Former Penang DCM Ramasamy barred from leaving Malaysia

Dr P Ramasamy talking to the media members on his resignation as a DAP member, Chai Leng Park DAP branch chairman and Penang DAP deputy chairman during press conference at his service centre in Perai. ( August 10,2023). —ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Former Penang deputy chief minister ll P. Ramasamy has been barred from leaving the country by the Immigration Department.

Ramasamy was about to board a flight to Banda Aceh, Indonesia at the Penang International Airport when told that he was blacklisted by Immigration at the directive of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Wednesday (Dec 4).

Ramasamy, when contacted, said he was baffled by the directive as he has not been called or questioned by MACC on any issues.

"I was supposed to receive the peace award from the Wali Nanggroe Aceh for my role in brokering peace between Jakarta and Acheh groups seeking independence," he said.

It is believed that the issue involved the ongoing MACC investigation into former members of the Penang Hindu Endowment Board, of which Ramasamy was chairman.