GAS men mull return to MIC

PETALING JAYA: Following S Samy Vellu's resignation as MIC president, former members of the now defunct Gerakan Anti-Samy Vellu (GAS) movement are contemplating on rejoining the party. Former GAS coordinator V Mugilan said he had not thought about the matter yet as a lot of things had changed in the country's political landscape.“I must talk to my colleagues and supporters before deciding,” he added.

Mugilan also took a sarcastic swipe at Samy Vellu's appointment as a special envoy, thanking the government for giving two minister positions for MIC.Samy Vellu's appointment as the special envoy for infrastructure and for India and South Asian countries came with ministerial status.The former GAS leader also criticised those who attempted to portray Samy Vellu's exit from MIC as a graceful one.

“Unlike former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad who left the political scene with his popularity level intact, Samy Vellu left the party in disgrace,” he told FMT.He also advised Samy Vellu not to meddle in MIC politics anymore and allow its new president G Palanivel to do his job.“He should also let Palanivel become the chairman for Maju Institute of Educational Development (MIED) as the entity belongs to MIC and the Indian community,” he added.

Re-unite the split community

Another former GAS coordinator KP Samy said it was up to the new leadership to decide on his political future.The former MIC central working committee member also stressed that he had been a loyal member for 39 years and never sought to join any other party following his expulsion.“I only asked for Samy Vellu to step down. I never tarnished the party in anyway,” he said.

Asked to comment on Palanivel's leadership, KP Samy said it was too early to pass judgement as the new party chief needed time to cement his grip.“When Rajiv Gandhi took over the Indian premiership in the late 80s, many thought he was incapable but he went on to become one of India's best prime ministers,” he added.The veteran politician also urged Palanivel to reunite the Indian community under MIC.With Samy Vellu helming the party for over 30 years, he said the Indian community was split into various factions and there was an urgent need for reconciliation.

“Barisan Nasional has decided to accept affiliate members. Many Indian NGOs will prefer to be an affiliate member rather than joining MIC. If this goes on, MIC will become weaker,” he said.In May, Samy Vellu sacked Mugilan from the party for calling on the former to step down. Soon after, KP Samy was also given the boot for backing Mugilan.GAS was dissolved in October after Samy Vellu announced that he would quit within three months.

Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/fmt-english/politics/barisan-nasional/14274-gas-men-mull-return-to-mic