- Malaysian TV host Lishalliny Kanaran alleges she was molested by a priest during a temple visit in Sepang.
- The accused, a temporary Indian priest, is now missing; police have launched a manhunt.
- The victim’s public testimony exposes institutional negligence and the silence surrounding abuse in religious settings.
Malaysian model and former beauty queen Lishalliny Kanaran has brought forward serious allegations of sexual misconduct against a temple priest in Sepang.
The priest, an Indian national temporarily filling in for the temple’s resident clergy, is now missing and the subject of a police manhunt. More troubling is the revelation that prior complaints had been made against the same man, yet no action was taken.
Behind Closed Doors: Spiritual Trust Shattered by Temple Priest’s Alleged Assaul
Lishalliny’s testimony has struck a nerve not just because of the heinous nature of the act, but because it happened within a sacred setting—a place people turn to for peace and protection. Her decision to speak publicly defied both cultural norms and direct warnings from authorities, highlighting the double burden victims often face: surviving abuse and then battling to be heard.
The Sepang police confirmed the accused priest’s modus operandi involved using “holy water” rituals to disorient victims before touching them inappropriately. His foreign status and temporary role raise serious questions about the vetting process for clergy in religious institutions, particularly when dealing with vulnerable devotees seeking spiritual solace.
The temple’s leadership has come under sharp criticism for failing to take previous reports seriously and for allegedly downplaying Lishalliny’s complaint. Such negligence not only enables repeat offenders but fosters an environment where victims fear retaliation or shame, reinforcing a cycle of silence.
Social media became Lishalliny’s courtroom—a place where her truth resonated louder than institutional silence. Thousands rallied behind her post, offering both emotional support and calls for systemic change. Her courage has sparked a broader conversation on accountability, especially in religious spaces where abuse is often buried under layers of tradition and authority.
Lishalliny Kanaran’s bravery is a rallying cry against institutional apathy and spiritual exploitation. Her voice, once silenced by fear, now echoes on behalf of many.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke
