Latest news with #P Ramasamy
Free Malaysia Today
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Court charges a ‘blessing in disguise' for Urimai, says Ramasamy
P Ramasamy claimed trial to 17 counts of criminal breach of trust involving RM850,000 in Penang Hindu Endowments Board's funds. BUTTERWORTH : Former Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy described his court charges as a blessing in disguise since it will help strengthen his party, Urimai. Ramasamy said the court case would help the party attract more supporters to Urimai's cause of championing the plight of the Indian community. He claimed that his party, which he founded after leaving DAP in 2023, was already being viewed as a threat by the Pakatan Harapan-led coalition. 'They (my rivals) are thinking of how to discredit me,' he told reporters here. Such a scheme by his political rivals, he said, would backfire. 'Charging me (in court) is actually a blessing because I think Urimai is going to be more popular.' Earlier, Ramasamy pleaded not guilty to 17 counts of criminal breach of trust involving RM850,000 in Penang Hindu Endowments Board's funds. He was the board's chairman from 2010 to 2023. Last year, the present PHEB commissioners submitted a complaint to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, after highlighting red flags during an audit. Ramasamy said the charges were politically motivated, claiming that he was likely dragged to court for quitting DAP and setting up Urimai, as well as his continuous criticism of the government. He also alleged that certain quarters were trying to derail his political career through the charges linked to the 2019 Thaipusam golden chariot purchase and cash aid given to needy individuals during his PHEB chairmanship. He, however, said PHEB's decisions were made collectively by the board. 'Every payment had the board's approval. I'm not the only signatory,' he said. His lawyer, Shamsher Singh Thind, said the 17 charges were excessive and lacked merit, adding that 13 charges alone were for the 13 transactions made in purchasing the golden chariot. Shamsher said PHEB's accounts were audited yearly by the auditor-general and that these had been given clean certificates. He wondered why it took so many years for these 'red flags' to be detected. 'These charges are frivolous,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Ramasamy to face 17 CBT charges involving RM850,000, say sources
It was earlier reported that former Penang deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy will face charges under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009 for alleged abuse of power. GEORGE TOWN : Former Penang deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy is expected to face 17 charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM850,000 when he is brought to court tomorrow, according to two sources. Sources from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Attorney-General's Chambers confirmed that the charges will be brought under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of up to 20 years, whipping, and a fine, if found guilty. The charges are believed to be related to the procurement of a gold-plated chariot by the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) in 2019, during Ramasamy's tenure as chairman. They also involve four charitable payments – two linked to educational sponsorships and two for medical expenses – made to external parties. Earlier today, Ramasamy's lawyer, Shamsher Singh Thind, said the 76-year-old will be brought before the sessions court in Butterworth to face charges under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009 for alleged abuse of power. Ramasamy has denied all allegations, describing the case as politically motivated. . MORE TO COME
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Urimai's Ramasamy faces MACC charge tied to Penang temple chariot, welfare aid via Hindu board
PENANG, May 13 – Former Penang deputy chief minister II P. Ramasamy is expected to be charged at the Butterworth Sessions Court tomorrow under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009. According to a statement from his party Urimai, Ramasamy was summoned to the MACC headquarters in Penang yesterday, where he was informed of the impending charge. 'We believe the charges are linked to the procurement of the Golden Chariot in 2017 and welfare assistance distributed to the public through the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB). 'These matters have repeatedly been used by detractors to discredit Ramasamy since 2017 and were long ago brought to the attention of the MACC,' Urimai secretary Satees Muniandy said. Section 23(1) handles the offence of using one's office or position for gratification. Satees also alleged that there was a political motivation behind the decision to proceed with the charges. 'Urimai and Ramasamy remain committed to challenging this regime with greater resolve than ever before,' he said. Malay Mail is seeking a response from the MACC over the accusation. Urimai was founded in November 2023 by Ramasamy who was a former Penang deputy chief minister II. He had been with the DAP since 2005 but quit in 2023 after being dropped as a candidate in the state elections in August that year. Urimai had previously attempted to join Perikatan Nasional, and has been vocal with its criticism agains the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-led government.
