Kuala Lumpur, Apr.21 (ANI): Blaming the destruction of a Hindu temple in the Malaysian State of Selangor two days before the festival of lights, Diwali, for the ruling Barisan Nasional party losing key Hindu votes in the last general election, Malaysian Indian Congress president S. Samy Vellu has reiterated his party's undivided support to make Abdullah Ahmad Badawi the next Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Criticising former Selangor menteri besar Dr. Mohd Khir Toyo, Vellu said he was primarily to blame for Barisan Nasional's poor show in the general election.

He claimed that Toyo was instrumental in ordering the demolition of the Hindu temple in Padang Jawa just two days before Diwali, and this had enraged the Hindu community throughout Malaysia.

Vellu claimed that he begged Dr. Khir not to go ahead with the demolition of the temple, but was ignored. Dr. Khir refused to listen despite Abdullah's intervention, he added.

He said that since the people had voted in the Barisan Nasional to form the government under the leadership of Abdullah, their verdict must be respected. (ANI)