GEORGE TOWN – Penang MIC chief Datuk J. Dhinagaran says he will not bow to calls for his resignation as commissioner of the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB), insisting the post was given directly to MIC by the state government and not through Barisan Nasional (BN).
Dhinagaran rejected claims that his appointment to the statutory body came via BN, saying it was offered in recognition of MIC’s contributions to the Indian community.
“I am grateful that the Penang government recognised MIC. If not, they might not have renewed my term for a third time,” he told Scoop. “They know our capabilities – but how is it that our old friend BN doesn’t?”
He was responding to questions on whether he would consider stepping down amid Penang MIC’s decision on August 8, at its annual general meeting, to leave BN – a move now pending a decision from party president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran and the central working committee (CWC).
Dhinagaran said he has yet to face any resignation calls from other unity government partners such as DAP, stressing: “They know this position is offered to MIC directly, not through BN.”
Penang MIC’s decision prompted Urimai interim secretary M. Satees to urge Dhinagaran to relinquish his PHEB role, claiming it was secured through a Pakatan Harapan–BN partnership at the state level.
His current term was extended in an announcement by PHEB yesterday, alongside the reappointments of chairman RSN Rayer and deputy chairman Dr RA Lingeshwaran.
Asked about Urimai’s call, Dhinagaran dismissed it as stemming from a long-standing feud with Urimai interim chairman P. Ramasamy, dating back to Ramasamy’s tenure as Penang deputy chief minister.
Dhinagaran also accused Umno of sidelining MIC at both state and federal levels, pointing out that no ministerial or city councillor posts have been given to MIC leaders despite promises following BN’s decision to form a unity government with Pakatan Harapan after the 2022 general election.
He said BN was allocated three city councillor positions in the Seberang Perai and Penang Island councils – all of which went to Umno.
“They are more interested in taking care of Umno leaders. They have forgotten MIC is part of the BN family,” he said.
Warning that excluding MIC from decision-making would cost BN support in the next general election, he added: “If they want to contest the 16th general election without MIC, they are going to have problems getting Indian votes. Our members are all over the country.” – August 11, 2025