Cameron Highlands, November 25 – Several MIC leaders have expressed disappointment and condemned the manner MIC President Dato Seri G.Palanivel was treated at a press conference convened by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyideen Yassin during his visit to Cameron Highlands yesterday.
A photo which appeared inTamil Nesan today (25 Nvember 2014) showed Palanivel standing behind Muhyideen Yassin at the press conference while the DPM is seated with Pahang and Perak Menteri Besars respectively.
Since the photo appeared in the daily today several messages have been exchanged through social media and whatsapp by MIC leaders who condemned the manner the MIC President had been treated. “He is not only a party president but also the leader of the party representing the Indian community. Therefore it is not only an insult to the party President but also an insult to the Indian community” – some of the messages quoted.
“Even by government protocol rank he is a Federal Cabinet Minister, a position which is higher than that of a Menteri Besar. It is disgusting to see that two Menteri Besars were given due respect and decorum by being seated next to the Deputy Prime Minister while the leader of the Indian community standing behind the PM, like a government officer. Not to forget he is also the MP for Cameron Highlands” commented one MIC division leader declining to be named.
“Palanivel should have left the press conference even if it means snubbing the DPM if a seat was not accorded to him. The picture in Tamil Nesan speaks volumes about the standing and respect the MIC President is getting in the Barisan Nasional structure of government. Will they dare to do this to Samy Vellu if he had been the President and Cabinet Minister? ” the MIC division leader further said.
Cameron Highlands and its member of Parliament G.Palanivel have become a target of criticisms in recent times due to several natural disasters, illegal farming and influx of illegals in the hill resort. Cameron Highlands is also a source of vegetables and other agricultural products such as fruits and flowers.
Even the Pahang Sultan during his visit to Camerons recently fired some salvos at Palanivel, expressing disappointment over Federal government’s seriousness in tackling the problems in highland resort.
Since then Prime Minister Najib directed that night patrols be conducted jointly by army and police personal to combat illegal farming and arrest illegals.
