Kuala Lumpur – Referring to recent reports in the Tamil press regarding MIC’s 2013 Election funds, former MIC Treasurer General Dato Jaspal Singh, has reiterated that the reports are scandalously untrue and are being spread by certain disgruntled and irresponsible elements.
In a press statement released today Jaspal Singh further clarified as follows:
“I was appointed as MIC Treasurer-General in 2009 when Dato’ Seri Samy Vellu was the President of the party. I continued my duties under Datuk Seri G.Palanivel and relinquished the position in December 2013. During my tenure as the Treasurer-General I ensured that all finances were handled in the most transparent and scrupulous manner. The General Elections were held in May 2013 and at this time I was the Treasurer General. I would like to categorically state that all donations and contributions that the MIC received during this period were fully accounted for. Donations and contributions were immediately banked into MIC’s Bank Account. The sensational reporting in the Tamil press over the last few days alleging such preposterous details as ‘suitcases’ of money were received are utter fabrications. The fact is that the entire process of receiving and disbursing funds was conducted in a most transparent, and indeed dull, manner”
Jaspal Singh is also the current Vice-President of the party.
“Elections are challenging affairs, and funds are required before, during, and after the fact. Nor is this the first time that MIC is participating in an election! The sourcing of funds is a particular responsibility of the President. Disbursements of such funds are solely at the President’s prerogative. In 2013, the President Datuk Seri G.Palanivel did his part to source funds via donations and contributions. Such monies were received before , during and after the election” further noted Jaspal Singh.
Jaspal Singh (pic) also explained in his press statement today the monies collected were used for the following purposes:
- The organization of the party’s programs
- Mobilization and running of the party’s machinery for the GE
- Various Community projects
- Welfare for the deserving, and the needy
- Contributions to grassroots NGOs
Jaspal Singh also stressed that such disbursement of funds by him as Treasurer General and his staff were solely on the instruction of the then President, Datuk G.Palanivel.
“Further, the 2013 accounts were fully audited and duly presented to the CWC chaired by the President, on 27th November 2014 by the then Treasurer-General, S.Murugesan. These Audited Accounts were expected to be tabled at the MIC AGM on the 13th of December 2014. However, on the 5th of December, the MIC received a letter from the ROS requesting MIC to conduct re-election and not to proceed with the scheduled AGM. Due to this event, the AGM has never been held, to-date. The correct forum for any questions to be asked on this matter would have been this AGM” Jaspal pointed out.
Jaspal Singh also said he was disappointed to note that there are some quarters including persons who are not members of the party , who are attempting to sow discord in the party by spreading half-truths, rumors, and outright lies about this matter.
“The intention of these persons is solely to tarnish the image of the party and its current leadership. I caution these persons, and the publications that have printed these false allegations against me and the party. I have consulted with my lawyers and will not hesitate to institute legal action against those newspapers and persons that have been spreading these defamations against me and the party. I warn all those concerned to immediately cease spreading these calumnies or they will have to face the consequences of their actions in court” Jaspal Singh concluded in his statement.
