GEORGE TOWN, May 12 (Bernama) -- MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel has
rubbished Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng''s allegation that Hindu temples
would be threatened if Umno was returned to rule the state in the next general
election.
He said the allegation was untrue since the federal government had provided
various allocations for building and repairing temples nationwide.
He said the government had extended assistance to all temples and that a
substantial amount of money had been announced for various quarters.
"For Indians, a big amount has been released. We are now responsible for the
economic transformation of the Indian community.
"It is wrong to say that if Umno comes to power, they will close down (the
temples)," Palanivel told reporters after presenting donations to temples and
non-governmental organisations (NGOs) here today.
He said this in response to Lim''s statement that Hindu temples would be
endangered if Umno returned to rule the state, in reference to the demolition of
a Hindu temple by the Penang Port Sdn Bhd, at the state legislative assembly
last Monday.
Earlier, Palanivel, who is also minister in the Prime Minister''s Department,
delivered an allocation of RM2.285 million to 51 temples and Indians NGOs in
Penang.
-- BERNAMA
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