MIC chief Palanivel now full minister

MIC president G Palanivel who was appointed Minister in the Prime Minister's Department took his oath of office before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur today.

Palanivel (right) also signed the oath of secrecy before Chief Justice Zaki Azmi witnessed by Chief Secretary to the government Mohd Sidek Hassan.

Also present at the ceremony were Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Dewan Negara president Abu Zahar Ujang and several cabinet members.

Among the cabinet members present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Aziz, Human Resources Minister S Subramaniam and Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Peter Chin Fah Kui.

Palanivel was Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development (2004-2010) before appointed Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities (from June 4, 2010) in a Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Najib.

He was Hulu Selangor member of parliament (1990-2004) but lost to the late Zainal Abidin Ahmad of PKR, who won with a majority of 198 votes in 2008 general election.

Palanivel, 62, was appointed MIC president to replace S Samy
Vellu on Dec 6, 2010.

- Bernama