Ramanan Protests Unfair Media Treatment

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GE15 | PKR Sungai Buloh candidate R Ramanan protested that the media was treating him unfairly by not providing him with a chance to reply before his stories were published.
However, reporters explained that they were unable to reach the PKR deputy information chief.
Ramanan seemed unhappy with the assertion and claimed the reporter was lying when he spoke to reporters after his nomination.
“When the media said Sungai Buloh would field a new candidate, or when they mentioned lots of issues. In fact, I was holding the 'watikah' (letter of authorisation), why didn't I say anything?
“Because there are so many media outlets, but none called me,” Ramanan said.
A reporter immediately responded that they had been unable to contact Ramanan, while another reporter from Bernama said that Ramanan’s phone was not picked up when called.
Ramanan seemed upset and shot back: “You called? What number did you call? It didn’t happen, this is a lie.”
He said other media personnel have been able to contact him for replies, which showed that he normally picks up phone calls from reporters.
The former MIC treasurer-general then repeatedly asked the reporter to identify which organisation she worked for, to which she reluctantly responded.
“Where? Where? I want to know Kak from which (media).
“Sorry, one minute. I need to know which media she belongs to. Bernama? Okay, next (question),” said Ramanan.
It was unclear why the PKR candidate wanted to know which organisation was the reporter attached to.
Meanwhile, Ramanan stressed that Sungai Buloh is a PKR stronghold and he, with two state executive councillors helping him to campaign, has a better chance to win against outgoing health minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
Sued for forging ministry letter, fraud
Similarly, Ramanan told Malaysiakini yesterday that he blames the media for allegedly targeting his past “baggage” but not applying the same scrutiny to Khairy.
During the interview, Ramanan said a 2014 civil suit involving him was due to “business misunderstandings” and should not be exploited by his opponents.
Psychiatrist M Mahadevan sued Ramanan for allegedly fraudulently misrepresenting him on May 19, 2010, leading the former to transfer RM5.5 million into Ramanan’s personal account.
Ramanan had allegedly shown a letter from the Defence Ministry to the then 81-year-old man and said he could retrieve Mahadevan’s debt from the ministry.
This led to Mahadevan paying Ramanan RM5.5 million for the services, only to find out later that the letter was forged.
On Jan 23, 2014, Kuala Lumpur High Court agreed to Mahadevan’s application and ordered Ramanan to return the RM5.5 million to the psychiatrist.
However, both parties reached a settlement in June 2014. - Mkini

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