KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 29): Attorney-General (A-G) Tommy Thomas has expressed his willingness to meet with lawyers involved in the civil proceedings over the land where the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is situated, following the recent riot at the site.

Several incidents involving violence and arson had occurred at the site, after the temple caretakers and devotees were allegedly attacked by thugs in the early hours of Monday.

News sites have reported on civil proceedings between the caretakers of the temple and the developers who are seeking possession of the land.

"[The A-G's] Chambers considers the recent violent incidents outside the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Devastanam Temple, Subang Jaya, Selangor with utmost gravity," Thomas said in a statement today.

"It is noted that the underlying dispute stems from a consent order recorded in court in civil proceedings.

"I shall be happy to meet the lawyers representing all the parties to resolve their dispute against the background of the power conferred on the office of the Attorney-General in respect of charitable trusts under Section 9 of the Government Proceedings Act, 1956," Thomas said.

The A-G's Chambers will also be working closely with the police to bring "the full force" of the criminal law against everyone implicated in the recent violence.

The law will be enforced "regardless of status" of the individuals who were implicated in the disturbance, said Thomas.

"They have caused much alarm among the public. Particularly appalling was the brutal attack on a firefighter who was performing his duties.

"Chambers has been briefed by the top-level management of Royal Malaysian Police on their ongoing investigations," he added.

The A-G said that in view of the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter, he has directed that the file be handled at the headquarters level under the purview of the Head of Prosecution Division, from whom he will receive updates.

"We understand the urgency in dealing with situations where law and order are threatened," he added.

According to news reports, the developer involved — One City Development Sdn Bhd — has obtained a consent judgement on March 11, 2014 at the Shah Alam High Court to relocate the temple, with the agreement of the Selangor state government and the temple's management.

One City Development has also paid a deposit of RM1.5 million for the relocation, according to the reports.

On Nov 28, Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said lawyers from One City Development had hired a group of Malay men to "take control" of the situation at the Hindu temple but they intruded into the house of worship.

He said two lawyers of the developer company were among the 21 people the police have arrested to assist in the investigation into the riots near the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in USJ 25, Putra Heights on early Monday and Tuesday.