Perlis ready to face civil suit over demolished temple, says MB

The Sri Veeramakaliamman temple in Kangar was demolished by Perlis authorities on August 20, according to Utusan Malaysia. Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah has stated that the state government stands ready to face a civil lawsuit potentially filed by the temple committee.

Abu Bakar asserted that the government's authority to demolish the temple stems from the National Land Code 1965. He emphasized that the matter is a normal course of legal action. "Let's wait and see," Abu Bakar commented, defending the government's right to take this position as it pertains to their land.

The temple's demolition was reported to be based on claims that it was situated on government land without necessary approval. This decision came after a series of notices and dialogues with the temple's committee over an extended period. The temple committee, led by P Sathesh Kumar, had met with Abu Bakar on multiple occasions before the demolition took place.

Prior to the temple's demolition, FMT had reported that the temple committee had convened with Abu Bakar several times. At a town hall meeting held on July 14, Abu Bakar had reportedly assured the attendees that no action would be taken against the temple until December 31, contingent upon efforts to resolve the matter amicably.