Politics and religion don't mix: Malaysia

Politics and religion don't mix

Jan. 6, 2008

You can’t mix oil and water. They are two different entities. Similarly, politics and religion cannot mix, as otherwise there will be chaos. A politician has to deal and wheel to improve himself, his family, friends, supporters and also kiss and lick the leading political contenders of the day to retain his position with an eye to the future. He is at most, a devious character.

On the other hand a religious person, is one, who leads the people to God including himself. He has to have some piety, lead a reasonably good life, set an example by living a religious life, knowledgeable of the history and practices of the religion concerned.

Now, there are plans afoot to set up a Council of Hindu Temples under the guidance of MIC Selangor.

Simply, the Hindu temples in Selangor will become mouth-pieces of MIC and I dare predict the leaders will be MIC members who will have another platform to harangue the worshipers how good MIC is. The temples will lose their autonomy, and turn subservient to MIC.

State Unity, Estate and Mines Workers Welfare committee chairman Kamala Ganapathy said the council would come up with regulations and requirements and also give approvals for the construction of new temples.

“The council can assist in resolving problems faced by unregistered temples as well as those constructed illegally,” she said.

Give approvals for the construction of new temples? Grow up lady, you can’t usurp the powers of the State governments by setting up a council. Or is she suffering from election euphoria?

As to unregistered and illegal temples, MIC should have acted earlier, perhaps she can travel around Selangor get the details and thereafter take action as necessary. One pathetic thought, she may not be around that time, the way things are going, but the least in her dying moments of power do something erstwhile.

There is no need of a council. Let the temples manage on their own without political interference.

Temples, do not lose your freedom.

How are you going to celebrate Thaipusam.? Vows and pledges made can be fulfilled at any temple, not in Batu Caves alone. Gather a few friends go early to a nearby temple, pray, and adjourn for a nice breakfast to celebrate the day. You don’t meet the Batu Caves hazzle.

Datuk R.Nadarajah is waiting for a crowd of 1.5 million at Batu Caves. After the fiasco of the Hindraf crowd being treated badly, fingers point to the Datuk and another sibling of a VIP for the disturbances, do you want to go to Batu Caves and fill up the coffers of the temple. Other temples require financial assistace as well.

The Star Report is below:

Nation
Sunday January 6, 2008

Council to handle issues affecting Hindu temples

By A. LETCHUMANAN

KUALA LUMPUR: A Council of Hindu Temples will be set up in Selangor to look into the construction, demolition and relocation of temples within the next six months.

State Unity, Estate and Mines Workers Welfare committee chairman Kamala Ganapathy said the council would come up with regulations and requirements and also give approvals for the construction of new temples.

“The council can assist in resolving problems faced by unregistered temples as well as those constructed illegally,” she said.

She said this following Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo’s statement on Friday that the state government would refrain from taking action against temples built without approval while waiting for the setting-up of a committee to deal with the government on issues concerning Hindu temples.

He had called for the setting-up of a committee during an hour-long meeting with representatives of some 700 Hindu temples in the state.

The meeting was organised by the newly set-up Malaysian Hindu Council.

Kamala said the council would compile the records of the temples and their problems in the state.

She said she would meet with MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu over the setting-up of the council.

In a statement, Samy Vellu said councils on Hindu temples would be set up in every state.

He said state MIC chiefs or state executive councillors from the MIC would chair the councils.

The councils would seek alternative land for temples which were built on a private or government land, said Samy Vellu.