By Zareef Muzammil
KLANG, July 3 — The state government has guaranteed the allocation for Hindu houses of worship in Selangor will be increased next year, according to Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
In a recent interview, he revealed that funds channelled to Hindu temples by other state governments have surpassed the amount currently allocated to the houses of worship for the Indian community by the Selangor administration.
“We were the first to allocate funds to houses of worship in Selangor since 2008, but after a review, it seems that other states have surpassed our funding allocation.
“With that, I guarantee that in the upcoming 2023 Selangor Budget we will increase the allocation of houses of worship for the Indian community. Or make it similar to the houses of worship of other communities,” Amirudin said.
The Menteri Besar was speaking at the Shaping a Malaysian Indian Development Narrative programme, at the Wyndham Acmar Hotel here last night.
Also in attendance was Klang MP Charles Santiago, Seremban MP Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Sentosa state assemblyman Dr G Gunaraj.
Since Pakatan Harapan (PH) assumed the state administration in 2008, the allocation for non-Muslim houses of worship amounted to RM3 million a year before being increased to RM6 million six years later.
Meanwhile, Amirudin admitted that other state governments have followed suit with many of the initiatives initially started by the Selangor government, and asked for the commitment of all parties to find newer initiatives or formulas.
“Now several states have followed our formula. Yet after a few years, I think we need to re-examine whether it is enough or has made an impact, and what else can be added.
“However, we do not want to just repeat the strategy by BN. As in spending (funds) at the temples, then raise the issue of temples and after the general election (GE) forget about the issue,” he added.
