Former Penang Deputy Chief Minister II, P Ramasamy, pleaded not guilty to 17 charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT) at the Sessions Court in Butterworth.
The charges relate to a total sum of RM859,131.29 during his tenure as chairman of the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB).
Ramasamy is accused of misusing funds entrusted to him by PHEB, involving payments totalling RM779,131.29 through cheques and telegraphic transfers for gold purchases between 2019 and 2023. These transactions were allegedly made without the approval of the PHEB board of directors and occurred on 13 separate occasions.
He also faces charges for making unauthorised payments amounting to RM65,000 between 2020 and 2021 to two individuals as medical aid, and RM15,000 on separate occasions as education aid—both without board approval.
He is charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which carries a prison term of two to 20 years, whipping, and a possible fine upon conviction.
Ramasamy arrived at court at 8.30am accompanied by his lawyer, Shamsher Singh Thind, and several supporters.
His lawyer appealed for a reduced bail amount, citing Ramasamy’s full cooperation with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and assurance that he is not a flight risk. He also requested that bail be granted despite the non-bailable nature of the offence, with Ramasamy prepared to comply with all conditions, including surrendering his passport.
Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah allowed bail at RM78,000 in two sureties for all 17 charges. He also ordered Ramasamy to surrender his passport and report to the MACC monthly.
The case is prosecuted by Noor Azura Zulkiflee and Nurnanajimatul Idayu Mohd Azuyar. Mention is set for 15 July.