Since its inception in 1965, Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) has been working in the best interest of Hindu temples and organisations. During every crisis affecting the religion, MHS has worked together in various capacities with the ruling political parties, especially with MIC in those days, to resolve the issues amicably.
Now, when we are facing a global pandemic, MHS has no necessity or self-interest to reopen the Hindu temples in haste. It is the request from the Hindu temples and devotees themselves as well as direction from the government which set MHS to work on the possibilities of reopening the temples. Furthermore, the financial crisis faced by the temples also prompted MHS to act on this. In selecting the temples to be reopened, MHS is acting without bias or prejudice.
From the early days of Covid-19 pandemic and throughout the period of MCO, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of National Unity are working together and with advice from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST). MHS is the only representative body of the Hindu religion in MCCBCHST. Therefore, MHS is acting as the voice of the Hindus in this country. The safety and health of Hindus are also the concern of MHS.
MHS do not operate on its own. There are nearly 2000 temples and about 150 Hindu organisations registered as members of MHS. Therefore, MHS also represent all these 2000 temples and 150 Hindu organisations when it speaks to the government. Here, it is reiterated that MHS is not a single organisation, but the representative body of all Malaysian Hindus.
As soon as the announcement to reopen the temples was made, more than 600 temples made online application. Most of them, especially those located in the red and yellow zones in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Wilayah Persekutuan, Selangor and Sarawak were rejected immediately. Then, about 105 temples located in big districts were shortlisted and MHS submitted the recommendation to the National Security Council (NSC). In the NSC meeting, only 84 temples were approved. The 21 temples rejected by NSC were located in Wilayah Persekutuan and Selangor. The 84 temples which were allowed to reopen on 10 June 2020 must strictly abide by the SOP approved by the government. There is no compulsion for the temples to reopen if the temple committee have decided not to do so due to various reasons.
For the second phase, temples who wish to reopen can submit their application online. They may register at www.facebook.com/MalaysiaHinduSangam using the form provided.
MHS humbly remind all Hindus that at this juncture, we should show our solidarity and unity as people who adhere to the ancient Dharma. Let there be peace and unity among all.
Yours in the service of the Lord,
DATUK RS. MOHAN SHAN PMW., JMW.,AMK., BKM., PJK
PRESIDENT
