Temples, Law, and Harmony: A Call for Wisdom, Courage, and MADANI Leadership
V GANABATIRAU
The recent call for a rally against so called unregistered temples requires calm reflection, not emotional reaction. This issue is far more complex than it is being portrayed, and it must be understood through historical context, social realities, and the spirit of our Constitution. Simplistic narratives and public mobilisation risk deepening mistrust rather than resolving long standing problems.
At the outset, let me state clearly that many Hindu temples in Malaysia are yet to be gazetted as official places of worship. This does not mean they were built with ill intent or in defiance of the law.
Hindu temples are an inseparable part of daily religious life. Worship in Hinduism is not confined to weekly rituals. It is embedded in everyday routine, family life, and community identity. Historically, wherever Hindu communities settled, temples naturally emerged.
Many of these temples were established decades ago, particularly in estate areas during the colonial and early post independence periods. The land they occupy often remains in legal limbo, yet to be transferred, alienated, or properly registered.
These are not acts of lawlessness but consequences of unresolved historical land administration issues. Most temple committees are actively working towards regularisation, engaging in prolonged and complex negotiations with land offices and local authorities.
I want to be clear that we must abide by rules and regulations. The rule of law is non negotiable. However, laws must be applied with fairness, wisdom, and historical awareness. One uncomfortable truth must be acknowledged.
In every taman and new housing project, developers are required to allocate land for surau or masjid. This is institutionalised and enforced. The same obligation has never existed for non Muslim places of worship.
As a result, one community receives structured provision, while others are forced to struggle, sometimes for generations, just to secure a small piece of land for worship. This structural imbalance cannot be ignored.
There are also many Hindu temples built on land purchased with community funds or on privately owned land. These are legitimate efforts by citizens exercising their constitutional right to freedom of religion. Yes, there are temples built in unsuitable locations, by roadsides, near drains, or on reserve land. These cases require coordinated, humane, and practical solutions by the government and authorities, not public anger or selective enforcement.
Malaysia already has established bodies such as the Malaysia Hindu Sangam, Malaysia Hindu Mamandram, and MAHIMA to engage constructively with the government on these matters. Temple issues are sensitive and must be handled through dialogue, negotiation, and policy reform. Street rallies are not the answer.
What is deeply troubling is the selective outrage we are witnessing. I have never seen large scale rallies against corruption scandals that shocked the nation, issues involving defence procurement, e waste corruption, underage marriage, children born outside wedlock, illegal immigrants, or rising rape cases. Yet when it comes to sensitive religious matters, there is a rush to mobilise anger.
Even more concerning is the timing of the planned rally on the 7th, coinciding with the arrival of the Prime Minister of India, the leader of the world’s third largest economy. We must ask ourselves honestly. Are we trying to embarrass Malaysia on the international stage? Or worse, to humiliate our own Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in front of a world leader?
Some have attempted to justify this by making sweeping claims about discrimination against Muslims in India. Facts matter. India has had a Muslim President, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, revered as the father of India’s nuclear programme. India is home to world renowned Muslim scholars, scientists, and leaders.
There are thousands of mosques, madrasahs, and dargahs across India, far more than in Malaysia. As of 2025, India’s Muslim population stands at approximately 202 million. If systematic discrimination were as absolute as claimed, would Arab nations be strengthening strategic and economic ties with India today?
This is why the authorities must act decisively. Any rally that risks inflaming religious sentiment, especially during the visit of a world leader, should not be allowed. National interest, social harmony, and international dignity must take precedence.
However, there is another issue we must confront honestly. Silence. Silence from the government and its leaders is not neutral. It is damaging. When the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, and Ministers remain quiet on issues that deeply affect a community, that silence is read as indifference. The government must speak. It must explain. It must reassure, without hurting religious sentiments, but firmly and clearly.
This is where the MADANI approach must be lived, not just spoken. MADANI governance is about compassion, justice, respect, and courage. Leadership does not mean avoiding difficult conversations. Leadership means addressing them with wisdom and empathy. The Indian community does not expect special treatment. It expects fairness, dignity, and acknowledgement.
If the perception grows that Hindu places of worship are being humiliated while leaders remain silent, the consequences will be political and moral. Communities may not protest loudly. They may simply withdraw. Sitting out during elections is also a form of protest. Silence from leaders today may translate into silence at the ballot box tomorrow.
Let me also be frank. This issue is not solely the fault of temple committees. It is partly the failure of land offices, local authorities, and yes, we as Indian politicians. We know the solutions. With serious political will and coordinated administrative action, this issue can be resolved comprehensively within one year. What is lacking is urgency and commitment.
Temple matters must be resolved through governance, not grandstanding. Through dialogue, not rallies. Through justice, not selective enforcement. And through MADANI leadership that speaks with courage, fairness, and respect for all Malaysians.
That is the Malaysia we must defend, and the Malaysia we owe to future generations.
V GANABATIRAU is Klang MP.