GEORGE TOWN — Former Penang deputy chief minister and Urimai president P Ramasamy was barred from leaving the country by immigration officers at Penang International Airport (PIA) this morning.
Urimai’s interim secretary, M.Satees said the travel ban was related to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) ongoing investigation into the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB), a statutory body previously led by Ramasamy.
Satees, in a statement, also questioned why Ramasamy had been blacklisted from travelling when he had yet to be summoned by MACC.
“When contacted, MACC said the ban was based on orders from Putrajaya,” he said.
Ramasamy was set to fly to Banda Aceh, Indonesia, to receive a peace award from Wali Nanggoroe Aceh, or “the guardian of the state” tonight.
“The office of Wali Nanggoroe Aceh has prepared all the protocols to receive Ramasamy as their guest to be awarded, and yet everything has to be cancelled at the last minute.
“We have expressed our regrets to Wali’s office for being unable to fulfil his invitation tonight,” Satees said.
He also reiterated Ramasamy’s readiness and full cooperation for the investigation.
Satees added that there are “several individuals are eager to target Ramasamy in this case”. – December 4, 2024