‘Temple intruders hired by firm’s lawyers’
PETALING JAYA: Lawyers of the developer at the centre of the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple issue hired a group of thugs to trespass into the premises, said Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He said police investigations revealed that RM150,000 was handed to the group leader by the lawyers, and the money was used to pay some 50 men to intrude into the temple.
“The irresponsible and unlawful trespass angered Hindu devotees and this resulted in fights and property damage.
“The behaviour and actions of parties associated the developer had violated the law. If action had not been taken, there would have been a clash.”
Two lawyers were among the 21 who have been arrested over the unrest.
“We should not allow an isolated incident involving a dispute between the developer and the temple committee to cause racial and religious disharmony,” he said, adding that the Home Ministry and police will take action against any party making racist statements that are provocative or seditious, or spread false news and organise gatherings to create racial tension.
Muhyiddin said there was no need for declaration of a curfew it as the police had managed to control the situation.
Bernama reported that the remand order against two representatives of One City Development Sdn Bhd has been extended by three days, until Saturday.
A two-day remand against them was issued on Tuesday.
A four-day remand order was also issued against four other individuals, aged between 20 and 40.
They were remanded under the Penal Code.
Attempts to obtain comments from the developer were unsuccessful at press time.