Group urges reforms and inclusive dialogue to address temple disputes and strengthen interfaith harmony in Malaysia
PETALING JAYA: Concerns over temple land disputes and interfaith relations have prompted calls for a more structured and inclusive approach as stakeholders seek to ease tensions and strengthen trust among communities.
The Persatuan Bekas Pelajar Sekolah Tamil Malaysia has urged the federal government to take coordinated and decisive steps following a meeting aimed at addressing racial and religious matters on Wednesday at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).
However, the association said the session has drawn criticism and has not fully addressed underlying concerns within the Hindu community.
“The meeting was meant to foster dialogue but it has unfortunately aggravated tensions instead,” said its president Kumaran Marimuthu.
“Any discussion conducted without proper mandate, inclusivity and transparency risks worsening the crisis rather than resolving it.”
He claimed that several Hindu organisations, including the Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS), National Hindu Temple Steering Committee (NHTSC), Malaysia Hindu Dharma Maamandram (MHDM) and the Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF), have expressed reservations about the PICC session.
“These groups are rightfully concerned. Any dialogue that excludes established organisations cannot address the real issues facing our community.”
The situation extends beyond temple land registration and interfaith misunderstandings, he emphasised.
“It reflects a broader challenge in governance and enforcement.”
Kumaran said despite multiple police reports and legal actions, concerns remain over individuals whose statements, speeches and online content are seen as contributing to tensions and affecting interfaith harmony.
The association has proposed a three-pronged approach to support a more constructive way forward.
Firstly, it called on the Prime Minister’s Department to convene a fully mandated and representative national dialogue involving relevant agencies, including police, the Home Ministry, the Housing and Local Government Ministry, the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
“The dialogue should include recognised Hindu bodies, civil society organisations advocating minority rights, state representatives, members of the Malay Muslim community and other stakeholders,” said Kumaran.
He suggested holding two preliminary sessions, one involving Islamic groups and another with non-Islamic groups, before a final consolidated discussion in Putrajaya.
“Structured dialogue is essential. It cannot be symbolic or exclusionary,” he said.
Secondly, the association proposed the involvement of government agencies as facilitators and observers to ensure fairness and transparency.
The Prime Minister’s Department, police, the Home Ministry, the Housing and Local Government Ministry, the National Unity Ministry and state representatives should oversee the process and help strengthen confidence among all parties.
Thirdly, it suggested the establishment of a dedicated government department for non-Islamic affairs, tentatively named the National Harmony and Non-Islamic Affairs Department.
Operating under the Prime Minister’s Department, it would oversee temple land matters, support interfaith engagement and act as a liaison with non-Islamic religious communities.
“The department would provide a permanent and structured mechanism to help prevent future issues,” he added.
“It should be led by someone with expertise in religious and legal matters to ensure balanced and careful handling of complex issues,” said Kumaran.
The association also called for a temporary pause on enforcement actions involving Hindu temples, including eviction and relocation orders, to allow space for discussions.
“This cooling-off period is necessary to allow meaningful engagement and rebuild trust,” said Kumaran, echoing the views of MHS, MHDM, NHTSC and GHRF.
He added that long-term solutions must address historical, legal and policy gaps related to temple land status and recognition.
“The government must continue to take fair, balanced and inclusive steps to address these matters.
“Let us come together as Malaysians, across all races, to build a harmonious and united nation that is admired worldwide.”
On Feb 19, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim praised the peace meeting as a reflection of Malaysians choosing harmony over division.
He said such unity must not be taken for granted but continuously nurtured and strengthened.