Launch nationwide protest, Indians urged

PETALING JAYA: MIC president G Palanivel has called on Indians to launch a nationwide protest against the proposed condominium project slated to be built near Batu Caves temple.

In a statement today, Palanivel also urged non-governmental organisations, irrespective of their political leanings, to voice objections against the 29-storey condominium project.

“The Selangor state government should stop this project. A mere stop-work order to conduct soil tests at the vicinity is not enough,” he said.

On Monday, the Sri Subramaniar Swamy temple chairman R Nadarajah raised objections against the proposed condominium project by Dolotime Industries, slated on a land beside the temple.

The project was approved by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS).

Selangor state executive councillor for local government, Ronnie Liu, later issued a temporary stop- work order to conduct soil tests on the land to ensure the construction would not damage temple statues.

The temple committee plans to hold a protest tomorrow to pressure the Pakatan Rakyat-led state government and the developer to stop the project.

nPalanivel, who is also a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said that the state government should look for an alternative land for the condominium project, claiming the soil near the caves was not suitable.

“The hills in Batu Caves are made of limestones. The area tends to become soggy whenever there is a downpour. Development work there may cause the caves and the condominium to collapse in years to come,” said Palanivel.

He added that the soil test is not going to prove anything in the long run.

Palanivel also urged the state government to compensate Dolomite for its losses.

“Hulu Kelang is a water catchment area. It should be left on untouched,” he said.

The condominium project was approved on Sept 27, 2007 when the state was under Barisan Nasional’s administration.

The temple committee had taken fullpage advertisements in major Tamil dailies today to urge people to participate in the rally at temple compound tomorrow.



Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/10/25/launch-nationwide-protest-indians-urged/