Ramasamy said that according to confidential sources, the state DAP, under the leadership of chairman Steven Sim, is “seriously considering the removal of both the chairman and his deputy” .

The PHEB is currently headed by RSN Rayer, who failed to secure a spot in the 30-member CEC.

In a statement today, Ramasamy, who served as the PHEB chairman for 13 years, said while leadership changes are not inherently problematic, the bigger concern lies in appointing capable successors.

“The PHEB, as the only statutory body managing Hindu affairs in Malaysia, requires competent and visionary leadership to oversee Hindu temples, burial grounds, and properties effectively,” the former Penang deputy chief minister said.

He did not think that any current state leader or exco member is adequately equipped to take on the responsibility.

“One name that has surfaced in discussions is deputy chief minister II, Jagdeep Singh Deo. However, despite the Penang Hindu Endowments Board Ordinance of 1906, which recognises Sikhs as Hindus, Jagdeep has reportedly been ruled out as a potential replacement.

“This decision may stem from the broader demographic reality that the vast majority – about 85% – of Indians in Malaysia are Tamils, making the appointment of a non-Hindu Sikh a contentious issue,” he said.

Ramasamy said that if there is no suitable candidate, the state government has the option to appoint a qualified professional from the private sector.

He said the ordinance only mandates that the board’s secretary should be a civil servant, giving it flexibility in choosing the best leadership for the PHEB.

“It would be wise for DAP Penang to engage in thorough headhunting before finalising an appointment.

“The state government must exercise great caution in selecting the next leaders of the PHEB. The decision should not be based on political alignments or internal party conflicts but rather on competence, vision, and the ability to expand and strengthen the PHEB’s role – both in Penang and potentially across Malaysia.

“A well-thought-out appointment today will shape the future of Hindu religious and community governance in the country. It is imperative that DAP Penang makes the right choice for the sake of the Hindu community and its institutions,” he said.