Anwar met with temple committee as a gesture of goodwill.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that the resolution of the dispute over a planned mosque on the site of a Hindu temple along Jalan Munshi Abdullah is not a triumph of arrogance but a testament to the wisdom, strength, and nobility of Islam.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Madani Mosque, Anwar reminded Muslims that true victory comes from demonstrating fairness, compassion, and goodwill.
“This victory, as I remind my fellow Muslims, is not borne of sheer arrogance but our willingness to display wisdom and strength of Islam. To me, that is the true falah (victory)—a victory when we set a good example by displaying compassion, fairness, and not hatred or spite,” he said.
Following the ceremony, Anwar met with the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple committee in a gesture of goodwill after the amicable resolution of the decade-long relocation dispute. The meeting, initiated by the prime minister, underscored the government’s commitment to fostering harmony among communities.
Temple committee chairman K Barthiban stated that Anwar assured them of the federal government’s dedication to resolving the matter fairly.
“He said we should all come together as a family by living harmoniously and that the government looks after the interest of all. We are glad things worked out in the end,” Barthiban told Malay Mail at the temple after the ceremony.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) previously confirmed that the temple would be relocated to a new site agreed upon by all parties. The proposal by landowner Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd to build a mosque on its property was accepted on the condition that the temple is moved.
City officials stated that the new temple site would be approximately 50 metres from its current location and that the temple would remain operational until the relocation process begins.
Jakel Trading had purchased the land from DBKL in 2014, reportedly without the temple management being informed at the time.