Network that promotes unity and conducted contemporary preaching courses.

Global Unity Network is led by an Indian Muslim convert preacher Shah Kirit Govindji.