Kuala Lumpur, April 24 – The long drawn legal battle between both camps in MIC have only resulted in despair and dejection and they are now pondering whether it is worth all the effort to pursue the court case against the Registrar of Societies (ROS) or one another.
Seizing the mood of the key leaders, some senior leaders in MIC with Tan Sri titles have embarked on a mission to bring both camps to the negotiation table to reach an amicable solution and to put the party back on track.
Speculations have surfaced in the party that Tan Sri K.Kumaran, a former Vice President of MIC is spearheading the negotiations with a plan that would be accepted by both the factions led by President Dato Seri G.Palanivel and Deputy President Dato Seri Dr S.Subramaniam.
Tan Sri Kumaran was also the Chairman of MIC Presidential Election Committee which supervised the 2013 Presidential election which resulted in Palanivel being elected as the party President without a contest.
Tan Sri K.S.Nijhar and Tan Sri Dr Marimuthu, former Central Working Committee members of MIC are said to be the other “Tan Sris” involved in the negotiations.
It is also speculated that the whole team is looking towards Tan Sri K.R.Somasundram, to seal the final pact between both the factions because of the integrity and stature he commands among the key leaders of MIC. Tan Sri Soma is also the Chairman of National Land Finance Cooperative and wields extensive influence and respect in MIC.
MIC sources point out that the reason for both factions to come to negotiating table is due to the failure of both factions to gain any headway in the on-going court case and the consequential delay.
The matter is fixed for hearing on 12th of May. Further delays are also expected and whatever the outcome of the case, an appeal to Court of Appeal is definite as both factions are determined not to give up.
Dr Subra’s faction is pursuing the court to declare the 2009 CWC as the valid body to conduct the fresh elections as decided by the ROC. Whereas, Palanivel’s faction is pushing for a declaration that the 2013 party election results are valid and that even if fresh elections are to be held it should be conducted by the 2013 CWC.
This legal tussle has resulted in the court slapping interim injunctions on the 2009 CWC until the case is disposed off, whereas the 2013 CWC is also considered as not recognized by the ROS. Therefore, the party is in a limbo now, unable to call for CWC meetings and make crucial decisions.
The first glaring damage to the party as a result of their internal bickering came to light when it was announced that Datuk Loga Bala Mohan, the Penang State’s PPP leader was appointed as the Coordinator for the Permatang Pauh Indian voters in the forthcoming by-election.
Traditionally it is always the MIC which will be the coordinator when it comes to Indian votes in any by-election or general election.
The on-going intense leadership tussle has clearly resulted in the party losing its ground and image and to avoid further damage the key leaders are now warming-up to the idea of a patch up.
However, it is still unclear which will be the peace formula that will convince both factions to accept and move forward.
-R.Mutharasan
