GEORGE TOWN: Former Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy expressed disappointment over being barred from leaving the country by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), preventing him from attending an event in Aceh.
Ramasamy, who is also former DAP secretary-general, was slated to receive tonight a peace award from Wali Nanggoroe Aceh, the head of state of the Indonesian semi-autonomous province, for his role in mediating peace between the central government and separatist group Free Aceh Movement (GAM).
However, his travel plans were halted before he could board his flight due to an investigation into the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB), of which he was chairman.
"I was not sure why I was blacklisted.
"So far, until today, the MACC has not called me or investigated me. Nothing of the sort.
"We called up MACC, and they confirmed that I've been blacklisted," he said when contacted.
While acknowledging the ongoing investigation into PHEB, Ramasamy said he had not been contacted or questioned regarding the matter.
"How come suddenly I became a wanted man in this country?" he questioned.