Datuk Seri G. Palanivel "won" the MIC presidential election held by his faction uncontested as Dr.Subramaniam Claims its illegal

Palanivel "wins" faction's presidential elections uncontested

BY L. SUGANYA

THE STAR

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri G. Palanivel (pic) "won" the MIC presidential election held by his faction uncontested this Sunday.

Palanivel received 2,004 nominations out of 2,241 branches that registered for elections.

The result was announced by MIC election commission chairman Datuk K. Vijayanathan at the HGH Convention Center, Sentul.

"Even if we include the branches supporting the other faction, the overall number would be 3,758. However we look at it, Datuk Palanivel still has the most support," he said.

His faction’s Secretary-General, Datuk S. Sothinathan had earlier claimed that the 22-month suspension of leader of opposing faction Datuk Seri Dr. S. Subramaniam and his supporters was still in effect, and as such they were ineligible to contest for the post.

He had also said that Palanivel's absence in the cabinet does not determine or influence his presidential post, as it would be the party's decision.

Palanivel said the votes by the branch chairmen showed the true support of the party's grassroots members.

"I give my assurance that the current debacle in the party will not split or divide the party leadership or the community's support towards MIC. I will unite all the members of the committee,” he said.

Palanivel also said that MIC had its own constitution, adding that the Registrar of Societies (RoS) did not have any say in how the party is run.

"The RoS should not interfere in the running of any political party,” he said.

Subra slams MIC presidential election 'won' by Palanivel

BY L SUGANYA

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam slammed the MIC presidential election held by his rival on Sunday, claiming that it was illegal.

Speaking to reporters after the MIC branch chairmen convention, Subramaniam, the party deputy president, said only the 2009 Central Working Committee (CWC) had the power to hold a re-election of the top posts.

“The convention had accepted the views of the 2009 CWC, which RoS had been informed of, regarding the loss of memberships of four members including Palanivel,” he said.

Subramaniam added that the official nominations for the party president's post will be held on Aug 21.

“Whoever is elected through the process will be the official president,” he said.

Subramaniam claimed that 2,800 branch chairmen attended the convention held in Subang, and unanimously agreed to six resolutions tabled during the meeting.

He said that the members recognised and accepted all all measures taken by the 2009 CWC to fulfil the requirement of Registrar of Societies, as stated in its letters to MIC as they agreed to the six resolutions. 

Subramaniam also said that only the branch chairmen elected by the 2009 CWC between July 10 and 12 this year were recognised by the party.

According to the party constitution, an individual needs a minimum of 50 nominations signed by five branch chairmen or CWC members to qualify as president.

Datuk Seri G. Palanivel's faction claimed that he won the election, which was held on Sunday, uncontested, receiving 2,004 nominations from 2,241 branches that registered for the "elections."