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KUALA LUMPUR - DEEPAVALI open house became the talking point yesterday as Umno delegates converged for their annual assembly, after Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) chief Samy Vellu announced that his party would not extend any invitation this year because of the demolition of an old Hindu temple.
Although he later retracted the announcement, it still created a buzz at the Putra World Trade Centre, where the Umno meeting was held.
Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, addressing 2,000 Umno chiefs yesterday, said he was 'very disappointed' with what had happened, delegates who attended the closed-door briefing said.
They added that as some Umno leaders shouted 'Sack him!', Datuk Seri Abdullah called for 'calm' and for the issue to be resolved 'peacefully'.
He also warned potential 'troublemakers' - an oblique reference to opposition parties and a Hindu NGO - that he would not hesitate to 'take action' if the issue stirred up emotions.
Party officials said he later discussed the issue with his deputy Najib Tun Razak and Selangor Menteri Besar Khir Toyo.
The annual Umno congress, which saw strident speeches on Malay rights and Islam last year, could now zoom in on Datuk Seri Samy Vellu's statement, amid the backdrop of speculation of an early election.
The mere call by a political leader not to hold an open house to celebrate a religious festival in Malaysia is significant because such events during Hari Raya, Chinese New Year or Deepavali are a must-do for all top politicians, and indeed most Malaysians.
Datuk Seri Samy Vellu is president of the main political party for Indians and a key member of the 14-party governing coalition led by Umno. He is also the MIC's sole Cabinet minister.
Yesterday he had initially 'advised' all MIC Members of Parliament and state assemblymen, largely Hindus, not to hold any public celebrations. 'Advice' from the MIC strongman usually amounts to a directive.
'It is to mark MIC's respect for Hindus who are saddened by the demolition of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Padang Jawa, Shah Alam, Selangor, recently,' he said in a statement sent to the media.
'The demolition of the temple has hurt the feelings of Hindus nationwide.'
He retracted the statement a few hours later through press secretary E. Sivabalan, who said that apart from Datuk Seri Samy Vellu, other MIC leaders will hold open houses due to 'appeals from the public who want the events to go on'.
Umno vice-president Ali Rustam said: 'I hope Samy Vellu will not listen to voices from outside.' He said the issue had already been explained to Datuk Seri Samy Vellu in private meetings with Selangor state officials.
Last Tuesday, officials from the Shah Alam City Council backed by police tore down the temple, which was built on private land.
A small mosque and a number of houses also built illegally on the land were reportedly demolished as well.
A tense face-off between devotees and officials saw 14 people arrested, including four lawyers. A few people were also injured.
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