Malaysian PM orders probe into temple protest

Kuala Lumpur, Aug. 29 (ANI): Expressing concern over Friday's protest against a temple relocation proposal, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has asked the Inspector-General of Police, Musa Hassan, to investigate the matter.

"The prime minister is upset by what happened this afternoon. He will look into the matter immediately and nip it in the bud. He has also ordered the IGP to look into the matter urgently and prevent it from getting out of hand," the New Strait Times quoted Human Resources Minister Dr S. Subramaniam, as saying.About 50 people had gathered at the gates of the State Secretariat building to stage protest against the temple's relocation in a violent manner. The protest continued for 15 minutes before they were dispersed by the police.The group, who claimed to be residents of Section 23, had opposed the relocation of the temple in Section 19 to their neighbourhood.Subramaniam said while the prime minister was promoting the 1Malaysia concept and racial unity, yesterday's protest would hinder the process and turn back the clock.The Section 19 temple is about 150 years old and was originally located in a plantation, but when the State Economic Development Corporation decided to develop the area into a housing estate, it left the temple there.Initially, the temple was supposed to be relocated to an industrial area in Section 22, but was moved to Section 23 to make it more accessible for devotees. Certain quarters had blamed the state government's lack of consultation with the people for the latest incident. (ANI)