AG suggests formation of trust to solve Seafield temple issue

AG suggests formation of trust to solve Seafield temple issue

Tommy Thomas says under a comprehensive settlement suggested by lawyers, One City Development Sdn Bhd could transfer the land to a trust to be administered by the High Court.

The Sri Maha Mariamman temple in USJ25, which was the scene of violence for several nights last month.
PETALING JAYA:
Attorney-General Tommy Thomas today voiced support for a comprehensive settlement mooted by the lawyers representing the various parties in the Seafield temple issue which involves the transfer of the temple land to a trust to be administered by the High Court.

He said One City Development Sdn Bhd would do so, subject to terms to be agreed upon.

Following that, the AG, as the guardian of public interest with regard to charitable trusts, would apply to the High Court for orders to constitute the trust and the appointment of trustees to manage it as well as the temple.

The High Court will be invited to appoint a receiver, who will be a person of repute, standing and integrity acceptable to all the disputants.

This person, as an officer of the court, will have control and direction over the trustees of the temple, subject to court supervision, Thomas said.

“At the appropriate time, the High Court will be invited to transfer the ownership of the land on which the temple is situated to the trustees,” he said in a statement.

The Sri Maha Mariamman temple in USJ25 was the scene of riots for two consecutive nights last month following a conflict over plans for the temple’s relocation.

According to a consent judgment reached in court in March 2014, the various parties had agreed that One City would provide land for a new temple, as well as a donation of RM1.5 million, in return for vacant possession of the temple land at USJ25.

The temple was supposed to be relocated on Nov 22 as part of the consent judgment.

However, violence broke out at the temple which saw vehicles torched and property vandalised.

The 1.1-acre temple land is estimated to be worth between RM14.37 million and RM15.33 million.

Business tycoon Vincent Tan, who is leading an effort to raise enough funds to buy the land from the developer, said earlier this month that he had accumulated RM2 million so far.

Thomas voiced hope today that an amicable solution could be reached for all matters in the coming months.

“In order to ensure impartiality and neutrality among the various groups in the temple, the AG hopes to be represented in all the applications before the High Court,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a statement, One City Development Sdn Bhd said it welcomed the proposed comprehensive settlement mooted by the lawyers representing the various parties in the issue

In a statement, they said they would extend their cooperation to provide the necessary resources to reach a resolution that is deemed appropriate by the government.

“We understand there are various steps involved in the resolution proposed by the attorney-general and we are committed to working closely with the AG’s Chambers.

“We are appreciative of the attorney-general’s leadership and the give-and-take approach exercised in achieving a resolution in this matter,” the statement read.

They also said they were grateful for Putrajaya’s stewardship in bringing the relevant parties together to resolve this issue quickly and amicably.

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