Kuala Lumpur, Feb 16 – MIC President Datuk Seri G.Palanivel today removed Datuk P.Palaniappan (pic) as his Political Secretary. This comes as a shock to MIC circles as he is known to be a close confidante of the President.
Palaniappan is also the Chairman of MIC Selayang Division from Selangor and with his removal, Palanivel’s support in the division will be further eroded at this crucial moment when he is facing a Presidential election.
Until days ago Palaniappan was seen in Cameron Highlands attending to some work in the President’s Parliamentary constituency.
Palaniappan is a former Teacher and is also the chairman of MIC Kuala Garing Branch in Rawang. He was the one who headed the CWC candidates aligned to Palanivel in the 2013 party elections which has now been declared null and void.
Although there has been no official announcement from Palanivel’s office, sources close to the President confirmed the removal of Palaniappan.
MIC sources said Palaniappan’s departure from Palanivel’s political inner circle signals eroding support for the President in the state of Selangor which is the largest state in MIC in terms of membership and delegates strength.
MIC Selayang division which is headed by Palaniappan has some 65 branches under its roof. Palaniappan is also one of the elected members of the 2009 CWC and thereby is poised to add further support to Dr Subra’s camp in the event he decides to support Subra.
As the lead campaigner for Palanivel’s team in 2013 elections he was the face of Palanivel’s team and his presence in the campaign team indirectly sent a strong indication to the delegates that Palanivel is behind the team led by Palaniappan. He himself contested and won as one of the CWC members in the 2013 party elections.
Palaniappan could not be reached for comment or confirmation.
