Penang Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) II P Ramasamy is embroiled in another crisis, this time involving a member of his staff who has allegedly assaulted a colleague in the state government.

Satees Muniandy has been sacked with immediate effect as Ramasamy’s special assistant.

NONE Ramasamy expressed "sadness" as Satees (right) is a young and enthusiastic worker.

"The matter is beyond my control. But I had to take immediate action after receiving the report (today)," he said when contacted in Kuala Lumpur where he has official duties.

"The termination letter has been prepared and he has been told to pick it up today (from my office).”

It is learnt that Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has contacted Ramasamy about this.

Ramasamy has spoken to Satees to "get his side of the story", as well as to the complainant who is an employee of the Chief Minister’s Office.

It is believed that the two had quarrelled earlier today in Padang Kota Lama.

The complainant lodged a report alleging assault at the Jalan Pantai Police Station about 2pm, and then sought medical treatment at the Penang Hospital.

She does not wish to be identified or to provide details of the incident.

When contacted, Satees confirmed that he had spoken to Ramasamy and would leave his post today.

He said the incident involves "a personal problem but it was not assault".

Satees was also publicity officer for the Prai constituency and the DCM's Office.

‘Incident not related to politics’

Ramasamy denied that the incident is related to politics or to the recent spat between him and DAP national chairperson Karpal Singh about ‘godfathers’ and ‘warlords’ in the party.

azlan Satees had been one of Ramasamy's strongest supporters while this episode had played out.

Ramasamy said he is always trying to ensure that his staff improve in their performance and respond tactfully to issues affecting the Indian Malaysian community, which is one of his portfolios.

He said he is not defending any of his employees but admitted that his team is under tremendous pressure as they have to operate the service centres in Prai and Batu Kawan.

“Never before the community had such a service. Many people come to see us on a daily basis. They also come from Kedah or Perlis, and most of the problems are (related to welfare needs)," he added.

"Some need immediate attention. Sometimes it is beyond our capacity to deal with this, so the pressure mounts every day.”