GEORGE TOWN: Opposition leader Datuk Azhar Ibrahim came to the defence of Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya, who came under heavy fire from DAP assemblymen over the demolition of a Hindu shrine.

Azhar (BN-Penaga) said they were just creating an issue because they were trying to woo votes from the Indian community as it was reported in the media that the Indian community was now supporting Barisan Nasional.

“Dr Hilmi has already expressed his regret over the incident but you are still pressing him and putting words into his mouth. Give him a chance to solve the issue,” he added.

Jagdeep Singh (DAP-Datuk Keramat) had earlier ruffled feathers when he insisted that Dr Hilmi, who is Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chairman, apologise over the demolition of the 50-year-old Muniswarar Hindu shrine in Prai.

Interjecting R.S.N. Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima) during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri’s address at the state assembly, Jagdeep loudly called on Dr Hilmi (BN-Teluk Bahang) to apologise over the incident where the shrine was demolished on April 20 without consulting the Hindu port workers.

Dr Hilmi has since visited the site and promised to rebuild the shrine once a safe and suitable site was located.

Dr Hilmi then expressed “deep regret” at the incident where a PPSB officer made the decision to conduct the demolition without first informing him.

Source : Star Property