Clear your name, Ramasamy told

By Athi Shankar

GEORGE TOWN: A DAP branch leader has called on Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy to immediately clear his name from allegations of nepotism and cronyism raised by three individuals in a letter to the party leadership recently.

Bagan Luar branch chairman G Asoghan (picture) also advised Ramasamy to stop issuing unwarranted legal threats against FMT and its journalist over the revelation of the complaint letter dated Nov 25 sent by the trio.

“Stop shooting the messenger. Such threats are against freedom of information advocated by DAP and Pakatan Rakyat. The media has the right to report on issues. Ramasamy should concentrate on quelling the allegations and clearing his name once and for all.

“The allegations are serious and could undermine the party's reputation and credibility,” Asoghan told FMT.

The complainants -- M Mahenthiran, 35, S Deventhiran, 34, and T Manogaran, 38, addressed their letter to Penang Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

They have also sent copies of the letter to party national chairman Karpal Singh, state chairman Chow Kon Yeow, Bukit Mertajam MP Chong Eng and Datuk Keramat assemblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo.

They have demanded that the party leadership, especially Lim, take serious note and probe into the matter.

They have also given a one-month ultimatum to the party leadership to investigate the case. Failing which, they threatened to hold a mass street protest and lodge an official complaint with the Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission (MACC).

In their letter, the trio alleged that Ramasamy's cronies were awarded many state contracts.

The contracts include Tamil school development and computer supply, and Penang Water Supply Corporation and Penang Hindu Endowments Board tenders.

They listed 16 people as Ramasamy's cronies, including his personal aides Jayabalan and M Satees.

Meanwhile, Ramasamy had denied the allegations and claimed that his accusers were not party members.

Acting as Ramasamy's legal counsel, Seri Delima assemblyman RSN Rayer said his client would demand a retraction and apology from FMT and its journalist over an article dated Dec 22 that revealed the trio’s complaint letter.

Karpal has assured that the party leadership would investigate the allegations.

Asoghan welcomed Karpal’s initiative to probe and said Ramasamy should wait for its outcome.

“Why is Ramasamy jumping the gun and putting the cart before the horse? Let the party investigate and reveal the truth.

“Ramasamy and his people should not try to divert the attention from the subject matter,” said Asoghan.