Media Statement for Immediate Release
Date: 5th January 2025
MISPLACED PRIORITIES: POLITICS CANNOT DICTATE THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS SPACES
I read with disappointment the statement issued by Senator Saraswathy Kandasami condemning MIC’s planned prayer gathering at the Batu Caves Murugan Temple. Her remarks reek of political opportunism and a condescending approach to a matter rooted in faith and community solidarity.
First and foremost, MIC’s gathering is not a “politically motivated activity.” It is a prayer meeting—a deeply cultural and spiritual practice within the Malaysian Indian community. Seeking divine intervention and solidarity for Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is no different from countless other prayer gatherings held in times of hardship. Senator Saraswathy’s attempt to label it as a political stunt is both hypocritical and ignorant of the community’s religious traditions.
Ironically, her own party, PKR, and its allies have routinely used religious spaces to champion their causes when it suited their political agenda. Where was her moral outrage then? It is clear that her selective concern for the “sanctity of places of worship” is merely a thinly veiled political attack against MIC. She has to bear in mind that her own party President, the current Prime Minister, had campaigned in a temple during the GE15, but unfortunately denied entry into the temple.
The Batu Caves Temple is not just a place of worship; it is a cultural and communal hub for Malaysian Indians. For decades, it has hosted gatherings, festivals, and events that blend faith, culture, and communal solidarity. The MIC’s gathering is a continuation of this tradition. To paint it as a political invasion is to misunderstand—or willfully distort—the role the temple plays in the lives of Malaysian Indians.
Furthermore, Senator Saraswathy’s statement appears to disregard the basic principle of freedom of assembly and expression. MIC has acted responsibly by relocating its gathering to a location that is meaningful to its members and supporters, far from disrupting public order or violating any laws. Accusing MIC of compromising the sanctity of the temple is a baseless and inflammatory assertion.
Senator Saraswathy’s attempt to invoke His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree and the police’s advice is a blatant attempt to conflate a peaceful prayer gathering with lawlessness. MIC has always respected the rule of law and the prerogative of the Pardons Board. The gathering is not an act of defiance but an expression of faith and community solidarity—something no one, not even a senator, has the right to question.
Lastly, the real threat to national unity is not prayer gatherings at temples but divisive rhetoric like this. Instead of tearing down MIC for standing with its community, Senator Saraswathy would do well to reflect on her own role in fostering understanding and inclusivity.
MIC stands firm in its commitment to its members and their right to gather in prayer and solidarity. We will not be cowed by baseless accusations and politically motivated attacks.
Arumugam S Sundra Raja
MIC State Exco of Wilayah Persekutuan
