Vell Paari set to be sworn in as senator

Former MIC secretary-general S Vell Paari is set to be sworn in as a senator of the Dewan Negara next week.

Quoting a statement by Parliament's Corporate Communication Division's Mohd Nor Aswadi Mohd Nor, the Malaysian Gazette reported that the son of veteran politician S Samy Vellu was among four individuals who will be sworn in as new members of the Senate.

PAS representatives Mohamad Apandi Mohamad and Ahmad Yahaya and former Jerlun MP Othman Aziz of Umno are also expected to be sworn-in and begin their official duties as senators on Sept 2.

A source close to Vell Paari confirmed the appointment saying that he had initially been reluctant to accept it but reconsidered after being asked to do so by the MIC.

Vell Paari had quit as MIC secretary-general last year, saying that he intended to leave politics to focus on his business interests and look after his father who is in poor health.

Last December, he filed an originating summons at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur against his father over whether or not the latter is a mentally disordered person and incapable of managing his own affairs.

MIC president S Vigneswaran recently served two full terms as senator from June 2014 until June 2020.

He also served as Dewan Negara president prior to the completion of his term. - Mkini