Exco Man Denies Claims Of Conspiracy Over Hindu Board

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Penang state executive councillor S Sundarajoo said he was considering legal action against those making the accusations. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: Penang executive councillor S Sundarajoo has denied being part of a plot to take over the leadership of the Penang Hindu Endowments Board, which has been at the centre of controversy over the appointment of a new chairman.
Sundarajoo said false and malicious allegations had been made in a viral chat message claiming a “Light Hotel conspiracy”.
The message claimed that there was a secret meeting at the Light Hotel in Penang today involving a “Tan Sri” and three “Dato Seri”, to move for Sundarajoo to take over the chairmanship of the board, with Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran to be his deputy.
The author of the message also accused Sundarajoo, a DAP member, of betraying his party through this “secret power play”.
Sundarajoo rejected the accusation. He said in an statement: “I was not involved in any secret meeting or political plot regarding the PHEB. These baseless accusations are clearly intended to tarnish my name and mislead the public.” He said he would consider taking legal action against those who made the allegations.
Sundarajoo is the assemblyman for Perai, and holds the housing and environment portfolio in the state government. Party colleague RSN Rayer, the MP for Jelutong, is the current chairman of the board until his term ends in July.
Controversy over the chairmanship arose when deputy chief minister and Datuk Keramat assemblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo said he was ready to chair the board, backed by several Hindu groups.
The Penang branch of a Hindu-based group raised objections, saying the board must be led by a Hindu leader who understands the religious values and aspirations of the community. However, a former executive director of the board later said the law does not require the chairman to be a Hindu.
The state executive council has said there had been no discussions on changes to the board, and its current leaders would continue until the end of their term. - FMT

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