KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 29): Putrajaya will not interfere in the land dispute related to the relocation of Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, as land matters come under the jurisdiction of the state government, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

In a press conference after tabling an emergency motion on the riot that broke out at the temple earlier this week, Dr Mahathir told reporters that the federal government's power only covers matters concerning riots.

"Land is a state matter, we [Federal] have no rights, we have rights only in relation to the riot. The problem with such incidents is that places of worship are built on land that doesn't belong to them, when the owner claims, there is a problem.

"In future, places of worship must first get the permission of the state or federal government before they can build such places," he said.

"If the state government wants to do it (acquire the land), they can take action to do it, to take back the land," he added.

In a statement today, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said the state government has no intention to buy the land.

"The Selangor state government would also want to address and put a stop to rumours that circulated around saying that Selangor state government will acquire the land. This is untrue and very misleading. Selangor state government has ruled out acquiring the land as it will incur huge financial implications for the taxpayers and set a bad precedent to future cases," he said.

Amirudin said the Selangor state government is willing to mediate a discussion between the parties involved to find an amicable solution.

"The state government cautioned the parties involved to remain calm, not to hold any assembly, refrain from making any forms of provocative statements and adhere to orders by the police to maintain peace and public order," he said.

"All statements from whatever sources on how this will be done should be treated as pure speculation until our formal announcement. The Selangor government stands firm and reiterates its commitment to finding a solution within the legal framework and in accordance with the rule of law," he added.

Earlier today, the High Court rejected a stay application from the temple committee to temporarily block the relocation of the temple.

On this, Dr Mahathir, in the press conference, said there are three levels of the judiciary for the temple committee to appeal against the ruling.

"We have three layers of courts. If the first layer makes a decision, you can appeal to the second and then you can appeal to the third. Finally, if the third layer says something, that is final," he said.

Dr Mahathir said Putrajaya does not see the riot as an attempt to openly challenge the government.

However, he suggested that whoever intends to challenge the government could do so in the next general election.

"If they want to have an open challenge, next election, please do, they are welcome to do it and see how many votes they get," he said.

"This is not ordinary people, it seems to involve gangsters, so gangsters normally don't follow the law very much, and we have to deal with gangsters," he added.

Stern action against racial provocation
In tabling the motion, Dr Mahathir warned of stern action against those taking advantage of the issue by provoking racial tension for personal gains.

"It is important that we all know that the security and stability of the country is our collective responsibility. Together we strive to maintain this peace. I urge all not to take any action or to issue any provocative statement which may cause any dissatisfaction with any party," he said.

"We want this to be handed over to the authorities and I ask all parties whether in this House or the public to be cautious when issuing statements or sharing any news about the event as there is a lot of fake and false news being distributed. To politicians and leaders of non-governmental and non-governmental organizations, no one should try to take advantage in such a distressed situation.

"The government does not intend to restrict freedom of expression but if what is being said is not true and threatens public order, we will not hesitate to take action," he added.

Dr Mahathir also said irresponsible conduct that resulted in serious injuries to firemen and the police force, and damage to public and private property, will not be taken lightly by the authorities.

"The incident that occurred in the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple area was a criminal offence by irresponsible parties. It does not involve at all racial issues, nor religious disputes.

"In the event of a crime, anyone involved directly or indirectly, or those who are found to be the mastermind, or if there are attempts to take advantage of the event, stern action will be taken based on existing laws. The government does not take lightly such incidents which could lead to greater problems involving racial harmony," he said.

Dr Mahathir stressed that it is not the government's intention to punish anyone blindly, but democracy has its limits and the public will have to understand the boundaries of democracy.

"No one can act in violation of the law and cause anxiety among the people and commotion in the country," he said.

Dr Mahathir said it is not the time to point fingers at anyone currently.

"The police have been given the responsibility to control order and conduct investigations. The guilty will remain guilty and will face the appropriate legal action," he said, adding that action taken against any responsible parties has to be fair and equitable.

The motion came amidst concern of a potential escalation of racial tension following the recent riot and dispute involving the relocation of Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in USJ 25, Putra Heights, between the temple's management and developer One City Development Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of MCT Bhd.

The incident, involving a fight between the Indian temple management committee and a group of thugs allegedly hired by the land developer's lawyer, has resulted in 30 arrests so far, while a member of the emergency response staff was severely injured and is currently on life support, at the National Heart Institute.