Malaysia Update - KUALA LUMPUR: MIC Youth adviser S Vell Paari has decided to relinquish his post since there are voices of discontent in the wing over his stand to back the reinstatement of several rebel leaders.
Preferring to focus on his new appointment as MIC’s publicity and communication chief, Vell Paari said he agreed to bury the hatchet because the interest of the party outweighed personal differences.
“When my father (former president S Samy Vellu) and current president G Palanivel can look beyond this episode and see the future, why shouldn’t I do the same for the sake of unity?” he says.
Yesterday, the MIC central working committee resolved to offer an amnesty to former members who were sacked, dropped, or left on their own accord after the 2008 general election.
Palanivel also said those who returned would be reinstated into the posts they had won during the party polls two years ago.
Among those to be given a new lease of life were former MIC Youth deputy chief V Mugilan and former CWC members KP Samy and G Kumar Amaan.
The trio, sacked by Samy Vellu last year, were the main players behind the now defunct Gerakan Anti-Samy Vellu or GAS.
Vell Paari said that he told the CWC yesterday that the two most affected parties by Mugilan and GAS were his father and Palanivel.
“If not for Mugilan, Palanivel would have been named as the candidate for the Hulu Selangor parliamentary by-election last year.
“So when my father and Palanivel can forgive them, I as a son need to adhere to my father’s wishes and as a MIC member, help the president sow the seeds of unity once again,” he said.
“To be fair, the three were elected by the party delegates, so if you bring them back into the party, they must also be reinstated to their previous posts,” he added.
Unity in the party is vital
Vell Paari stressed that unity in the party was of utmost importance, especially now when the Barisan Nasional government had realised the value of Indian votes.
“In 2008, BN found out the hard way what it is like to underestimate the Indians. Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is willing to listen to our demands, but we cannot have his ear if we are fragmented.
“MIC must be united and strong. If riddled with internal squabbles and factionalism, how can we fight for the community that we represent. We must stand united, as one force,” he said.
Vell Paari noted that Najib was being accused of breaking up the Indian community by sidestepping MIC and communicating with NGOs and other parties.
However, the MIC leader added this was not the case. “He did not break up the Indian community, we broke ourselves up.”
Since voicing his backing for the reinstatement of the GAS trio, Vell Paari had come under intense attack on several blogs, where among others, he was accused of betraying MIC Youth chief T Mohan.
Commenting on this, the MIC leader said that he did not have an axe to grind with Mohan, and pointed out that he had backed the Youth chief against his cousin, SP Muthuvelu, during the last party polls.
“I chose Mohan over blood ties. Until today, my cousin does not talk to me. He told my mother that if not for me, he would have defeated Mohan in the polls,” he added.
Vell Paari said that some of the criticism on the blogs were personal in nature, but they did not bother him.
“Politics is in my blood and my skin is thicker than a buffalo’s hide. Those who attack me can hide behind pseudonyms, but I know who they are,” he added.
Not interested in positions
Vell Paari also denied the accusation that he had made an about turn on his stand regarding the sacked leaders because he was interested in positions.
“Let me tell you a little secret. Prior to the 2008 general election, it was suggested that I contest the Tapah parliamentary seat while (MIC vice-president M) Saravanan contest in Sungai Siput.
“My father initially decided to accept a senatorship and become a minister. But we received feedback that support was dwindling in Sungai Siput and it would be best for my father to stand.
“So my father decided to defend his seat while Saravanan was given the Tapah seat. I did not complain about this or kick up a fuss,” he added.
Vell Paari also revealed that he was initially offered a senate position following the expiry of MIC member T Murugiah’s term.
“Before the Tenang by-election in January, (party veteran) KS Nijhar and Palanivel told me that the ‘senate is yours’. But I later told them to give it to someone more experienced.
“I was also among those who suggested that the senatorship be given to P Subayah in line with the party’s strategy to fortify its presence in Penang.
“I could have also contested for vice-presidency in the last party polls, but I chose to focus on ensuring that Palanivel remains as deputy president and attacked (contender) S Subramaniam.
“As a result, I have two legal suits pending against me. The bottom line is, I’m not interested in positions. My decisions are made in the party’s interest,” he added.
