The Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) has suspended the services of its executive director, M Ramachandran, over allegations of misconduct and ethical breaches in the past several months.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy, who is also PHEB chairperson, said Ramachandran (above) was escorted out of his office after he was served a letter of suspension.

“We are conducting an internal investigation which started in October for various misconduct and abuse of power.

“The defamatory article carried by a news portal was a pre-emptive diversion to derail the ongoing internal investigations against Ramachandran,” Ramasamy told a press conference at his office in Komtar today.

Free Malaysia Today yesterday reported that Ramasamy is being probed for abuse of power and criminal breach of trust (CBT).

Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy

The DCM said Ramachandran was under internal inquiry over allegations of a board project awarded to his son-in-law and other ethical breaches.

This was why Ramachandran retaliated by accusing him of misconduct instead, Ramasamy claimed.

“Given Ramachandran’s long service with the board, we wanted to give him a retirement package. Instead, he has gone and lodged a report making false claims (about me),” he added.

The report also claimed that Ramasamy was being probed over the alleged offences based on information received from Ramachandran.

When contacted, Ramachandran said he is surprised and shocked by what happened today.

“I welcome the internal investigation on all issues and at the end of the day let the truth prevail,” he added.

Ramachandran said he will call for a press conference tomorrow to explain his side of the story.

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