As Samy Vellu nears exit, Palanivel given faint praise

Samy Vellu could still call the shots after his retirement, said an aide. — file pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 — “Maintain party unity and stability” will be MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu’s parting words to the party’s powerful Central Working Committee (CWC) members at their meeting on December 6.

Samy Vellu, who is expected to hand over the party’s leadership to his deputy, Datuk G. Palanivel soon after the CWC meeting, said he would stress on the need for the party to maintain an effective leadership and preserve unity to ensure MIC’s survival.

“I want them to maintain a strong working relationship so that the party can function effectively,” he said when interviewed by RTM’s Minnal FM Tamil radio station here today.

Samy Vellu who had announced that he would chair his last CWC meeting on December 6, also said he would urge party members to give their full backing to Palanivel.

The former works minister described Palanivel (right), his former press secretary, as “a dedicated and pious person.”

“He may not be as tough as me in running the party, but he can be tough at times. I believe he can do the job and I want all members to give him their support,” he said.

Samy Vellu said unity has to be maintained by all quarters in the party to ensure the MIC continued to represent the Indian community and deliver the Indian votes to the Barisan Nasional in the next general election.

“It is vital that the MIC remains strong, vibrant and effective to continue fighting for the rights of the community. This can only happen if there is an effective leadership, and stability,” he said.

Observers said Samy Vellu’s remarks could be taken as cautioning party leaders from engaging in power tussle, especially in the run-up to the MIC elections in 2012. Although Samy Vellu had refused to accept the post of party advisor after handing over the presidency to Palanivel as suggested by certain MIC leaders, it is believed that he would closely monitor the situation.

According to an aide, Samy Vellu would “move in” should there be a power tussle or attempt to destabilise the MIC.

“Samy Vellu would still command the respect and support of a sizeable number of (MIC) branch and divisional chairmen, and in the 2012 party elections, he could still call the shots,” the aide said.

Samy Vellu took over the helm of the party in 1979 from the late Tan Sri V. Manickavasagam. — Bernama