Protest – an attempt to divert from MACC probe on PHEB

Protesters who protested against the current Penang Hindu Endowment Board commission line – up were told not to divert the attention from the ongoing Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission (MACC) probe on the PHEB and create sympathy for themselves.

“Don’t divert the attention from the ongoing MACC probe. Don’t create sympathy with diversions,” said PHEB vice chair, Senator Dr A Lingeshwaran.

“PHEB is on the right track. They were fighting among themselves before. They have a hidden agenda. Please don’t get carried away,” he said, addressing the Penang Hindus.

He also responded to the issues raised by the group of protesters.

One was the appointment of Jelutong MP RSN Rayer as PHEB chairman and whether national DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng influenced the appointment.

Two, the appointment of Lingeshwaran as vice-chairman.

Lingeshwaran pointed out that the appointment of Rayer and the rest of the commissioners was done by the Penang Governor based on the advice by Penang Chief Minister.

The protest this morning

This morning about 150 people gathered to protest against the conduct of the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB), which they claimed was mismanaged.

This was the first protest held at the Polo Ground, in front of the official residence of the Yang di – Pertua Negeri.

An official from the Governor’s office accepted a memorandum from the protestors because it was the former who gave consent to the appointment of PHEB board members.

The group singled out PHEB chairman RSN Rayer and also questioned DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng influenced Rayer’s appointment.

They also questioned Lingeshwaran’s appointment.

There was a total of 10 disputes listed down in the memorandum.

R. Ganeson, who is the DAP Happy Valley branch chairman, led the protest claiming that there was no political agenda.

Former Penang deputy chief minister II Dr P. Ramasamy and former PHEB chief executive officer Datuk M. Ramachandran were also present.

Prepared to step down if there are abuse of funds

Lingeshwaran also addressed Ramasamy who was the former PHEB chairman.

“Your term of managing the board is for 15 years is over. It is time a for new generation to take over. Rest assured, my team is clean, accountable and transparent,” he said.

He was referring to DAP’s CAT policy.

He also said that the current board is prepared to step down if anyone could proof that there was an iota of evidence in abusing the funds.

“We are ready to step down if there are anyone who can prove any mishandling of funds by our team.”

He also told Harapan Daily that contracts are being vet through subcommittees and not directly awarded to family members.

“Education aid to students to date reached amounting to RM1 million benefited nearly 1000 students.

“PHEB also created history by providing dialysis service for the people, regardless of their political affiliation,” he added.