Selangor exco condemns devotee – temple chairman altercation in PJ temple

Selangor exco for human resources and poverty eradication V Papparaidu strongly condemned the recent altercation between a devotee and the chairman of Bukit Gasing Sivan Temple in Petaling Jaya.

“Individuals entrusted with leadership or responsibility within places of worship must be held to the highest standards of conduct,” he said in a statement.

“Leadership in a religious institution demands maturity, accountability, and respect for the community it serves. Those who are unable to demonstrate these values should step aside and allow others who are capable of leading with integrity and wisdom to take responsibility.

“We call upon the relevant authorities and temple management to address this matter decisively and to implement appropriate measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Places of worship must never become platforms for personal conflicts or displays of disrespect.”

In a viral TikTok video a few days ago, the temple chairman forbade a devotee from distributing vadai after prayers.

It was to the point that the vadai was pushed away to the ground.

Following the incident the Malaysia Hindu Sangam also condemned the temple management.

Papparaidu also emphasized on the role of Hindu temples.

“Places of worship must remain open, accessible, and welcoming to all members of society. They are sanctuaries meant to promote unity, harmony, and moral values.

“Any form of dispute, confrontation, or inappropriate conduct within such spaces is a serious violation of their sanctity and undermines the purpose for which they exist.

“Temples, in particular, should stand as symbols of calm, tolerance, and ethical leadership. The incident in question reflects a failure to uphold these principles and has caused public concern and disappointment.

“Such actions not only tarnish the reputation of the institution involved but also cast a negative light on religious spaces more broadly.”