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The Sun
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Tributes pour in for Palanivel, remembered for integrity and service
KUALA LUMPUR: Condolences and heartfelt tributes poured in following the passing of former MIC President Datuk Seri G. Palanivel today, as leaders and friends shared cherished memories of his life and enduring legacy. Former Malaysian Hindu Sangam president Datuk A. Vaithilingam described Palanivel as an approachable and helpful individual who was always willing to assist and guide those in need, often directing them to the appropriate support channels. 'As a member of parliament, he assisted us in many ways in seeking funds through government projects. I remember once explaining to him that Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) needed a van to assist in its community activities, he immediately launched a fundraising project where we managed to acquire the van within a couple of months,' he said in a statement today. Reflecting on Palanivel's friendship and contributions, Vaithilingam said they first met at a Hindu youth event in Penang, but their bond grew stronger when Palanivel joined the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as a journalist in the late 1970s. Their relationship deepened further during Palanivel's tenure as press secretary to the late Tun S. Samy Vellu. Meanwhile, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo described Palanivel as a respected leader and dedicated public servant who served the nation with integrity and commitment. 'His contributions to the Malaysian Indian community and the nation at large will be remembered with great respect and gratitude,' he said. MIC vice-president T. Murugiah called Palanivel a true gentleman, a dedicated leader and a principled politician who consistently upheld the values of integrity, moderation and public service to both the Indian community and Malaysia as a whole. 'His calm demeanor, wisdom and soft-spoken leadership style earned him respect across all levels of society. Palanivel served with distinction as a member of parliament, cabinet minister and as MIC president, always prioritising the welfare of the people,' he said, adding that his contributions to the community, especially in education and socio-economic upliftment, will never be forgotten. Veteran journalist and former Bernama colleague Datuk E. Sivabalan, meanwhile, remembered Palanivel as someone deeply committed to community service, performing his responsibilities without seeking recognition or fame. 'I remember when he became a Cabinet Minister, he expressed a desire for me to work with him, but insisted that he could not proceed because I was needed to support the late Tun Samy Vellu, who was then Malaysia's Special Envoy to India,' he said. Palanivel died at 8 am today at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, aged 76. Born on March 1, 1949, in Penang, he served as the eighth President of MIC. He began his career in 1973 as a research officer with the National Museum for the Bujang Valley Project. He joined Bernama in April 1977 as a senior journalist before being seconded as press secretary to Samy Vellu from 1987 to 1990.
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Tributes pour in for Palanivel
KUALA LUMPUR: Condolences and heartfelt tributes poured in following the passing of former MIC President Datuk Seri G. Palanivel today, as leaders and friends shared cherished memories of his life and enduring legacy. Former Malaysian Hindu Sangam president Datuk A. Vaithilingam described Palanivel as an approachable and helpful individual who was always willing to assist and guide those in need, often directing them to the appropriate support channels. 'As a member of parliament, he assisted us in many ways in seeking funds through government projects. I remember once explaining to him that Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) needed a van to assist in its community activities, he immediately launched a fundraising project where we managed to acquire the van within a couple of months,' he said in a statement today. Reflecting on Palanivel's friendship and contributions, Vaithilingam said they first met at a Hindu youth event in Penang, but their bond grew stronger when Palanivel joined the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as a journalist in the late 1970s. Their relationship deepened further during Palanivel's tenure as press secretary to the late Tun S. Samy Vellu. Meanwhile, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo described Palanivel as a respected leader and dedicated public servant who served the nation with integrity and commitment. 'His contributions to the Malaysian Indian community and the nation at large will be remembered with great respect and gratitude,' he said. MIC vice-president T. Murugiah called Palanivel a true gentleman, a dedicated leader and a principled politician who consistently upheld the values of integrity, moderation and public service to both the Indian community and Malaysia as a whole. 'His calm demeanor, wisdom and soft-spoken leadership style earned him respect across all levels of society. Palanivel served with distinction as a member of parliament, cabinet minister and as MIC president, always prioritising the welfare of the people,' he said, adding that his contributions to the community, especially in education and socio-economic upliftment, will never be forgotten. Veteran journalist and former Bernama colleague Datuk E. Sivabalan, meanwhile, remembered Palanivel as someone deeply committed to community service, performing his responsibilities without seeking recognition or fame. 'I remember when he became a Cabinet Minister, he expressed a desire for me to work with him, but insisted that he could not proceed because I was needed to support the late Tun Samy Vellu, who was then Malaysia's Special Envoy to India,' he said. Palanivel died at 8 am today at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, aged 76. Born on March 1, 1949, in Penang, he served as the eighth President of MIC. He began his career in 1973 as a research officer with the National Museum for the Bujang Valley Project. He joined Bernama in April 1977 as a senior journalist before being seconded as press secretary to Samy Vellu from 1987 to 1990.
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Colleagues reflect on Palanivel's journey
KUALA LUMPUR: 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. 'He shared many stories about his experiences as a journalist, political events and the political landscape of the time. I learned a great deal from his stories. I am saddened by his passing and extend my condolences to his family,' he said. Palanivel, who also served as the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, died at Kuala Lumpur Hospital at 8 am today, aged 76. Born on March 1, 1949, in Penang, Palanivel began his career as a research officer with the National Museum through the Bujang Valley Project in 1973, before joining 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 Samy Vellu from 1987 to 1990. Palanivel was active in politics through MIC since the early 1970s and contested his first general election in 1990. He helmed the party in 2010 after Samy Vellu stepped down. He won the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat in the 1990 General Election and remained the MP there for four consecutive terms until his defeat in 2008. Palanivel made a return to Parliament in 2013 as Cameron Highlands MP. Meanwhile, Bernama Special Projects Editor M. Govind Nair said he was deeply saddened by Palanivel's passing, describing him as a respected national leader and to many at the news agency, a former colleague and dear friend. 'Before his journey into politics, Datuk Seri Palanivel was an editor at Bernama, an individual who was dedicated, principled and easy to work with. 'I had the privilege of knowing him not just as a colleague, but as a true friend. We shared many lunches and conversations, and I will always remember his warmth, humility and quiet strength,' he said. He said even as he rose to prominence, he remained deeply grounded, never forgetting his roots or the people he once worked with. Govind extended his deepest condolences, adding that Palanivel's absence would be deeply missed, yet his memory will endure in the hearts of many and in the values he stood for.
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
From newsroom to national stage: Colleagues reflect on Palanivel's journey
KUALA LUMPUR: 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. 'He shared many stories about his experiences as a journalist, political events and the political landscape of the time. I learned a great deal from his stories. I am saddened by his passing and extend my condolences to his family,' he said. Palanivel, who also served as the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, died at Kuala Lumpur Hospital at 8 am today, aged 76. Born on March 1, 1949, in Penang, Palanivel began his career as a research officer with the National Museum through the Bujang Valley Project in 1973, before joining 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 Samy Vellu from 1987 to 1990. Palanivel was active in politics through MIC since the early 1970s and contested his first general election in 1990. He helmed the party in 2010 after Samy Vellu stepped down. He won the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat in the 1990 General Election and remained the MP there for four consecutive terms until his defeat in 2008. Palanivel made a return to Parliament in 2013 as Cameron Highlands MP. Meanwhile, Bernama Special Projects Editor M. Govind Nair said he was deeply saddened by Palanivel's passing, describing him as a respected national leader and to many at the news agency, a former colleague and dear friend. 'Before his journey into politics, Datuk Seri Palanivel was an editor at Bernama, an individual who was dedicated, principled and easy to work with. 'I had the privilege of knowing him not just as a colleague, but as a true friend. We shared many lunches and conversations, and I will always remember his warmth, humility and quiet strength,' he said. He said even as he rose to prominence, he remained deeply grounded, never forgetting his roots or the people he once worked with. Govind extended his deepest condolences, adding that Palanivel's absence would be deeply missed, yet his memory will endure in the hearts of many and in the values he stood for.
Free Malaysia Today
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Remembering Palanivel, a decent and principled MIC leader
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.
