Remembering Palanivel, a decent and principled MIC leader

Free Malaysia Today

20 hours ago

From P Ramasamy
G Palanivel, the eighth president of MIC, passed away this morning at Kuala Lumpur Hospital at the age of 76.
Before venturing into politics, Palanivel began his career as a researcher and reporter. His political journey began when he became the press secretary to the long-serving MIC president, S Samy Vellu.
A loyal lieutenant to Samy Vellu, Palanivel was seen as his protégé – carefully groomed for leadership. Yet, he maintained a degree of independence and principle that set him apart.
Over the course of his career, Palanivel held various government positions, including deputy minister in several ministries, minister in the Prime Minister's Department, as well as natural resources and environment minister.
He rose to become MIC president in 2010, but his presidency came to an end in 2015 due to internal disagreements and rivalries within the party.
I had the privilege of knowing Palanivel personally. He was the only MIC leader I had close contact with during my time as a lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and later as Penang's deputy chief minister II. As an academic, I had submitted several proposals to him on ways to accelerate estate housing ownership programmes for workers in Selangor, and he responded with genuine interest.
He would occasionally meet with me during my tenure in the Penang state government. I was told that within MIC circles, he often referred to me as a good friend – something that might not have sat well with certain MIC leaders, given my long-standing criticism of the party.
After he stepped down as MIC president, we lost touch. It was only in March 2024 that I had the chance to visit him at his home in Kuala Lumpur. Sadly, due to his failing health, we could not have a meaningful conversation. His wife, who remained his steadfast companion, cared for him with deep devotion until his final moments.
Despite my estranged relationship with other MIC leaders, I held a deep admiration for Palanivel. He was a kind and considerate man, uncomfortable with the internal politicking and 'wheeling and dealing' that often defined party politics. It was this very integrity – his refusal to compromise principles for personal gain – that likely shortened his political tenure.
Former prime minister Najib Razak's decision to drop him from the Cabinet and favour a rival contributed to the weakening of MIC's influence. In many ways, Palanivel's removal marked the beginning of the party's decline – one that has left it unable to secure even a single ministerial post today.
Palanivel may be gone, but I will always cherish the memory of our occasional conversations and his sincere desire to serve the Indian community. He was one of the few clean and decent leaders the MIC produced – a gentleman who stood his ground amid turbulence.
May his soul rest in peace.
P Ramasamy is Urimai chairman and former Penang deputy chief minister II.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.