I’m willing to lead Penang Hindu Endowment Board, says Jagdeep Singh Deo

I’m willing to lead Penang Hindu Endowment Board, says Jagdeep Singh Deo

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) may see a change in leadership following significant shifts in DAP after its March 16 elections.

PHEB, a statutory body, is currently chaired by Jelutong MP RSN Rayer with Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran as deputy chairman, and the current tenure of PHEB commissioners ends in July.

Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo is one who could be part of a possible new leadership.

“I am willing to head PHEB if needed as there have been requests and memorandums from Indian organisations and people seeking a change in the board.

“There are experienced professionals and technocrats willing to assist the board if I were to helm it,” said Jagdeep on Sunday (March 30).

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Rayer and Dr Lingeshwaran are long-time loyalists of DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng,

In recent years, there has been friction between Lim and various Penang political leaders over the state’s Penang’s management.

There was also tension between former PHEB chairman and ex-deputy chief minister II Dr P. Ramasamy, who later left from DAP after he was dropped as a 2023 state election candidate.

“Whatever the outcome, the ultimate decision lies with the Penang Chief Minister,” said Jagdeep.

The Penang governor appoints PHEB commissioners on the chief minister’s advice.

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PHEB is a statutory organisation formed under a 1906 enactment by the colonial government of the Straits Settlements, comprising Singapore, Penang and Melaka, which later became federal law in the form of the Hindu Endowments Act.

The board receives substantial allocation annually from the state to support the welfare, educational needs and cultural growth of the Indian community in Penang.

It administers five endowments, several properties and 13 temples and organises the annual Thaipusam festival.

The board’s chairman is appointed by the state government with the governor’s approval.

In an immediate response, Rayer said he is not aware of any changes to the board’s leadership.

“However, I leave it entirely to the state leadership. Let them decide if they want me to continue come July,” he said.