Pre-Merdeka Hindu temple in heart of KL to make way for 'Masjid Madani'?

A pre-Merdeka Hindu temple in the heart of the capital is now under threat of demolition after the government and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) approved the construction of a mosque to be named after Anwar Ibrahim's political slogan, a move that could potentially spark controversy as the prime minister tries to appeal to Malay Muslims, whose support for the ruling coalition has remained elusive since he came to power more than two years ago.

MalaysiaNow has learnt that despite the sensitivities surrounding the plan, Anwar is expected to officiate at a groundbreaking ceremony later this month.

The Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple, located just across Jakel Mall in the busy Jalan Masjid India area, has been in existence since the late 19th century and is nestled between tall commercial buildings.

It is understood that the land on which the temple is located was sold by the government to a private company that also owns a large shopping centre in the area.

A source from the company confirmed the plan for the mosque.

"The mosque is to be named Masjid Madani," it told MalaysiaNow on condition of strict anonymity.

The source added that the land was transferred several years ago, adding that the proposal to name the mosque after the Pakatan Harapan political slogan only surfaced in recent months.

MalaysiaNow has also learnt that the temple committee had at least asked for a suitable alternative plot of land that could be available to Hindu worshippers in the Masjid India area, but the request was unsuccessful.

Temple committee members declined to comment when contacted.

The issue will be addressed by a group of prominent lawyers and activists who, together with the temple committee, have scheduled a press conference for 11am tomorrow at the Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) office in Petaling Jaya.