Samy Against Groups Rebuilding Temple – Selangor Promised New One; SAMY U-Turn on Deepavali Open House After Rebuke by PM Abdullah

Malaysiakini has an earlier story on the Spat between MIC & PPP leaders but its current attention is focused on the UMNO Youth wild remarks like

UPDATE: 2007/11/07

Samy Vellu: We are hurt over temple demolition
By : David Yeow and Neville Spykerman; NST

KUALA LUMPUR: "We are hurt. That's all I am going to say. Hurt is hurt." This was the reaction from MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu yesterday on the demolition of a 36-year-old Hindu temple in Shah Alam by the Selangor government. Samy Vellu said he was so hurt by the state government's action that MIC almost cancelled all its Deepavali open houses as a mark of respect to all Hindus. The MIC had issued a statement on Monday announcing that all open houses by MPs and state assemblymen would be cancelled, but the notice was retracted hours later (also explain why????????).

Samy Vellu expressed displeasure at the handling of the temple issue at Kampung Karuppiah, Padang Jawa, by the authorities, but said he was ready to move on. "There are discussions and meetings going on between MIC and the state government. " It is our hope that in the future, something like this will never happen," he said after presenting the Jalur Gemilang to 15 youths who will represent Malaysia in the 39th World Skills Competition in Shizuoka, Japan. "For us (MIC), we are part of the government. We want to solve problems, not fight with the government." Samy Vellu said the state government had allocated a 10,000 square feet land in Shah Alam for the temple to be rebuilt.

"The menteri besar has given his word that they will help to rebuild the temple." Samy Vellu also assured Hindus that the statues of deities had been removed safely. He blasted a group of residents in Padang Jaya who are adamant in rebuilding the temple at the original site. Samy Vellu said he was aware that many are unhappy with the demolition of the temple. "I am also unhappy and have expressed this point to the cabinet and to the council of menteris besar and chief ministers." In a function on Monday in "Little India" in Jalan Tengku Kelana, Klang, Samy Vellu said he would be calling for a meeting of all committees of temples built on private or government land in Selangor. "This is to help resolve the problem of temporary temples, which do not have their own land and are not registered," he said. He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had decided that in future, issues relating to temples must be dealt with by the menteri besar and himself

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Samy Vellu Slams Group For Not Accepting Amicable Solution

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- MIC president Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu Tuesday slammed the attitude of certain groups who refuse to accept the solution reached by the party and the Selangor state goverment over the demolition of a temple in Padang Jawa in Shah Alam. Samy Vellu, who is also Works Minister, said the party had discussed the matter with the Selangor state government and a solution had been reached by both parties that a new temple would be built by the state government. "(The) Menteri Besar (Datuk Seri Mohamad Khir Toyo) had agreed that he would have a new temple built. But in the meantime, there are other groups who are trying to rebuild the temple. For them, there must be trouble always; they don't want a peaceful settlement.
"They are bringing new statues to replace the older ones. Their idea is to keep on fighting and not keep on solving the problem," he told reporters after handing over the `Jalur Gemilang' (see BELOW) to the Malaysian contingent to the 39th Worldskills Competition at his ministry, here today.

Malaysia is sending 15 contestants to compete in 14 categories which include mechatronics, welding, wall and floor tiling, plumbing, web designing, electrical installation, bricklaying, joinery and automobile technology, and IT/PC, which will be held in Shizuoka, Japan from Nov 14 to 18. The Sri Maha Mariamman temple was torn down by the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) on Oct 29 following a court order since it was built on Federal land. The local council also tore down a surau and about 200 houses during the operation. Samy Vellu said the MIC could not accept the manner carried out by the group since the matter had been solved. "I don't want to say anything about it anymore. All I want to say is we're hurt (with the tearing down of the temple). That's all," he said refusing to comment further.= == = == = == == = = ==

Stir over Samy Vellu's Deepavali dampener
Upset by temple demolition, he says MIC will not hold open house

By Reme Ahmad & Chow Kum Hor, Assistant Foreign Editor Malaysia , STS Correspondent

KUALA LUMPUR - DEEPAVALI open house became the talking point yesterday as Umno delegates converged for their annual assembly, after Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) chief Samy Vellu announced that his party would not extend any invitation this year because of the demolition of an old Hindu temple.
Although he later retracted the announcement, it still created a buzz at the Putra World Trade Centre, where the Umno meeting was held. Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, addressing 2,000 Umno chiefs yesterday, said he was 'very disappointed' with what had happened, delegates who attended the closed-door briefing said. They added that as some Umno leaders shouted 'Sack him!', Datuk Seri Abdullah called for 'calm' and for the issue to be resolved 'peacefully'. He also warned potential 'troublemakers' - an oblique reference to opposition parties and a Hindu NGO - that he would not hesitate to 'take action' if the issue stirred up emotions. Party officials said he later discussed the issue with his deputy Najib Tun Razak and Selangor Menteri Besar Khir Toyo.
The annual Umno congress, which saw strident speeches on Malay rights and Islam last year, could now zoom in on Datuk Seri Samy Vellu's statement, amid the backdrop of speculation of an early election. The mere call by a political leader not to hold an open house to celebrate a religious festival in Malaysia is significant because such events during Hari Raya, Chinese New Year or Deepavali are a must-do for all top politicians, and indeed most Malaysians. Datuk Seri Samy Vellu is president of the main political party for Indians and a key member of the 14-party governing coalition led by Umno. He is also the MIC's sole Cabinet minister. Yesterday he had initially 'advised' all MIC Members of Parliament and state assemblymen, largely Hindus, not to hold any public celebrations. 'Advice' from the MIC strongman usually amounts to a directive.

'It is to mark MIC's respect for Hindus who are saddened by the demolition of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Padang Jawa, Shah Alam, Selangor, recently,' he said in a statement sent to the media. 'The demolition of the temple has hurt the feelings of Hindus nationwide.' He retracted the statement a few hours later through press secretary E. Sivabalan, who said that apart from Datuk Seri Samy Vellu, other MIC leaders will hold open houses due to 'appeals from the public who want the events to go on'. Umno vice-president Ali Rustam said: 'I hope Samy Vellu will not listen to voices from outside.' He said the issue had already been explained to Datuk Seri Samy Vellu in private meetings with Selangor state officials. Last Tuesday, officials from the Shah Alam City Council backed by police tore down the temple, which was built on private land. A small mosque and a number of houses also built illegally on the land were reportedly demolished as well. A tense face-off between devotees and officials saw 14 people arrested, including four lawyers. A few people were also injured.

= == = == =DAP Kulasegaran MP calls for Boycot of Deepavali celebration

Urge Hindus to boycott the Government’s Nov 11 national Deepavali day celeberation

6/11/07 The DAP is shocked by the wanton and unrelenting demolition of Hindu temples in the country which has angered Hindus here and abroad. The spate of demolitions is unconstitutional, criminal and despicable and unrelenting and seriously violates human rights of Hindu minority in the country. On 30th October 2006 two temples in Selangor were issued with demolishment notices. One temple the 100 over year old Sri Maha Mariaman temple in Kampung Jawa, Shah Alam was brutally demolished by about 500 police, FRU and enforcement unit personnel. Also 250 squatter house were demolished including a surau but the surau has been given an alternative land to be relocated. Indian gangsters were also mobilized by private developers to instill fear among the devotees. The temple is now completely demolished and deities smashed up. The police have told devotees that they have a shooting order to shoot (unarmed) devotees on sight.
The demolition was done without proper notices or procedures. Tractors and other machinery were used to obliterate this beautiful temple worshipped by 1,500 devotees. Over 26 people were injured in the mayhem that happened there and some have been hospitalized with serious injuries. Article 11 of the constitution guarantees freedom of worship. Further depriving Hindus of their place of worship is a serious violation of human rights. Demolishing places of worship without just cause is a criminal offence under the Malaysian Penal Code.

But despite numerous appeals and protest the demolition continues relentlessly. Over 300 temples have been demolished this year and many more under threat of demolition. We must put an immediate stop to this planned and purposely executed program to demolish Hindu temples in the country. The demolition has deeply hurt the 2.5 million Hindus in Malaysia and we want an immediate end to this unmitigated slaughter of our religion and culture. We deserve to be treated as humans and our rights respected or you stand condemned before the world.

To tell the government that Hindus are deeply hurt and angry at the unfair and shoddy treatment given to us, we urge all Malaysians, - Hindus and friends of Hindus - irrespective of race of religion - to boycott the national-level Deepavali open house organized by the Culture, Art and Heritage Ministry on Nov 11 at the KL Sentral parking space in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. It is a shame to demolish temples and later organize a Open House or Rumah Buka in the name of Hindus. We refuse to have any part in such a celebration which is a sham and contrary to our hurt and anger. Deepavali falls on Nov 8 and it has been customary for Hindus to hold open houses and invited their friends from all races to their houses. We urge that Hindus keep open houses for themselves an close friends to signal that there is nothing to celebrate under this Barisan Nasional government that has no respect for basic human rights and decency.

We are saddened by the wanton demolition of numerous temples. The demolition has deeply hurt the feelings of the Indian community. Lets us join together scale down Deepavali celebration and boycott the Nov 11 National Deepavali party when there is nothing to party about for the Hindus of this country

= == == = == = == == = == == = November 02, 2007 20:45 PM

Samy Vellu: Have Alternative Sites Before Demolishing Temples
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- Alternative sites must be provided before any action is taken to demolish temples in the country, said Works Minister and MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu. In a statement issued here today, he said he had raised the issue of the demolition of temples at a meeting with Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Putrajaya yesterday. At the meeting, Samy Vellu had also referred to the demolition of the Sri Maha Mariammam Temple in Padang Jawa, Shah Alam on Oct 29 by the local authorities. He stressed that such action should not be repeated as the strong relationship between the people and government might be affected if the situation persisted.He also said that there was a need for a detailed study before taking any action on religious matters.

= == == = == == = and the Feud between MIC & PPP

November 03, 2007 18:28 PM

MIC Demands Action On Kayveas For Scathing Attacks
SUNGAI SIPUT, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- The MIC will move a motion at the next Barisan Nasional (BN) supreme council meeting, asking the BN leadership to take stern action against People's Progressive Party (PPP) president Datuk M. Kayveas for his scathing attacks on the party's leadership. Party president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the BN should act against Kayveas to serve as a lesson to other BN component party leaders not to quarrel openly over issues and to smear the image of other component parties. "As a leader of a BN component party, he (Kayveas) should raise issues at the BN supreme council meeting " It appears that he has adopted a new policy of scolding, belittling and embarrassing the MIC leadership," the Works Minister told reporters after giving out Deepavali goodies to the Indian community here today.

Asked whether the MIC would demand for PPP's expulsion from BN as demanded by the party's grassroots, Samy Vellu, who is also Sungai Siput Member of Parliament, said he would leave it to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Abdullah and Najib are BN chairman and deputy chairman, respectively. "I'm not denying that unity in BN is very important but if there are individuals or parties in BN which try to discredit component parties, then the matter must be brought to the BN supreme council for the leadership to make a decision. "If they (Abdullah and Najib) think what he (Kayveas) did was right, its okay," he added. Yesterday, MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel said the party's Central Working Committee (CWC) was preparing a formal proposal to Samy Vellu to bring up Kayveas' outrageous allegations against the MIC and its leaders at the next BN supreme council meeting.

Recently, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ali Rustam had asked the PPP to leave the BN if it continued to make aggressive demands for seat allocations in the next general election. The PPP was also involved in a verbal spat with Gerakan over the Taiping parliamentary seat held by Kayveas. Over the past weeks, the MIC and PPP have been engaged in a continuous spat, with MIC leaders asking members to boycott PPP functions. On Wednesday, MIC vice-president Datuk S. Sothinathan obtained a High Court ex-parte injunction to stop Kayveas from uttering and publishing slanderous words against him. Meanwhile, Samy Vellu extended his Deepavali greetings to Malaysians of Hindu faith, urging them to use the auspicious occasion to foster unity and goodwill among the various races. "They must invite friends from other races to their open houses to join in the Deepavali joy and merriment to show to the world that Malaysians are role models for unity in diversity," he added

= == = == ==and SAMY is labeled a "snake"
007/11/01, NST
’Bad hair day’ dig at Samy Vellu

ABOVE: Note: Samy's "new hair toupe"

KUALA LUMPUR: The war of words between the leaders of the MIC and PPP escalated yesterday, a day after the PPP was labelled a mosquito party by MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu. PPP president Datuk M. Kayveas (BELOW) shot back, telling reporters at the parliament lobby that Samy Vellu “needs to grow up. He lives in a world which is 30 years behind the times. While PPP has progressed, he’s been having a bad hair day". “He has been repeating the mosquito statement for the last 30 years. This shows he has an attitude — he thinks every Indian is a mosquito.

But he’s actually a python who swallows things and he’s trying to swallow the PPP.” Kayveas defended his decision to accept some 3,000 former MIC members into the PPP fold, saying these people had requested to join since the Ijok by-election and it was better for them to have joined the PPP and stayed within the Barisan Nasional coalition than to have gone to the opposition. However, MIC central committee member S.K. Devamany said the PPP chief was using cheap tactics in a fight for his own survival.
= == = and the sequel over the TV, and see who is More Stupid
Samy seriously said (actual 100% transcript)

"I am very surprised to know, a man like him… Mosquito does not – big mosquito or small mosquito. Mosquito is only one sized. He doesn’t even know that. I don’t know how he has become a Minister, Deputy Minister. Now he has qualified as a lawyer without even knowing this. I think it is better he should keep his big mouth shut and worked for the progress of the BN"

Watch the Video Clip (loading & interview) of this stupid remark of one sized mosquito. He has been enjoying indoor aircond life for too long and shielded from the environment to be bitten by mosquitoes.
and the response from Kayveas

"Ok, ask him Dengue is coming for him"

= == === and Najib told them to Stop It, this quarrellings in public

= == == == summary from STS, UMNO Assembly summary
Key issues this year; General election

This assembly is expected to be the last one before the general election that is widely expected to be called early next year. Party members will be reminded to rev up the electoral machinery. The party that forms the backbone of the ruling coalition will also have to come to grips with issues such as the call for judicial reform, corruption and the police force's tattered image
Malay rights
This is a recurring theme at every assembly. Among the concerns is the need for the Malays to catch up with other races, especially in the business sector. Some delegates may ask the government to award more contracts to Malay or Malay-majority firms in order to achieve the target of 30 per cent Malay corporate equity ownership.Issues related to Islam are also likely to crop up, such as the overlapping jurisdiction between civil and syariah laws, which has been a key concern among non-Muslims. The non-Muslims' strong stance on issues like Islam and Malay supremacy - deemed sacred to the community - has stirred Malay resentment, a feeling that may surface during debates.

Growth corridors
The issue of regional growth areas is a key feature in Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi's administration. Besides the Iskandar Development Region, two other growth corridors have been launched. Party grassroots have been seeking a more active participation in these areas. Datuk Seri Abdullah has said that the Malays are capable of reaching greater heights by being involved in activities in the corridors.

Rising cost of living
Increasing prices of goods and services have taken a toll on the middle class and the poor, particularly Malays from the hinterland who make up the party's core supporters. Local media have reported that prices of vegetables have gone up by 6.7 per cent, rice by 8 per cent and bread by 20 per cent. With oil prices rising to record highs, government leaders have been asking the people to prepare for a fuel hike.

Teaching of science and maths in English
In 2003, the government introduced the use of English to teach science and mathematics in primary schools. But many pupils, particularly those from rural Malay areas, are unable to cope with the use of English. Some Umno leaders want the government to allow the use of English or Malay for the two subjects in the state's Standard Six (equivalent to Primary 6) public examinations.

Rising crime
With more cases of Malaysians falling victim to crime reported in the media, some delegates may ask the government to step up efforts to check the problem. Of late, there have been many cases of 'Mat Rempit', or motorcycle gangs, who are largely Malays, committing crimes such as snatch thefts, rape and even murder. On Saturday, a woman and her three-year-old daughter were burnt alive in their car. In September, the country was shocked by the brutal rape and murder of Nurin Jazlin Jazimin, eight, whose battered body was found in a bag. CHOW KUM HOR