Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy today pledged to cooperate with a police investigation into his alleged links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

This came after inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the police have opened an investigation paper against him.

"Since there are reports against me for some alleged involvement, police can investigate to ascertain whether there is any basis to these wild and baseless or irresponsible allegations.

"I will fully co-operate with police," he told Malaysiakini today, adding that the police had recorded his statement a week ago.

However, Ramasamy also urged police to probe those who allegedly spread lies about him.

"There were a number of reports against those who perpetrated these lies (against me), police must open investigation papers on them as well," he said.

"Anyway I stand by my argument that these lies and false reports about my alleged links were done to side-step the issue of (Islamic preacher) Zakir Naik’s extradition to India," he stressed.



A photo of Ramasamy and pro-LTTE politician V Gopalasamy taken at a recent wedding reception went viral on social media, sparked allegations about the DAP politician's ties with the LTTE.

The LTTE, or more commonly referred to as the Tamil Tigers, are a Sri Lanka-based group which has been classified as a terrorist organisation by several countries and the United Nations, of which Malaysia is a signatory country.

Fuzi was quoted by The Star as saying that Ramasamy's case had turned into a "case of interest", especially after 53 police reports were lodged on the matter.

“We are investigating. The probe was initially handled by the Penang police, but Bukit Aman has taken over,” said Fuzi.

Ramasamy has claimed to be unfairly targeted by groups supporting controversial preacher Zakir, as he has advocated for Zakir to be deported to India to face charges of money laundering, as well as inciting violence and religious disharmony.

Zakir, who has permanent residency in Malaysia, has denied all charges.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has refused to bow to pressure from India to deport Zakir, saying that the latter has not committed any crime in Malaysia.

On Tuesday, Ramasamy said that at least 20 police reports had been lodged against several netizens, including Zamri Vinoth and Firdaus Wong, who had accused him and Bagan Dalam assemblyperson Satees Muniandy of promoting violence.

Inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said Bukit Aman is investigating the reports under Section 500 of the Penal Code for criminal defamation and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.