COMPLAINTS AGAINST TEMPLE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES

Mr S. Rajoo asked the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs whether he is aware of any complaints made to Temple Management Committees or the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Board against the Temple Management Committees by devotees of Temples administered by the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Board, and if he will ensure that such complaints are dealt with satisfactorily and speedily.

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Mr Speaker, Sir, I should like to repeat here the remarks which I made in connection with the previous question asked by the hon. Member, namely, that, although I make appointments to the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Board, I am not responsible for the administration of the Hindu Temples which have their own management sub-committees which are responsible to the Committee of Management appointed by the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Board.

I understand that the Hindu community who frequent the Temples are divided into a number of factions, each with its own ideas of how the Temples should be run. This being so, it is quite natural that there should be many complaints arising. The Committee of Management appointed by the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Board consists of 15 persons who have been giving up a good deal of their leisure time in order to help in the running of these Temples, and have always been at pains to investigate thoroughly into any complaints. I would suggest to the hon. Member that, if he is aware of any serious complaint concerning the running of the Temples, he write to the Secretary of the Muslim and Hindu Endowments Board, giving the full particulars and the matter will receive the due consideration of the Board.

Mr Rajoo: A supplementary, Sir, I am not criticising the administration of the Temple Management Committees, but what I understand is that certain letters written to the Temple Management Committee in November 1966 have not even been acknowledged; and if I am not mistaken, even up to date. If this is the system that exists in the Management Committees and the Minister is still trying to divert his responsibility ---

Mr Speaker: Mr Rajoo, I am afraid you are compelling me to address the remarks that I addressed to you earlier. Perhaps you take up the matter on an Adjournment debate on an early occasion. You can then range far wider than is permissible at Question Time.

Mr Rajoo: Yes, Sir.