BUTTERWORTH: Former Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, P. Ramasamy pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to 17 counts of criminal breach of trust involving funds from the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB).
Ramasamy, 76, who chaired PHEB from 2010 to 2023, is accused of using the board's funds between May 2019 and February 2022 without official approval.
The related charges involve the purchase of a gold-plated chariot worth RM800,000 in 2019 as well as payments for educational sponsorship and medical assistance.
The accused pleaded not guilty after all charges were read out before Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah.
All charges were brought under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of up to 20 years, whipping and a fine, if convicted.
