PETALING JAYA, JULY 29- The MIC president and deputy president positions should not be contested at the party’s upcoming elections, recently appointed MIC CWC member S Sunther said today.
“We already have good leaders, they have good portfolios (in the cabinet). I do not see the need to change the party leadership now.
“The party must concentrate on re-building, gaining support lost over the years. We don’t need to fight among ourselves,” he told FMT in an interview.
He said MIC president G Palanivel and his deputy Dr S Subramaniam, who are Natural Resources and Environment Minister and Health Minister respectively, were worthy leaders and should be given more time to show their capabilities.
“MIC took a huge hit in the 12th general election in 2008. Ever since Palanivel took over (in 2010), he has been working really hard to regain Indian support for the party and prepare for the just concluded 13th General Elections.
“That may have been the reason why he was unable to focus on other issues,” he said.
Saying that it was too soon to judge Palanivel, Sunther said the MIC president’s critics were too harsh on him.
“He has been trying to keep MIC relevant for GE13 and it has only been two months since the polls. It is not fair to judge him…he has done well for the party.
“If Palanivel retains the presidency at the party election, then we would be able to see his true capability,” he added.
On criticism that his appointment to the party’s highest decision making body was illegal, he said the matter has been clarified by the party secretary general.
“It was never an illegal appointment in the first place…those who have studied the MIC constitution know that the president has the discretion to appoint anyone to the CWC,” he added.
Rejecting caste-based politics
He said those who criticize the party should help rebuild the party instead of running it down.
“We should be working together for the benefit of the party and the Indian community, we are not going to get anything by fighting each other,” he said.
Speaking on caste-based politics in the MIC, he said there were a small group in the party which brings up caste every time there is an election.
The MIC would hold its presidential election in Sept while election for other top post, deputy president, three vice president and 23 CWC members, would be held in November.
He also confirmed that he would contest the party’s CWC position in the Nov polls.
“I was appointed as a CWC member, now I want to be an elected one. I want to retain this position by showing what I am capable of…I know I can provide a lot for the benefit of the party and the Indian community, I can prove it and I will do so,” he added.
