Latest news with #MalaysianIndianCongress
Malaysiakini
2 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
MIC demonstrates political agility
LETTER | A growing sense of neglect among Malaysian Indians is leading them to slowly throw their support behind the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC). Piecemeal solutions are not what the Indian community needs; instead, they require concerted efforts to improve their quality of life in every sector. MIC has a rich historical legacy and was instrumental in the formation of Malaysia as a sovereign nation. Currently, the MIC faces a pivotal moment ahead of the 16th general election. While it was once the leading voice for the Indian community under BN, the party is now demonstrating the political agility necessary to regain support and survive in today's dynamic political climate. Citing a lack of representation for the party and the Indian community within the Madani government, MIC members have expressed discontent, feeling they are being treated as an 'unwanted guest'. In response, MIC deputy president M Saravanan said in July 2025 that the party's future direction would be determined at its annual general meeting in October this year. Experience and dedication MIC is a versatile political platform. 79 years of experience have prepared it to wade through any obstacles or difficult paths. MIC's dedication to serving the community remains constant, regardless of cabinet positions. MIC has consistently provided scholarships and education loans and supported the underprivileged without ever backing down. The community is still looking for MIC party leaders to get assistance and support, although they did give their vote to them in the previous general election. Taking a leading role in a crucial time, MIC has placed itself at the forefront of discussions on key issues for Indian Malaysians, including education, employment, minority rights, and legal equality. Indian concerns Today, Indians are unfortunately underrepresented in both civil service and private sector employment. Though their population is relatively declining, they remain a significant community, holding the third-largest demographic position in Peninsular Malaysia after the Malays and Chinese. The community's key concerns include access to quality education, fair economic opportunities, equitable and inclusive development, and a proper settlement of their citizenship issues. It is undeniable that Malaysian Indians have been instrumental in the country's development. Nevertheless, as Malaysian politics continues to evolve, the fate of the MIC will hinge on its capacity to adapt and rebuild its connection with supporters and voters. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
New Straits Times
09-08-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Penang MIC considers exit from BN following Kedah's lead
KUALA LUMPUR: The Penang chapter of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) has decided to follow Kedah's lead and support an exit from the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. Penang MIC chairman J. Dhinagaran said the decision was made at the party's state-level annual general meeting (AGM) yesterday. "During Penang MIC's 79th AGM, the division chairmen and branch chairmen of Penang MIC endorsed this decision and agreed to leave it to the party president and the Central Working Committee to decide," he said. Dhinagaran said BN "is not sharing any opportunities with us and only wants all the positions for themselves". He said these opportunities included seats, positions in government-linked companies, and councillor posts. He said that in Penang, the party was "not receiving anything through BN", adding that the sentiment had been relayed to MIC president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran. "I would like to remind BN that it is not easy to replace MIC, and it will not be easy for them to face the 16th General Elections without MIC," he said. "We are not threatening them, but this is the truth." Previously, the MIC president said the party was prepared to discuss with any political party to ensure its survival and to better serve the Indian community. However, analysts have said such a move could risk marginalising the party politically, as multiracial parties have broader appeal.
![[UPDATED] Former MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel dies at 75](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F2013_HQ170713HN004_1750134325.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
17-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Former MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel dies at 75
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) president and federal minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel has died at the age of 76. He died at Kuala Lumpur Hospital at 8am today, according to confirmation from party sources. Palanivel was born March 1, 1949 in Penang. A veteran politician and long-serving member of the MIC, he became the party's eighth president on Dec 6, 2010, succeeding (the late) Tun S. Samy Vellu. His political journey began decades earlier, including serving as Samy Vellu's secretary in the early 1990s, before rising through the ranks. He served as the party's treasurer-general from 1991 to 1994, vice president from 1995 to 2005, deputy president from 2006 to 2010 and president from 2010 to 2015. Palanivel began his professional life as a broadcast journalist, working with RTM and Bernama. He joined Bernama as a journalist in 1977 and later became the economic news editor. Palanivel also held various ministerial positions and played a significant role in representing the Indian community in Malaysia's Barisan Nasional coalition. In his ministerial roles, he served as the Deputy Rural Development Minister from 1999 to 2004; Deputy Welfare and Family Development Minister (2004 to 2008); Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister (2008 to 2011); Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Indian Affairs (2011 to 2013) and as the Natural Resources and Environment Minister from 2013 to 2015. In his role as a member of parliament, Palanivel served the Hulu Selangor constituency for four terms until 2008, after winning the seat in the 1990 General Election. He also served as the Cameron Highlands MP from 2013 to 2018. His funeral is scheduled to take place on Thursday.
