FORMER Penang Deputy Chief Minister II (DCM II) P. Ramasamy has stepped up his criticism against Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer, who replaced him as the Penang Hindu Endowment Board chairman.
Ramasamy alluding to the criticism aimed at Rayer for not leading PHEB in the right direction, said that he believed that the Opposition to Rayer as chairman is largely due to his status as an MP.
"Many Indians within the DAP believe that it would be more rational to appoint a member of the state executive council or the current DCM II, Jagdeep Singh Deo, as the board’s chairman. This preference is not a personal attack on Rayer but rather a matter of practicality," Ramasamy said in a social media post he shared.
With regards to the recent report submitted by the board to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) concerning the red flags raised by a forensic report, Rayer appears unaware that the former board had already submitted a detailed report to the MACC in June 2023.
"I believe, for the board’s effectiveness, it is essential to appoint either an Exco member or the current DCM II, Jagdeep Singh Deo, as chairman. Jagdeep could provide more transparent leadership. The argument that Jagdeep, being a Sikh, cannot chair the board is baseless.
“The Penang Hindu Endowment Ordinance 1906 considers Sikhs to be part of the broader Hindu community," said Ramasamy, who now leads a new Opposition party called Urimai after quitting DAP last year.
Given that the board functions under the guidance of the Penang state government, some quarters argued that his position as an MP makes him unsuitable for the role, said Ramasamy.
Since the board’s effectiveness depends on close collaboration with the state government, critics argue that Rayer, as an MP, has no direct influence on state decision-making, said Ramasamy.
As a statutory body, the board, like other state agencies, provides allowances for its commissioners, which is a common practice.
Although Rayer has stopped the meeting allowances, he has not explained why he accepted these payments under the earlier leadership, said Ramasamy.
Furthermore, while Rayer talks about saving money, he has not provided any details on whether the board’s revenue has increased over the past year, added Ramasamy.
Saving money isn’t only about reducing expenses but also about enhancing revenue through rentals and other sources, said Ramasamy.
"It would be helpful if Rayer disclosed how much money the board currently has in its savings."
Additionally, the board has consistently provided financial grants to students each year, especially to those from lower-income families.
It would be beneficial for Rayer to inform the Hindu community about the financial grants allocated to students recently, said Ramasamy. - October 1, 2024.
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