Petaling Jaya, March 7- Former MIC central working committee member S Vell Paari has urged Natural Resources and Environment Minister G Palanivel to show some concern for public health and their well-being during the current haze problem.
He recalled an incident when the MIC president rushed off to visit his sick grandchild in Australia just after the party annual general assembly in December.
“When you can do that for your grandchild, why can’t you have the same concern for the people who put you where you are now?” asked Vell Paari.
On Tuesday, Vell Paari criticised Palanivel for keeping mum over the worsening haze situation in the Klang Valley.
“Palanivel does not have even the courtesy to call for a press conference to calm ruffled feathers of the rakyat. He should be the one explaining to the people about the haze.
“As the minister responsible for the environment, Palanivel has a duty to care for the citizens and explain the real situation. But I think he is not even bothered,” he was reported saying.
MIC information chief L Siva Subramaniam said the party could take disciplinary action against Vell Paari for criticising Palanivel.
“Do not underestimate Palanivel just because he is a patient man,” said Siva Subramaniam.
Vell Paari, who is the son of former MIC president S Samy Vellu, said it was obvious that the haze problem could not be solved anytime soon unless the Indonesian government was proactive on tackling the open burning problem.
Therefore, he said, it was important for the minister in charge of environment to be proactive and alert the public, especially those with respiratory problems, on the health hazards caused by the haze.
“At the very least, instruct your ministry to give out face masks to schoolchildren and ensure there is adequate water supply in schools,” he added.
On Siva Subramaniam’s threats that the party could take action against him, Vell Paari said that he was merely exercising his democratic right to give constructive criticism.
“There are people who even criticise the prime minister and his deputy on several issues. Kinabatangan MP Bung Mokhtar Radin also criticised a minister in the past.
“Besides, I am only critisising Palanivel in his capacity as a minister, not as the MIC president.
“If you cannot accept criticism, then don’t be in a position that will attract criticism,” he said, adding that even MIC treasurer S Murugesan had criticised the Health Ministry for the recent spike in healthcare costs.
Vell Paari said that it was the party president who had voiced support for freedom of expression in his speech at the party AGM in December.
“I know how to defend myself if the party takes action against me,” said Vell Paari.
-FreeMalaysiaToday
