Palanivel's legacy lives on, say MIC leaders in heartfelt tribute
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC leaders who paid their last respects to the late Datuk Seri G. Palanivel yesterday described the former party president as an influential political figure who made significant contributions to the MIC and the development of the Indian community in the country.
MIC president Tan Sri S. A. Vigneswaran said Palanivel's passing is a great loss not only to the party but also to him personally, as the late leader had played a major role in mentoring him in Malaysian politics.
"He was the chief advisor to the late Tun Samy Vellu (then MIC president), and in 2004, he was the one who proposed my name to Tun to contest in Selangor (Kota Raja parliamentary seat).
"He also played a key role in bringing me back into active politics and assisted in my appointment as a Senator in 2014," he told reporters at Palanivel's residence here.
MIC deputy president and Tapah member of parliament, Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, described Palanivel as a grassroots leader who began his political career as Press Secretary to Samy Vellu before rising through the party ranks to become MIC president in 2010.
"He introduced many reforms in the party, including launching various welfare programmes for Indian women such as Amanah Ikhtiar, Surya Cooperative, and others," he said.
Former MIC president and ex-Health Minister Tan Sri Dr S. Subramaniam said Palanivel, as MIC's eighth president, served in various party and government positions, including as Deputy Minister, full Minister, and member of parliament for Hulu Selangor and Cameron Highlands.
"One of his firmest principles was to ensure that MIC stood on its own, free from external influences and was recognised as a strong entity in national politics," he said.
Former Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and former MIC deputy president Datuk Seri S. K. Devamany also described Palanivel's passing as a major loss to the country.
"For over four decades, he contributed to leadership and the welfare of the community. Many in the Indian community benefited from his efforts. I urge the public, especially the younger generation, to appreciate the contributions of past leaders while they are still with us," he said.
Palanivel played a crucial role in the MIC leadership, starting as the party's treasurer-general from 1991 to 1994 before being elected vice-president in 1995, a post he held for 10 years.
He later advanced in leadership as deputy president of MIC from 2006 to 2010 and was elected party president in December 2010, leading the MIC until 2015.
Throughout his tenure, Palanivel was known as a committed figure in championing the rights and development of the Indian community while implementing various structural reforms in the party.
He passed away at 8am on Tuesday at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital. He was 76.
His remains will be cremated at the Sentul Hindu Crematorium this afternoon.– BERNAMA
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