PHEB also said that Dr A Lingeshwaran, a senator, would be the deputy chairman, Bernama reported.

The decision was made during the board’s inaugural meeting today, it said in a statement.

In addition, state housing and environment committee chairman S Sundarajoo was appointed as an executive council member responsible for coordinating matters related to the state government.

PHEB said it hoped to serve the Hindu community in Penang well.

On Aug 1, chief minister Chow Kon Yeow had announced the appointment of 19 new PHEB commissioners for a one-year term.

Besides Rayer and Lingeshwaran, the others appointed were Bagan Dalam assemblyman K Kumaran, Batu Uban assemblyman A Kumaresan and Penang MIC chairman J Dhinagaran.

PHEB is powerful in Penang due to its role in managing and promoting the religious, cultural and social interests of the Hindu community.

It is a statutory body that administers endowments, including land, buildings and monetary donations, specifically for the benefit of Hindus in Penang.

PHEB is also known for its educational initiatives, providing financial aid to Hindu students.