CWC changes 'questionable' if done for vested interest

MIC deputy president Dr S Subramaniam said that the dropping of the party's two members of the central working committee (CWC) is "questionable" if done to serve certain "interests".

"If it is done for the purpose of strengthening the party, it is fine, (but) if it is done with other interests which are questionable, then I think it is something we need to think about," he said.

Cautiously commenting on the matter when met at the Parliament lobby yesterday, Subramaniam, however, declined to say what these "questionable" reasons may be.

"You would have to ask the person (Palanivel) who did it (made the changes)," said the health minister after winding up for the ministry for the Supplementary Supply Bill 2012.

He however pointed out that according to the MIC constitution, the party president has full power to decide on who sits on the CWC.

As such, he said, changes in the committee are "not unusual".

Samy's son removed

MIC president G Palanivel yesterday announced that S Vell Paari (below) and Puteri wing leader J Usha Nandini were dropped from the CWC.

In their place are former vice-president S Sothinathan and S Sunthar.

The sudden change, for which reasons were not given, comes as speculation rages on that Subramaniam could mount a challenge against Palanivel at the party's polls later this year.

It is said that former president S Samy Vellu is calling the shots behind the scene against Palanivel, to favour the health minister.

Sunthar is the son of former MIC deputy president S Subramaniam while Vell Paari is Samy Vellu's son.