From Newsroom To National Stage: Colleagues Reflect On Palanivel's Journey
KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Bernama) -- Several former colleagues of Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, who died today, recalled fond memories of their time working with him in the journalism industry.
Former Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang said Palanivel was the only ex-Bernama journalist to rise to the level of a federal minister.
'Palanivel and I were colleagues as editors at Bernama in the 1980s until he was appointed press secretary to then Works Minister Tun S. Samy Vellu in 1987.
'One memory I will never forget is the day Palanivel told me, 'Azman, one day I'll be MIC president.'
'At the time, I took it as a joke or a light-hearted remark. Little did I know that even during his days at Bernama, the ambition to be in politics was already burning within him,' he told Bernama today.
Azman said Palanivel eventually achieved that dream with the guidance and full support of Samy Vellu, taking over the MIC presidency and later being appointed as a Cabinet Minister.
He said during his tenure as Bernama chairman in 2018, the news agency selected Palanivel as one of the recipients of the Bernama Lifetime Achievement Award in conjunction with its 50th anniversary celebration.
'Despite being frail and not speaking much at the time, Palanivel was present to accept the award at the ceremony held at Dewan Perdana Felda,' he said.
Meanwhile, another former colleague, Mohsin Taib, said he learned much about journalism from Palanivel, who was a senior journalist when they worked together in the general news section in the late 1970s through the early 1980s.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
31 minutes ago
- Barnama
Palanivel A Wise Figure, Always Calm In Handling Issues
KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described former MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, who died yesterday, as a wise figure adept at handling various issues, whether in the ministry or within the party. Ahmad Zahid said Palanivel, who once served alongside him in the Cabinet, made significant contributions not only to the Indian community but to Malaysians in general. 'I deeply appreciate his services and contributions to all Malaysians, particularly the Indian community in this country. 'He was my friend in the Cabinet and a remarkable personality. He was calm and handled issues in the ministry and party matters with great wisdom,' he told reporters after paying his last respects at Palanivel's residence here. Meanwhile, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail described Palanivel's passing as a significant loss, especially as both had worked together in the Cameron Highlands parliamentary constituency. 'Datuk Seri G. Palanivel was a friend and colleague. We worked together in community initiatives when he was the Cameron Highlands member of parliament in 2013, while I was the Jelai assemblyman and a state executive councillor,' he said. He said Palanivel contributed significantly to efforts to improve the living standards of local communities in Jelai and Cameron Highlands. Palanivel, 76, died at 8 am yesterday at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, leaving behind his wife, Datin Seri P. Kanagam, and four children. Born on March 1, 1949 in Penang, Palanivel began his career in 1973 as a research officer at the National Museum under the Bujang Valley Project, before joining the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as a senior journalist in April 1977. In 1984, he served as a sub-editor at the Economic Service and later as news editor of general news, before being seconded as press secretary to then Works Minister Tun S. Samy Vellu from 1987 to 1990. Palanivel had been active in politics through MIC since the early 1970s and contested his first General Election in 1990.
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
Drug, Vape Abuse Among Malay Youths Alarming, Find Solutions Now
PUTRAJAYA, June 18 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today expressed deep concern over the rising trend of drug and vape abuse among youths, particularly Malay youths. Anwar said the issue is escalating and requires a comprehensive solution involving various approaches, including counselling and 'dakwah' (religious outreach). He said the matter was also discussed during the Cabinet meeting earlier this morning, reflecting the seriousness of the threat to the nation's future. 'Please discuss and find solutions, whatever methods or resources needed. Is counselling required? Is dakwah necessary? Because this issue has remained unresolved for decades,' he said in his speech at the Malaysia MADANI Nationhood Seminar themed 'Teachers as Catalysts for National Patriotism' here today. Anwar pointed out that while the issue also affects other communities, statistics indicate that it is more prevalent among Malay youths, and urged the government and society to act collectively and comprehensively to curb a problem that threatens to destroy the future of the younger generation. -- BERNAMA
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Dad was a kind man, great role model, says Palanivel's son
KUALA LUMPUR: The late Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, former MIC president and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, has been remembered as a kind, fair and inspirational figure by his family. Speaking to the media during the funeral prayer services at their residence here, Palanivel's youngest son Sharavanahvel, 31, described his father's passing as an irreplaceable loss not only to the family but also to the wider community. 'It's a very big loss to me and my family. My father was a very kind man, very fair and a great role model to me and my brothers. I think he was also a role model to the community at large, based on the outpouring of support we've received,' he said. Recalling cherished memories from his childhood, Sharavanahvel said although his father led a busy life, he always made time to take him fishing and spent a lot of time bonding through such activities. 'I was just telling him how big of an inspiration he has been and what big shoes he's left for me and my siblings to fill,' he said he shared in his final conversation with his father. Sharavanahvel also expressed gratitude for the many condolences and messages of support the family has received since the passing of the former Cabinet minister. Palanivel, 76, passed away at 8 am yesterday at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) and leaves behind his beloved wife, Datin Seri P. Kanagam and four sons. Born on March 1, 1949, in Penang, Palanivel began his career as a research officer at the National Museum for the Bujang Valley Project in 1973, before joining the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as a senior journalist in April 1977. In 1984, he was appointed as the editor for Domestic and Economic News at the agency before being seconded as press secretary to then Works Minister, Tun S. Samy Vellu, from 1987 to 1990. He had been actively involved in politics through MIC since the early 1970s and contested in the general election for the first time in 1990. He won the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat in the 1990 General Election and served as the MP for four consecutive terms before losing the seat in 2008. Palanivel returned to Parliament in 2013 as Cameron Highlands MP.
