Summary

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has described a planned construction of the Madani Mosque at the heart of Masjid India, as a “victory” after a decade of stalled development.

Anwar, however, said the success, which he credited to various federal ministers and others directly involved, was not achieved through a show of arrogance against others.

“Our victory is not one borne out of arrogance.

“This victory is because we were able to demonstrate the wisdom, strength, and nobility of Islam - not arrogance,” he said in his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony today.

The ceremony was held following heated debates surrounding the status of the land along Jalan Munshi Abdullah, owned by textile company Jakel Tradings Sdn Bhd but is occupied by the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple pending relocation to a site 50m away.

Anwar also said victory has been achieved when a Muslim can show a good example for others.

“Showing that this is a Muslim of good character - compassionate, caring, just.

“Not an example of cruelty and hatred. That has never been a part of our (government’s) policy,” he added.

Commenting on the Madani Mosque, Anwar said its name - from the Arabic word deen or way of life - and purpose is a representation of principles upheld not only by his administration but also by the foundations of a civilisation.

Negotiations, firm decision

Earlier in his speech, Anwar noted that amid various uncertainties, he was convinced to proceed with the ceremony today and for all arising matters to be handled by the respective ministers in charge.

“I am confident because we see it from the perspective of law and from the communities here, all of which convinced me.

“From the initial decision in 2019 until now, we should be able to make a firm decision,” said Anwar.

“That is why we chose to preserve harmony, to negotiate.

“My instructions to the cabinet have been consistent - negotiate. Through any means and ways necessary… finding an amenable solution is not a sign of weakness, contrary to claims by certain quarters,” he stressed.

Anwar later proceeded to perform the symbolic groundbreaking, before exiting the venue.

He was then escorted to walk towards Jakel Mall, passing by the temple entrance where he briefly met with committee chair R Parthiban.

Parthiban told Malaysiakini that Anwar had reiterated the need for all Malaysians to live in harmony.

After several days of intense debate, including discussions that spilt onto social media, the committee of the 130-year-old temple agreed to relocate to a new 4,000-square-foot site.

The plot of land would also be gazetted for the temple on a permanent basis, ending uncertainties over its future.