Sections 19 and 23 - What some residents say

My colleagues in KayEl who cover Malaysia, correpondents Hazlin Hassan and Teo Cheng Wee, covered the riotous Shah Alam town-hall meeting featuring MB Khalid Ibrahim and his much-booed exco last Saturday.
The duo then traipsed through Sections 19 and 23 Shah Alam to sample some voices.
A complex issue it is.
But then, that is what administering a state is like - the opposition used to cause much trouble when government machinery moved in to oust squatters everywhere and in trying to close down temples and suraus - in the name of human rights and human dignitiy (and they're right too, most times).
Now being the government, they are feeling the heat of being shaken up by Umno and MIC. So why complain? Why the bloody double standards?
Just resolve it already.


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WHAT THE RESIDENTS SAY

The relocation of an Indian temple from one area in Shah Alam to another has turned into a highly charged issue in Malaysia. The Sunday Times visited both Section 19 and Section 23, and spoke to residents there.

SECTION 19

'When we first moved here, we were told the temple would soon make way for houses, but that never happened. We'll be happier if it's moved because the roads here get congested during major Indian festivals. But we're used to it. Everyone should learn to be tolerant.'
- Housewife Jenny Kam, 54

'I think we've been fair. When they asked us to move, we said okay. If we really wanted to stand our ground, we would have insisted on staying in Section 19. But now, how can we move to Section 23? We'll be scared.'
- Flight attendant Ramesh Gopal, 42, one of the temple's committee members

'We have complained for nearly 20 years, but the former menteri besar Khir Toyo just ignored us. Now they are blaming Pakatan Rakyat. Who wants a temple in front of their house? It's noisy, and you can smell it when they burn offerings.'
- Madam Zainah Jamingan, 47


SECTION 23

'Everything was okay. This problem was brought on to us. It's better not to place the temple here. Let everyone live in harmony.'
- Doctor Simon Teva, 35

'We want this location because it's central and can service four Sections. Just one temple for four Sections. How far do they want us to move?'
- Teacher M. Sekar, 47

'Every time they have events, they will play their musical instruments. It will be noisy. And the traffic gets really bad.'
- Civil servant Roshan, 44