A POLITICAL clash has erupted after the demolition of the Veeramakaliamman Temple in Perlis, sparking a tense debate over state power and religious sensitivity.
Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin fiercely criticised MP RSN Rayer for opposing the tear-down, arguing that no place of worship is above the law or land ownership rights and accusing Rayer of stoking racial tension.
Stepping in to defend Rayer, Penang Hindu Endowments Board deputy chairman Senator Dr A Lingeshwaran reframed the narrative. He acknowledged the mufti’s right to speak on faith and morality, but firmly drew the line at governance.
According to him, Rayer, as a national-level leader, also has the right to raise concerns about issues involving places of worship as well as inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony.
“When he calls for racial sentiments not to be provoked, that does not mean he is provoking racial sentiments. On the contrary, he is exercising his rights and responsibility as a leader to call on all parties to ensure this issue does not become increasingly tense,” he said in a statement today.
Lingeshwaran argued that calling for transparency is not incitement and should not be equated with an attempt to stir up racial tension but a demand for basic accountability.
He questioned why the mufti was stepping up to defend the move while the Chief Minister Abu Bakar Hamzah stayed silent, emphasising that a mufti is not the head of state and cannot answer for administrative actions.
“Defending the rights and interests of the community is not incitement. We must distinguish between demanding government accountability and provoking racial sentiments,” he added.
For Lingeshwaran, the Hindu community wasn’t asking for special favours—just fairness, due process, and answers directly from the government.
Moreover, Mohd Asri had pointed out that the demolition was a matter of law and land ownership, stating that places of worship cannot be built on encroached land.
“We live in a country governed by law, not in a jungle where land has no owner. This MP should be teaching the public to obey the law, instead of erecting buildings at will without regard for regulations or ownership,” he said, referring to Rayer.
“Even building a private house is bound by rules and laws, let alone constructing a place of worship. Is there any religion in the world that teaches its followers to ‘seize’ other people’s land to build a place of worship? If there is none, then do not do it,” he stressed.
He also considered Rayer to be worsening anxiety among the Malay-Muslim community and said the demolition had nothing to do with politics; rather, it involved enforcement issues and the rule of law.
“YB, do not stir up racial sentiments or religious tension. The consequences for this country could be severe.” — Aug 22, 2026
