Thiban Subramaniam said most Hindu temples in the peninsula were constructed during the colonial era and were deemed legal at the time.

However, after Malaya achieved independence, many of these temples were not registered – but it did not mean they were illegal, he said.

“The government should set up a non-Muslim affairs department to resolve land and management issues plaguing these houses of worship,” said Thiban, who is the former head of PKR’s Kuala Selangor division.

Thiban also reiterated a call for a law to deal with discrimination and racism in order to take action against those who exploit sensitive issues to cause disunity.

His statement came in response to a Facebook group called Rumah Ibadat Haram Dibina Dimana Hari Ini? (Where Are Illegal Temples Being Built Today?) which invites members to report on temples allegedly built illegally in their areas.

The group’s administrator has been called up by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, which regulates internet matters.

The Facebook group appears to have been set up following controversy over the planned relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple in central Kuala Lumpur to make way for a mosque.

Among the allegations raised during the controversy were claims that the temple had illegally occupied the plot of land off Jalan Masjid India.

In February, an MP from DAP had called for setting up a ministerial post for non-Muslim religious affairs following uproar over proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim functions as well as events at churches and temples.

Raub MP Chow Yu Hui’s proposal sparked a backlash from opposition parties as well as leaders of government allies Umno and Amanah.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim later said the Cabinet rejected the proposal, saying non-Muslim religious affairs were already under the purview of national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang.

Anwar also said the religious harmony committee chaired by the religious affairs and national unity ministers was sufficient.