Selangor Mentri Besar Amirudin Shari speaks during a press conference at the Dewan Annex Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam November 29, 2018. ― Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

SHAH ALAM, Nov 29 — Contrary to rumours, Amirudin Shari announced today that his Pakatan Harapan state administration is not taking over ownership of the land on which the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam temple currently sits in USJ 25, Subang Jaya.

He said the Selangor government cannot afford to buy back the land sold to a private developer to resolve the current controversy over the Hindu temple’s relocation as it would incur a high cost and burden taxpayers.

“The Selangor State Government has ruled out acquiring the land as it will incur huge financial implications to the taxpayers’ money and set a bad precedent to future cases.

“We have to look at the costs that the state government has to support. If the cost is too high, it would not be fair to other taxpayers. That is my stance for now,” he told a press conference at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly annexe ere.

He also said the rumours of the state acquisition are “untrue and very misleading”.

Amirudin said that the state government, however, will act as a mediator between the parties involved.

“The Selangor state government stands firm and reiterates its commitment to finding a solution within the legal framework and in accordance with the rule of law,” he said without elaborating further on the options proposed to resolve the matter.

“The parties involved are to remain calm, and not hold any assembly, refrain from making any forms of provocative statements and adhere to orders by the police to maintain peace and public order.”

Amirudin also gave the assurance that the temple will not be touched until January 11 of next year, at the very earliest, as a court proceeding is set to take place on that date.

The Sungai Tua state assemblyman said the court proceeding will be an injunction to stop the demolition of the temple, and any previous decision is put on hold until an understanding is reached between the parties involved.

“Until a holistic conclusion is made, I will give the assurance that the temple will not be demolished and no legal action will be taken, as only on January 11 will there be a court proceeding in relation to an injunction to decide whether the temple will be demolished or not.

“The Selangor state government is willing to mediate or begin discussions with the parties involved to ensure an amicable solution is reached, including several options that have been discussed,” he said.