Demolition Of Chinese Temple; Reflection Of The Slippery Slope Malaysia Is On.

On the specific instruction of a xenophobic, religious warrior named Aris Ariffin, president of the Seberang Perai Municipal Council, a Chinese temple was demolished in an indecently hurried way, throwing aside all the government's claims of religious tolerance, understanding of and sensitivity to the multi-religious and multiracial populace of this one time peaceful and extremist-free nation.

What this fanatical turd did yesterday was to merely drive another nail into the coffin of Malaysian perpaduan. Make no mistake, national unity as we once knew it is dead, and waiting to be buried. The chief cause for the demise is government apathy and its shameless pandering to extremist forces bent on ensuring that the social fabric of this country is rent asunder.

By the actions of several local councils over the years which had previously targeted Hindu temples, the government lost out on a lot of unrecoverable goodwill from the Indian community, no matter what the MIC may officially claim. In fact the destruction of the said temples have had their repercussions in faraway India, a country which may not easily forget the demolitions. Now apparently it is the turn of the Chinese to bear the brunt of these fanatics holding office throughout the nation.

The reason given for the display of this senseless destruction of a place of worship is frivolous and indeed shows the mindset of this rabid zealot; a feature which is increasing in alarming numbers among the educated and illiterate alike. By condoning or appearing to do the same, the government is putting the racial unity of the country through severe stress; one from which the nation may not fully recover or indeed suffer irreparable damage.

The federal leaders have to do some serious soul searching. Are they sincere in fostering lasting good relations amongst the different races in the country or are they more concerned in winning Malay votes to continue staying in power no matter what happens to the nation? Answer that question sincerely and as honestly as your conscience permits you. If the continued good health of Malaysia is your prime concern, then prevent extremists in whatever shape, structure, race or religion from doing the Devil's work here on Earth. If you however feel that you're not up to it, then resign and let better men and women than you take over and save this beloved country of ours from wanton death and destruction.

Details about the incident below:
1) Malaysian police fire in temple demolition protest
2) Cop and two others hurt as crowd turns violent

Update 11/20/06:
The Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) has been directed not to take action against the Tou Mu Kung Nine Emperors God’s temple in Bukit Mertajam pending investigations.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has also instructed state executive councillors Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan, Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon and Lau Chiek Tuan, MPSP president Datuk Md Aris Ariffin and police to give him reports on Friday’s incident. "I need reports from all sides so that I can piece together the events. Only then can the state government decide on the next course of action," he said.

The council had issued a demolition notice to the temple two months ago for building a structure without approval. On Friday, council workers started tearing down the building. Police had to fire two warning shots into the air when infuriated temple committee members tried to take on the council workers.

Koh said he needed to know the chronology of events and the history behind the building of the temple. "The issue was brought up in the State Legislative Assembly some time ago. We asked Lau to oversee the matter. I will need to check on that first," he said, adding that he needed time to find a solution. Koh said the state government was always mindful when dealing with places of worship.

Temple vice-chairman Ang Sum Kee advised committee members and devotees to stay calm and pray for a harmonious solution.

Yesterday, Opposition leader and DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang and Keadilan president and Permatang Pauh MP Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail visited the temple grounds. Lim asked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to look into the matter and urged Koh to resolve the problem amicably. (NST)