Samy sharpens his knives for Palanivel

PETALING JAYA: Newly crowned MIC president G Palanivel is headed for troubled waters after a spate of political manoeuvres that has ruffled the feathers of several MIC top guns.

And the disgruntled faction is said to be led by none other than Palanivel’s immediate predecessor, the mighty S Samy Vellu.

“The discontent began after Palanivel brought back several leaders sacked by Samy Vellu into the party. These people were very anti-Samy Vellu but they have cordial ties with Palanivel.

“Palanivel did a favour to his people but has earned the wrath of the old man (as Samy Vellu is fondly referred to in party circles),” said a highly placed source.

Over the last month or so Palanivel, a former journalist turned politician, had brought back party dissidents including S Murugesan, who was appointed as MIC information chief.

Murugesan was MIC secretary-general before he was removed by Samy Vellu, following his outburst that the former MIC supremo should not sack members according to his whims and fancies.

The party’s all powerful Central Working Committee (CWC), headed by Palanivel, also agreed to reinstate former Petaling Jaya Selatan MIC division head V Subramaniam or Barat Maniam.

Barat Maniam was previously sacked by Samy Vellu when he criticised the party leadership.

Former Hulu Selangor MIC division deputy chairman V S Chandran was also reinstated after his suspension term expired.

The fate of three others ex-leaders, V Mugilan, G Kumar Aamaan and K P Samy, is expected to be decided at the party’s next CWC meeting, which is yet to be fixed.

These three leaders formed the Gerakan Anti-Samy Vellu (GAS) movement mid-last year in an effort to force the former MIC chief to relinquish his post.

Sensing that his decisions would irk Samy Vellu, Palanivel tried to soothen things by appointing Samy Vellu’s son Vell Paari as MIC’s new media head, a newly created post.

Vell Paari, however, had rejected the appointment.

The two Subramaniams

The threat to Palanivel’s postion could come from several corners, especially from the two Subramaniams in the party. The first is former deputy president S Subramaniam, who was beaten by Palanivel at the party polls two terms ago for the number two post.

Sources revealed that Samy Vellu and Subramaniam, who were at odds for nearly three decades now, met during the recent Thaipusam celebration in Batu Caves.

“Samy Vellu patted Subramaniam on the back when the latter went to shake his hands. He was behaving as though they were old buddies. He even invited Subramaniam to lunch…

“This public gesture has sent some signals to MIC leaders and members. Is Samy Vellu telling MIC leaders and members that Subramaniam is not dead politically? Why this sudden move?

“I doubt Samy Vellu is willing to forgive the anymosity between him and Subramaniam so easily. Something must be cooking. Is Palanivel’s head on the chopping block?” said a source.

On another front, Palanivel must keep a close watch on Dr S Subramaniam, the human resources minister and MIC deputy president. The minister is also said to be “interested” in the party top post.

“If the party election is held now, we can see the two Subramaniams going against Palanivel. Dr Subramaniam is a strong candidate. We expect Samy Vellu, who has good grassroots support, to throw his backing for Dr Subramaniam. Furthermore they are of the same caste… this is also another consideration in MIC,” said the source.

Contacted by FMT to verify the speculation, a MIC top leader had responded in a text message, saying: “The motion is in process…waiting for all hell to break loose.”