MIC leaders warn Palanivel to accept reality and move on!

“Whoever caused election irregularities has brought the party to this stage. The President must address this issue.”

KUALA LUMPUR: Three MIC leaders have issued a joint statement in which they allege that the irregularities during the recent party elections had affected the outcome and therefore the results, and if accepted, would be a violation of the party Constitution and the Societies Act 1966.

They urged MIC President G. Palanivel to be seen as doing the right thing or risk being held party to illegalities and thereby bringing the party into public disrepute and contempt.

The thrust of their complaints in the media is that Palanivel cannot claim prerogative and discretionary powers in the matter. “”He would in fact stand accused of abusing his powers and condoning matters which involve conflict of interest,” said the trio in their statement. “We are shocked that the President is in a state of denial, unwilling to accept the ROS finding that numerous irregularities had been found in the way the MIC elections were conducted in 2013.”

“He can’t blame those who complain as sore losers and a minority dissatisfied with a democratically held election and putting the party in a delicate situation with the ROS.”

“I contested for the VP position in the 2013 election. In the original count I was declared as one of the winners. Subsequently I was called back for a recount. I lost. I asked for another recount. because the ballots in the recount had increased by a substantial number . However the election committee ignored my request and protest,” said Senator Jaspal Singh.

Senator S. Vignewaran added that they appealed in writing to the Secretary- General for an independent committee to conduct a full inquiry.

“Our request and appeal was rejected by the CWC without any reason,” he said. “How can the very CWC whose standing is being questioned be asked to decide on our appeal?”

“There were numerous issues with the MIC election. Dead or bankrupt people voted, defunct branches took part, members were added at the 11th hour, and new branches were formed in an election year, and the number of delegates and others did not tally.”

T. Mohan pointed out that the ROS informed MIC that it found that the election held in November 2013 for the post of 3 Vice- Presidents and 23 CWC members was not valid. “ROS was also unable to accept the election of office bearers at a number of divisions and branches.”

“Palanivel was the returning officer for the November 2013 election. Instead of establishing a panel to investigate what caused the discrepancies in the election, he chose to blame us as a dissatisfied minority which brought in the ROS,” he said.

The trio demanded free, fair and transparent elections.

“The ROS has confirmed with clarity that the MIC election was tainted with irregularities,” they said. “Whoever caused election irregularities has brought the party to this stage. The President must address this issue.”