KUALA LUMPUR: One City Development Sdn Bhd is seeking an explanation from the police after its deputy inspector general had implied that the developer was involved in the Seafield Temple fracas.
The developer said this in a statement today after Deputy Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim theorised a probable scenario how the scuffle could have broken out.
The statement said that an online portal had quoted him saying that “perhaps the side wanting to take over (the land) engaged a group of Malay men to facilitate the acquisition. It is possible that they are gangsters and, of course, the Indian group attempted to check the intrusion.”
One City also said that it was surprised by the reports where the allusion was made and wanted to see clarification of the remarks as it had always followed the rule of law and due process.
“This is evident in both the lengthy court cases we have gone through and discussions with the relevant stakeholders.”
“Our compensation of land for a new site for the temple and its devotees and RM1.5 million, as well as our willingness to delay the relocation of the temple to accommodate the relevant rituals tied to the relocation, is further evidence of our commitment to a peaceful resolution to this matter.
“We abhor the violence which took place this morning and would never even think of being involved in such acts,” said the developer.
One City however said that while it shared the nation’s shock over the scuffles that were played out twice at the temple today and yesterday, it had nothing to do with the incident.
The developer also said that it does not have a reason to engage mobs as the authorities were already bound by the court order to assist in the process with the ultimate goal of ensuring a peaceful relocation.
“One City respects the authorities’ investigation into this morning’s incident, and we hope that the authorities can share any evidence which allegedly links us to the incident as implied.
“One City has always been open and transparent in this matter. We are more than willing to assist the authorities in their investigations and have nothing to hide.
“In fact, One City’s senior management has already communicated with the police and fixed an appointment to assist the police in their investigation,” said the developer.