PENANG MIC has called on former deputy chief minister II Prof P. Ramasamy to focus on his new political party - Urimai instead of constantly finding fault with the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB).
Its chairman Datuk J Dhinagaran in a statement said that PHEB was initiated and formed through the efforts of MIC during the Barisan Nasional leadership.
"My advice to Prof Ramasamy is to concentrate on getting more support for his party instead of creating confusion in PHEB.
“I wish to reiterate that PHEB under chairman RSN Rayer and vice-chairman Senator R. A. Lingeshwaran’s leadership is doing well, and with greater Indian support, PHEB will be able to soar to better heights in future.
"Presently any issues or problems are discussed among the PHEB commissioners first before a unanimous decision is taken. It is no more a single person's decision”, he said.
Previously PHEB under the MIC leadership, carried out their responsibilities and assisted temple managements, providing financial assistance for education and welfare.
During the party's tenure, the PHEB did not take over any temples but had always provided sound advice to the temple committees, said Dhinagaran.
"Now the PHEB has gone back to having discussions with temple committees to resolve any problems. In 2008, Ramasamy, who was the deputy chief minister, took over PHEB and did justice to the board. MIC did not make any complaints against PHEB during Ramasamy's tenure."
Now PHEB, led by Rayer with the assistance of a state executive councillor Datuk Seri Sundarajoo, Senator Lingeshwaran and two state assemblymen A Kumaresan as well as Calvin Kumaran, is doing well.
"If there is any issue to address at the state level, Sundarajoo and the two-state assemblymen would bring it up to the state authorities," said Dhinagaran, who manages the well-known Jaya Indian chain restaurant.
Through this good cooperation and understanding, there is no need for the chairman of PHEB to be a state executive councillor, he added.
"The current chairman, who is also the MP for Jelutong, can bring any matter related to PHEB in parliament or even to the attention of the Prime Minister."
MIC, which is now a part of the PHEB, will always play a proactive role and will protect the interests of the Hindu community in Penang, he said.
Following a request by PHEB, MIC president Tan Sri S A Vigneswaran announced 20 scholarships for Hindu students to study in the AIMST university.
This reflects the MIC's commitment to the community, he added. - October 9, 2024.
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