PHEB a victim of fake news, says its chief and Penang DCM Ramasamy
The Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) today decried that it has been a victim of fake news issued by irresponsible parties who are not happy with a businessperson who is supportive of the state government.
PHEB chairperson P Ramasamy said the board has been dragged into the matter with the fake news alleging that a local businessperson, K Palaniappan, is responsible for the clash between PHEB and the Natukottai Chettiars...
The Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) today decried that it has been a victim of fake news issued by irresponsible parties who are not happy with a businessperson who is supportive of the state government.
PHEB chairperson P Ramasamy said the board has been dragged into the matter with the fake news alleging that a local businessperson, K Palaniappan, is responsible for the clash between PHEB and the Natukottai Chettiars.
Palaniappan is also a trustee board member of the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Penang.
"Do not drag PHEB into this. Palaniappan has nothing to do with the misunderstanding between the Natukkotai Chettiars and PHEB," Ramasamy, who is also deputy chief minister II of Penang, said at a press conference in Komtar today.
"If the fake messages did not involve PHEB, I would not be involved but since it is, I have to urge responsible parties to stop such dirty tactics, for this does not work anymore," he said.
"The misunderstanding between PHEB and Natukkotai Chettiars is a thing of the past, an old story. There is no argument or conflict between us and the rest of the Chettiars," Ramasamy added.
"Such hateful and fake messages must stop being circulated. Stop it and stop getting the PHEB or Penang government involved in your business rivalry," he added.
The fake messages, which have been viralled through WhatsApp groups, claimed that Palaniappan was the reason for the clash between PHEB and the Natukottai Chettiars, who organise the silver chariot during Penang's annual Thaipusam religious festival.
The message also called for the boycot of Palaniappan's businesses, which include Lakshmi Video Centre, Indian Palace (restaurant) in Bayan Lepas and Gems Restaurant in Little India, Penang.
Among other harsh claims, Palaniappan was also alleged to be involved in illegal businesses, whereby he reportedly "blemished the pride and dignity" of the Chettiars in Penang.
PHEB had locked horns with the Natukkotai Chettiars during Thaipusam this year, with the board warning that it may seize their temple if they continued to use bulls to pull the silver chariot.
Accompanying Ramasamy at the press conference were Palaniappan, his son Krishnan and Seberang Perai Municipal councillor David Marshel.
While denying any conflict with the Chettiar community in general, Ramasamy said Palaniappan was a local Chettiar himself but his business rivals were "jealous" of his good relationship with PHEB and the state government.
"They accused him of having betrayed the Chettiars due to his support for Pakatan Harapan," Ramasamy explained.
"If anyone has a problem with the Penang government, you can deal with us directly and we can answer your questions or clarify matters.
"Likewise, if anyone has a problem with Palaniappan, deal with him directly. Why drag in his son and wife?" Ramasamy asked, referring to a photo viralised along with the fake message.
Reports lodged with police, MCMC
Krishnan said reports on the matter have been lodged with the police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on Jan 24.
"Please investigate who is the culprit so that our family can be free of this fake news and go on with our lives and businesses.
"We lodged reports because we are very concerned about our safety and those of our families," Krishnan added.
Palaniappan said the messages started circulating 10 days ago and while he suspects these must have been sent by his business rival, he declined to reveal the identity of the culprit.
"It just that we started getting calls from the people who received the message, inquiring into our businesses. Please stop circulating the fake news," Palaniappan said.
He said such tactics were not effective as his businesses continued to grow.
"However, the messages are affecting our names and reputation, and we also fear for our safety," he added.
Why no comments from PH supporters! Because all have not eaten the billion of ringgit worth of dedak ( toll free road, PTPTN writeoff, No SST, 1.50 sen petrol etc) yet as all the promises now in the drain ( no money!) but got money to build 3rd national car, building crooked bridge etc. which also worth billions of ringgit! PH Leaders with 5 figures salary and rakyat only peasants salary! Minimum pay! Also in the drain! Economy! Still in one race ketuanan Bumiputera Cina hands worth USD280/year GNP created by BN. Stop the bickering and put the economy on track and deliver ALL the promises!
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