KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor state executive councillor V. Papparaidu and Chairman and trustee member of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Dhevasthanam (SMMDT), Tan Sri Nadarajah, have reached a stalemate over the Batu Caves Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple escalator issue.
This was stated by both parties during a press conference held at the Batu Caves Management Office yesterday, which was attended by Democratic Action Party (DAP) National Chairman Gobind Singh Deo.
“The judicial review is now before the court. Let the proceedings continue as they are supposed to, and allow the State Legal Advisor and the lawyers to move forward with the matter,” said Papparaidu.
He added that the escalator needs to be built as soon as possible for the benefit of elderly devotees, noting that the matter has been prolonged for more than two years.
“The important thing is that we do it properly and in accordance with the correct procedures. That is my humble request,” the state EXCO said.
He further explained that whatever happened in the past should remain in the past, as he wants to focus on the state Thaipusam celebration, which will be held on the eve of the festival on January 31.
Gobind echoed similar sentiments during the press conference. According to him, the court case will determine how the application of the Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) should proceed in accordance with the law, taking into account the status of the temple, which falls under the purview of the Attorney General’s Chambers.
“Both parties have agreed to move forward, ensuring that all provisions and regulations are complied with, which will facilitate the application as smoothly as possible,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Nadarajah announced that the temple management has withdrawn the defamation suit against Papparaidu.
“I will not proceed with that because it was nothing more than a slip of the tongue,” Nadarajah said.
He also highlighted that Gobind had approved RM1 million for the escalator last year and another RM1 million this year for a multipurpose hall, reflecting the Madani government’s support for the project.
Nadarajah said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be visiting the temple in conjunction with Thaipusam on January 30, 2026.
The conflict originated from the Selangor state government’s rejection of the TOL application on the grounds that it was submitted under a private name, a claim later rebutted by SMMDT. — January 19, 2026