PETALING JAYA, Feb 10 — Calls for the resignation of MIC president Datuk Seri G.
Palanivel intensified as fresh investigations by the registrar of societies
confirmed illegal branches were involved in the party’s 2013 elections.
Members of the Barisan Nasional component party lambasted Palanivel, insisting the natural resources and environment minister should also step down from the Cabinet following discrepancies in the elections.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi yesterday announced re-elections involving every position will be conducted between April and July. He said the 2009 central working committee (CWC) shall form the interim CWC for the purpose of the new elections.
Former MIC strategic director Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari was baffled as to how illegal branches were allowed to vote under Palanivel’s watch.
He said the president could be charged as he had breached the Societies Act 1966.
“Under article 9A (of the Act), Palanivel can be disqualified from running or holding any position in a society,” he said.
“But the question here is how were the illegal branches set up and allowed to vote? He is the president. He should know.”
According to the Act, any person who contravenes the provision shall be liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or both.
Vell Paari said that as a Cabinet minister, Palanivel had violated the oath to the Yang diPertuan Agong and the country, in which he had sworn to protect and uphold the laws and constitution.
“To avoid further embarrassment to the country and the party, Palanivel must resign as minister and MIC president,” he said.
MIC had in 2012 planned to set up nearly 800 branches but according to Vell Paari, they were “never formed”.
“To be formed, they need to be legalised and this includes registering with the RoS. From the 800 branches, some 200 of them were formed in 2013, ahead of the elections. But the MIC constitution is clear ... the branch must be set up a year prior to elections,” he said.
He also ticked off Palanivel for not appreciating the party’s history by omitting Putera and Puteri representatives from the interim CWC.
“Both wings had been in existence before the 2009 elections,” he said.
Wanita MIC chief Mohana Muniandy was saddened the party had to face such an ordeal.
“I welcome the re-election but every party member and leader is disappointed and angry with this whole episode. The person (Palanivel) solely responsible for this had acted carelessly without due concern and care for the party and its members,” she said.
She said the fresh elections would take up more time and money, but stressed that the Wanita wing would ensure good leadership was in place, stressing better governance and transparency.
“A stronger mandate will help me and my team serve the community better,” she said.
Former senator Datuk Daljit Singh took it a step further by saying he was ready to contest for the top spot.
Daljit, who made a similar call in 2013, said he is eager to lead MIC if members were looking for a young leader.
“I have expressed my disappointment over the president’s leadership in the past and now everyone is saying I am right. Palanivel should come forward and admit his wrongdoings in the 2013 elections,” he said.
“He should step down immediately as he has violated the constitution and RoS guidelines.”
Source :http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/renewed-calls-for-palanivel-to-go
Members of the Barisan Nasional component party lambasted Palanivel, insisting the natural resources and environment minister should also step down from the Cabinet following discrepancies in the elections.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi yesterday announced re-elections involving every position will be conducted between April and July. He said the 2009 central working committee (CWC) shall form the interim CWC for the purpose of the new elections.
Former MIC strategic director Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari was baffled as to how illegal branches were allowed to vote under Palanivel’s watch.
He said the president could be charged as he had breached the Societies Act 1966.
“Under article 9A (of the Act), Palanivel can be disqualified from running or holding any position in a society,” he said.
“But the question here is how were the illegal branches set up and allowed to vote? He is the president. He should know.”
According to the Act, any person who contravenes the provision shall be liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or both.
Vell Paari said that as a Cabinet minister, Palanivel had violated the oath to the Yang diPertuan Agong and the country, in which he had sworn to protect and uphold the laws and constitution.
“To avoid further embarrassment to the country and the party, Palanivel must resign as minister and MIC president,” he said.
MIC had in 2012 planned to set up nearly 800 branches but according to Vell Paari, they were “never formed”.
“To be formed, they need to be legalised and this includes registering with the RoS. From the 800 branches, some 200 of them were formed in 2013, ahead of the elections. But the MIC constitution is clear ... the branch must be set up a year prior to elections,” he said.
He also ticked off Palanivel for not appreciating the party’s history by omitting Putera and Puteri representatives from the interim CWC.
“Both wings had been in existence before the 2009 elections,” he said.
Wanita MIC chief Mohana Muniandy was saddened the party had to face such an ordeal.
“I welcome the re-election but every party member and leader is disappointed and angry with this whole episode. The person (Palanivel) solely responsible for this had acted carelessly without due concern and care for the party and its members,” she said.
She said the fresh elections would take up more time and money, but stressed that the Wanita wing would ensure good leadership was in place, stressing better governance and transparency.
“A stronger mandate will help me and my team serve the community better,” she said.
Former senator Datuk Daljit Singh took it a step further by saying he was ready to contest for the top spot.
Daljit, who made a similar call in 2013, said he is eager to lead MIC if members were looking for a young leader.
“I have expressed my disappointment over the president’s leadership in the past and now everyone is saying I am right. Palanivel should come forward and admit his wrongdoings in the 2013 elections,” he said.
“He should step down immediately as he has violated the constitution and RoS guidelines.”
Source :http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/renewed-calls-for-palanivel-to-go
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