Samy Vellu’s refusal to let go
Samy Vellu, the MIC president since 1979 is not someone who tolerates dissent within the ranks. He also despises those who question his decision-making.
When he announced that his deputy G Palanivel will take over as a full-fledged president without having to be elected, it appears that Samy Vellu is unwilling to let go and wants to wield influence via his proxy.
Samy Vellu said that Palanivel did not need to be elected president as the party constitution allowed him to be promoted. But this ascension will cause more ructions within the party.
Samy Vellu once wielded the party stick when he sacked V. Mugilan, the party deputy Youth chief, for allegedly working against the interest of the party.
Mugilan delivered a stinging allegation that Samy Vellu’s presence was detrimental to both MIC and BN: “Samy Vellu is the biggest stumbling block. He is the reason we lost the Indian votes (in the last general election)”.
Within hours of making this remark, Mugilan, who was unsuccessful in staging a coup against Samy Vellu, was swiftly and decisively removed.
Back in May, when the problems with his Youth chief emerged, the veteran politician promised a smooth transition of power and said, “I want all party members to know that the transformation of MIC will continue. The transition of power in the MIC would be smooth.”
Come November, Samy Vellu’s broken promise and elevation of Palanivel to president is hardly going to appease the party. Members will feel that without proper elections, Palanivel has no right to be their leader.
Ever since Samy Vellu lost in his Sungai Siput constituency in 2008, his insecurities have been more pronounced. Even former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad alluded to Samy Vellu’s desperation to cling onto power, “One should not overstay one's welcome”.
Petaling Jaya Selatan division head V Subramaniam, better known as Barat Maniam, was sacked after criticising Samy Vellu over the senatorships that were awarded. He described MIC as being in a ‘critical state’: “MIC is no more a party that represents the Indian community in Malaysia. In fact, it has already become Samy Vellu family's party. Just look at the current positions in MIC.”
There were other growing voices of dissent within the MIC central working committee (CWC). Amongst them, G Kumar Aman claimed to represent thousands of Indian youths demanding Samy Vellu's resignation.
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Umno are also widely believed to blame Samy Vellu for MIC's dismal performance during the last general election, when Indian votes shifted to the opposition.
With the general election looming over the horizon, and ever mindful of the MIC being portrayed as a dispirited and disunited party with Samy Vellu at the helm, has Najib offered Samy Vellu special dispensation as envoy for infrastructure with ministerial rank to India and several other South Asian countries, only if he were to vacate his presidency?
When asked what his greatest disappointment was throughout his long tenure, Samy Vellu mentioned the fractured relationship with his former deputy president S. Subramaniam and described his “inability to work with me.”
He said, “He contested against me twice. Otherwise today, he would have been the president of the MIC”.
Is Palanivel the new president because Samy Vellu was piqued that Subramaniam had dared to challenge his authority?
If that is the case, then Palanivel was chosen not on his finer qualities, but because of the swaying emotions of an old man.
Samy Vellu’s latest decision has managed to tarnish his own reputation and credibility further. It can be added to the long list of accusations of nepotism and cronyism and the known scandals related to the various shares issues.
If Palanivel had any self-respect, he should put himself up for election in true democratic fashion. Meanwhile, Najib should re-evaluate his decision to send Samy Vellu as envoy because his credentials thus far, are not something Malaysians are proud of.
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