GAS: We caused his head to roll

By G Vinod

KUALA LUMPUR: The Gerakan Anti-Samy Vellu (GAS) movement has claimed credit for hastening the MIC president's exit from power.

In a text message to FMT, GAS coordinator V Mugilan said: “GAS has successfully pressured the party president to relinquish his position before his own retirement plan.”

He was responding to Samy Vellu's announcement today that he would relinquish his post next January and pave the way for his deputy G Palanivel to take over.

Mugilan, the former MIC Youth deputy chief, had formed GAS after he was booted out of the party by the president for openly asking the latter to step down.

Two others, former MIC Central Working Committee members KP Samy and G Kumar Ammaan, joined GAS after they were axed for backing Mugilan.

Meanwhile, Mugilan said the “victory” (Samy Vellu's exit) did not belong to GAS alone, but also the Indian community.

He also revaled that GAS would organise a dinner to “celebrate” Samy Vellu's retirement.

Leave the assets alone

Kumar, who also expressed joy over the latest development, however cautioned the outgoing president about MIC's assets.

“Samy Vellu should leave party assets such as MIED (Maju Institute Of Education Development) with MIC as it belongs to the party,” he said.

In May, Samy Vellu had claimed that MIED was not part of MIC, drawing flak from GAS coordinators that produced documents signed in 1983 by then prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad proving otherwise.

Kumar said if Samy Vellu kept his word about stepping down in January, it would provide a boost for Barisan Nasional in terms of winning back Indian support.

“In addition, I believe Palanivel will be able to take MIC to greater heights as he has enough experience and capabilities to do so,” he added.

courtesy of FMT