BUTTERWORTH – Former Penang deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy claimed trial at the Sessions Court here today to 17 charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM859,131.29 in funds belonging to the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB).
Ramasamy, 76, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read out before Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah.
Thirteen of the charges pertain to the procurement of a gold-plated chariot worth RM779,131.29 for the Thaipusam festival, involving 13 separate payments made by the PHEB between 2019 and 2023. The payments were allegedly made to Manasa Wood Creations and Keshav Exports.
The remaining four charges involve charitable contributions amounting to RM80,000 to third parties – two for education sponsorships and two for medical assistance.
He was charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code for CBT by a public servant or agent. If convicted, the offence carries a maximum jail term of 20 years, whipping, and a fine.
The court granted Ramasamy bail of RM78,000 for three separate charges, with one surety. He was also ordered to surrender his passport and report to the Penang office of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on a monthly basis until the conclusion of the case.
However, Ramasamy’s lawyer Shamsher Singh Thind has requested that the bail amounts to be reduced and for Ramasamy to be allowed to keep his passport – citing Ramasamy’s full cooperation to the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC), and the fact that he did not tamper or interfere in the investigation since he is no longer a civil servant.
Additionally, Shamsher also noted that none of the charge sheet stated that amounts mentioned were paid by Ramasamy to himself or to his family members; and that the golden chariot in question has been procured and under the safeguard of the PHEB.
Ramasamy was represented by lawyers Shamsher, Eng Yuh Pei and Archana Chandrasekaran, while deputy public prosecutors Azura Zulkiflee and Nurnajihatul Idayu Mohd Azuyar appeared for the prosecution.
Datuk Selva Mookiah held a watching brief for the PHEB.
The court has fixed July 15 for case mention. – May 14, 2025