SHAH ALAM, 7 Dec: Investigation will be held regarding the destruction of a non-Islamic alter in the compound of a house in Sepang on the 20th of November, to determine whether the action was in accordance with proper procedures.
Health, Plantation Workers, Poverty and Caring Government Exco member, Dr Xavier Jayakumar said that the Sepang Municipal Council (MPSp) was directed to gather all evidence and present it in the next two weeks.
He said that the MPSp enforcement officers’ action which was contradictory to the Standing Orders issued by the State Government through the Council of non-Islamic Affairs that prohibits destruction of religious structures.
He said that a briefing was given by MPSp last Wednesday to Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and State Executive Council members.
He said that among those involved in the briefing was the President of the MPSp, Mohd Sayuthi Bakar as well as the Director of Development and the Director of the MPSp Enforcement Department.
“From the briefing given, the President of MPSp said that he was not informed of the demolition of the alter.
“The non-Islamic Affairs Council was co-chaired by YB Ronnie Liu, YB Teresa Kok and I also did not received any information about it.
“The affected parties in this action can be considered unilateral and I trust this is a sabotage,” he said in a statement today.
Previously, it was reported that a total of 30 MPSp enforcement officers went to a house at Taman Seroja, Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi and demolished an alter that was built within the compounds of a house.
The action was taken because the homeowner allegedly violated MPSp bye-laws.
Dr Xavier explained that starting from 2008, the State Government has issued a directive to all Local Authorities and Land Offices, to not demolish places of worship that have existed before 2008.
He said that the decision was taken to facilitate the approval of the worship places from the relevant authorities.
He said that currently there are at least 30 places of worship built with complete approval granted by the Local Authorities.
“We advise all parties to comply with the state law. If the law is not complied with and the action itself was taken then we will have difficulty in correctly improving the administration system.
“Only through consultation, discussion and understanding, we will be able to achieve the necessary changes in society,” he said.