IPOH: The state government has formed a special committee to look into the case of a monastery in Gunung Kanthan which will have to make way for a cement manufacturer to evict the institution.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that the committee was led by state Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman, A. Sivanesan.
"It is still under the court case and we can't give any interpretation. But we have discussed this issue during the state exco meeting and I have handed over this matter to Sivanesan to look into it.
"I can't announce anything yet because it is still under the court, but we were informed of the Court of Appeal's decision, and we take note of what are they (the institution) are asking for.
"We will manage or assist this case according to our law and constitution," he said after attending Karnival Mesra Anak Muda (KAMU) at Indera Mulia Stadium here today.
He was commenting on the Court of Appeal's recent decision in granting permission to Associated Pan Malaysia Cement to evict the monastery, located inside Gunung Kanthan, Chemor.
Saarani said he had instructed Sivanesan to go to the ground to meet the institution and the cement manufacturer to further listen to both parties.
"We will follow the rules. This issue is still under a court case, we can't simply break any rule. The case is still sub judice.
"But this doesn't mean that the state government is taking the matter lightly, not taking it seriously, taking it for granted and what not.
"We have appointed Sivanesan to handle this. Sivanesan told me he needs two weeks to complete the report before we can present it during the next exco meeting," he added.
On Friday, it was reported by the New Straits Times that the monastery would continue its fight to stay and preserve the place.
Malaysia Dhamma Sakyamuni Monastery (Caves Monastery) abbot, Dr Chiong Sai Tin said between 15 and 20 monks were staying in the cave and they would fight until a win-win solution was reached.
Having a unique karst (limestone area) ecosystem and having been identified as one the important karsts in the state for conservation, parts of Gunung Kanthan have been destroyed namely Areas A and B; while Areas C and D which are home to critically endangered flora and fauna are still intact.