KUALA LUMPUR, 26 March 2025 – Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), today addressed allegations circulating on social media regarding a purported RM2 million compensation payment by the government to the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple. The claims stemmed from a Facebook post by Firdaus Wong Wai Hung yesterday, which questioned the government’s actions.
In a firm rebuttal, Dr. Zaliha dismissed the allegations as completely baseless and untrue. “The government has never promised or approved any compensation to the temple as claimed,” she stated, clarifying that no additional agreements or “deals” were made beyond the official resolution she announced yesterday.
She highlighted that the decision was reached through harmonious discussions with all involved parties, resulting in a mutually beneficial outcome. Central to the resolution is the resumption of a mosque construction project, stalled since 2020 on privately owned land, which can now proceed as planned. The temple authorities, in turn, have agreed to relocate to an identified alternative site.
Dr. Zaliha stressed that this case should not set a precedent for future disputes. “This is a specific resolution to this particular issue, handled wisely, in line with legal principles, and with careful consideration of the sensitivities of all parties,” she explained.
The minister urged the public to refrain from fueling unproductive debates. “We must not stoke religious or racial sentiments based on unverified information, as this could undermine the harmony and unity we have worked hard to build together,” she cautioned.
The statement was issued today as the controversy continued to gain traction online, prompting the need for an official clarification to dispel misinformation.
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