Should Palanivel stay or go? BN can’t decide

(MMO) - “Palanivel must be firm and have his own principles with his decision to step down in 2016 even though he has received overwhelming support from the branch chairmen and members, or else the community will not believe in him as a leader,” 

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 — MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel’s hint that he may stay on beyond 2016 as party president has received mixed reactions.

MIC strategic director S. Vell Paari said if Palanivel continued to receive huge support from the branch chairmen and members, then he would have to follow the mandate to remain as president to strengthen the party.

“If the majority (of the branch chairmen) wants him to continue, he has the right to do so for the sake of the party,” Vell Paari said.

MIC Youth chief T. Mohan said the majority of the branch chairmen had stated their stand.

“We have to abide by the mandate given by the members and will support him to chart the future direction of the party,” he said.

He said the new mission was to strengthen the party by building support and creating greater confidence among the public.

Asked whether a decision by Palanivel to stay on would cause a rift in the party, Mohan said there were no factions within MIC.

“There is no Team A or Team B in MIC. The leadership is committed to making improvements to the party collectively,” he said.

“We will give him full support as we believe he is a confident and genuine leader.”

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) national information chief Datuk A. Chandrakumanan said people should not “jump the gun” by quickly judging Palanivel on his statement.

“Palanivel must be firm and have his own principles with his decision to step down in 2016 even though he has received overwhelming support from the branch chairmen and members, or else the community will not believe in him as a leader,” he said.

MCA vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said Palanivel should keep his word and step down in 2016.

“No one can stop him from contesting the party’s top post again but he must fulfill his promise or people will lose trust in him,” he said.

It was reported an understanding had been reached between Palanivel and his deputy, Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, that he would step down as the president in 2016, and

Dr Subramaniam would lead MIC into the next general election, due in 2018.

However, following mediation by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, a deal was struck between Palanivel and Dr Subramaniam to avert a contest.

Najib managed to pacify both parties and they agreed to a peace deal and an amicable transfer of power in March 2016.