IPOH: MCA will submit proposed solutions concerning the cave temples here to the special committee set up by the Perak state government, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.

       The MCA deputy president said the party welcomed cooperation and support from all, regardless of political affiliation, so that the issue could be resolved soonest.

       Dr Mah said MCA would also help set up a temporary committee for houses of worship in caves to gather detailed information and examine all aspects, including the main concern with regard to safety, brought up by Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

       “What is important now is that all parties need to give full cooperation to the Land and Mines Office and the special committee so that we can solve the problem,” he said after witnessing the handing over of a temporary land title grant for Mun Sow Kosong Kiew Ong Tai Tay temple in Cameron Highlands on Tuesday (Jan 18).

       On Sunday (Jan 16), Saarani had told reporters that the state government was waiting for the 14 affected cave temples to submit the names of their representatives to be part of a special committee.

       He said he had called the Perak Land and Mines Office this week to check on the matter after the 14 temples received eviction notices from Kinta district Land Office.

       Saarani had said that committee would include both representatives from the government, including parties such as MCA as well as Opposition parties like DAP and PKR, to review the condition of the 14 caves.

       On Jan 7, 14 temples including the 155-year-old Nam Thean Tong Cave Temple were served with eviction notices from the Kinta district Land Office and told to vacate within 30 days.

       Dr Mah lauded the initiative and sincerity of the Mentri Besar in establishing the special committee to find a solution.

       “MCA has proposed two representatives, namely Choong Shin Heng and Cally Ting, as members of this committee,” he added.

       As for the temporary grant for the temple in Camerons, Dr Mah thanked the Pahang government for the approval.

       He said obtaining the 60-year grant was due to the hard work of the MCA and Cameron Highlands MP Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor.

       “This is a testament to MCA’s ongoing initiatives and efforts in addressing the issue of houses of worship throughout the country.

       “These efforts include land use rights applications, houses of worship permits, provision of funds for maintenance, and so on,” he added.

       Dr Mah said since its inception, MCA had always held the trust in preserving the cultural and religious diversity of all races in Malaysia.

       “MCA will continue to bear this trust and mission.

       “We commend the efforts of every individual who supports and defends the noble values of religion and culture to foster unity among Malaysians,” he added.