Latest news with #ShamsherSinghThind
Free Malaysia Today
17-05-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Ramasamy to sue those spreading ‘defamatory' posts on CBT charges
P Ramasamy and his lawyer Shamsher Singh Thind (right) arriving for a hearing of a defamation suit in George Town last year. PETALING JAYA : Urimai chairman P Ramasamy has threatened to sue social media users spreading allegedly defamatory posts concerning his 17 charges of criminal breach of trust involving funds of the Penang Hindu Endowments Board. His lawyer, Shamsher Singh Thind, said all parties should refrain from making speculative comments on the case, and allow due process to take its course. Shamsher said the charges against Ramasamy were about not obtaining the endowments board's approval for the transfer of more than RM859,000 between 2019 and 2022 for various purposes. Ramasamy was deputy chief minister of Penang and chairman of the board at the time. Shamsher said in a statement: 'It is not that Ramasamy made the payments to himself, his relatives, or his associates. It is just that there was no 'prior approval' from the board. 'Whether or not Ramasamy made all 17 payments without prior approval from the board, it is something for the court to decide when the time comes.' He said Ramasamy had instructed that legal action be taken against those spreading defamatory posts and false information about him. On Wednesday, Ramasamy claimed trial to 17 counts of criminal breach of trust. He is accused of using RM859,131.29 in PHEB funds between May 2019 and February 2022 without obtaining the board's formal approval. Thirteen charges were linked to the procurement of a gold-plated Thaipusam chariot for RM779,131.29 in 2019. Two charges concerned RM65,000 in medical assistance for two persons, while two other charges involved RM15,000 in education sponsorships.
Free Malaysia Today
14-05-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Ramasamy claims trial to 17 CBT charges
Former Penang deputy chief minister II and Penang Hindu Endowments Board chairman P Ramasamy is accused of using PHEB funds between May 2019 and February 2022 without obtaining the board's formal approval. BUTTERWORTH : Former Penang deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy was charged with 17 counts of criminal breach of trust (CBT) today involving Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) funds during his time at its helm. Ramasamy, who was the PHEB chairman from 2010 to 2023, is accused of using RM859,131.29 in PHEB funds between May 2019 and February 2022 without obtaining the board's formal approval. Thirteen charges against the 76-year-old are linked to the procurement of a RM779,131.29 gold-plated Thaipusam chariot in 2019. Two charges are linked to RM65,000 in medical assistance to individuals, while two other charges are linked to RM15,000 in education sponsorships. Ramasamy pleaded not guilty after the charges were read out before judge Zulhazmi Abdullah at the sessions court here. The charges were framed under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum jail term of 20 years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction. Bail was set at RM78,000. Lawyers Shamsher Singh Thind, Eng Yuh Pei, and Archana Chandrasekaran represented Ramasamy while Azura Zulkiflee and Nurnajihatul Idayu Azuyar prosecuted. Selva Mookiah held a watching brief for the PHEB. The court set July 15 for mention.
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
Free Malaysia Today
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Ramasamy to be charged with graft tomorrow, says lawyer
A senior MACC source previously said former Penang deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy was being investigated over alleged irregularities involving procurement by the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB), which he had overseen. GEORGE TOWN : Former Penang deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy is set to be charged with abuse of power tomorrow, according to his lawyer. Shamsher Singh Thind said the 76-year-old would be brought by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to the sessions court in Butterworth to face charges under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009. The provision covers public officers who abuse their positions to gain benefits for themselves or others. If found guilty, the offence carries up to 20 years in prison and a fine of at least five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher. Shamsher added that MACC had not disclosed the details of the charge. However, in December, a senior MACC source told FMT that Ramasamy was being investigated over alleged irregularities involving procurement by the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB), which he had overseen. Ramasamy denied the allegations, saying that PHEB's finances were audited and approved during his tenure. 'We urge everyone to allow the legal process to proceed and avoid speculation,' Shamsher said. The probe into the 2019 purchase of a gold-plated chariot for RM800,000 followed a complaint that PHEB had overpaid for substandard work. Ramasamy, who chaired PHEB from 2010 to 2023, insisted that it was always gold-plated, not solid gold. He also said the deal went through open tender, board approvals, and auditor-general oversight. 'To say it was made of substandard material is misleading. It was gold-plated, which naturally involves the use of other metals,' he said. Calling the case political persecution, Ramasamy claimed his critics were trying to tarnish his name. 'If there's a money trail to my account, prove it,' he said. Last August, Bernama reported that current PHEB chairman RSN Rayer had submitted PHEB's findings from an internal forensic audit to MACC. Rayer claimed that the audit had uncovered several red flags, but did not elaborate on them. On Dec 4 last year, Ramasamy was barred from leaving the country. He later gave a statement at MACC's office. MACC chief Azam Baki confirmed the probe last year but declined further comment.
