CWC men defend Palani as transformer

They say it’s not true that he lacks support among MIC’s policymakers.

PETALING JAYA: Two members of MIC’s central working committee (CWC) today rejected allegations that party president G Palanivel lacked support from the policy making body.

Madhu Marimuthu and A Sakthivel denied that Palanivel was losing his grip on the party, as suggested in an FMT article that appeared yesterday.

Madhu said the president had always been open to points raised by party members, whatever level they came from.

“Listening and accepting dissenting viewpoints has been part of Palanivel’s agenda of transforming the party,” he said. “He is willing to go to the ground and listen to the pulse of the people.”

Madhu, who also worked under Palanivel’s predecessor S Samy Vellu, said the two had different leadership styles and personal characteristics.

“Different individuals have different ways of communicating their opinions,” he said.

“When I had differing views with either president, I would call him and meet him personally or highlight the issue at the party’s highest level, the CWC.”

Sakthivel said his faith in Palanivel had never wavered.

“He is always open to feedback from all levels of membership,” he said. “He is in fact getting stronger.”

Sakthivel claimed that Palanivel’s work had benefited not only the Indian community, but other members of Malaysian society as well.

“Since he took over, he has worked very hard in increasing temple funds and even funds for TEKUN, which helps the agricultural society to grow,” he said.

TEKUN is the Malay acronym for Amalgamated Fund for Commercial Ventures, which is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry.

Sakthivel called on MIC members to unite and to focus on ensuring the party’s success in the 13th general election instead of fanning disagreements.

“Elections are around the corner,” he said. “If we want to do well, then we have to work hand in hand with each other and put our personal differences aside.”

Madhu made a similar call and also urged BN coordinators at MIC’s parliamentary and state constituencies to continuously engage Palanivel to ensure that the party perform better than it did in 2008.