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Free Malaysia Today
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Misplaced loyalties and the power vacuum in the Indian community
From P Ramasamy My long-time friend Charles Santiago has rightly highlighted the phenomenon of misplaced loyalties among Indians in Malaysia. Instead of rallying behind educators, social reformers, or politicians, many in the Indian working class have begun to idolise gang leaders, underworld figures, and other unsavoury characters. This disturbing trend stems from a deeper crisis – a glaring absence of strong and credible leadership within the Indian community. The legacy of leaders who once fought for Indian rights and dignity has largely faded. The late S Samy Vellu, despite his controversies, was the last figure to command widespread loyalty among grassroots Indians. Today, MIC is a shadow of its former self, more focused on managing party assets than advancing community interests. Meanwhile, Indian leaders in DAP and PKR appear to have surrendered Indian-specific concerns in the name of superficial multiracialism. Santiago identified the problem, but fell short of addressing its root cause. The reverence for slain gangsters – often evident in massive funeral processions – is not merely about criminal notoriety. It reflects a yearning for powerful, defiant figures in a community long subjected to marginalisation and discrimination. In the absence of legitimate leaders who challenge the system, gang leaders have come to embody rebellion and resistance. While their actions are often criminal and harmful, they represent, to some, a form of empowerment that mainstream leaders fail to offer. The power vacuum makes it almost inevitable that the rank and file gravitate towards figures who, rightly or wrongly, appear to resist authority. To reverse this trend, the Indian community needs leaders who are brave, uncompromising, and committed to fighting for its dignity and rights within a deeply racist political system. Only by addressing this vacuum can we begin to shift loyalties away from underworld figures and towards genuine community champions. Ultimately, the blame lies not with the community, but with a political system that has persistently denied Indians equal recognition, opportunity, and justice. P Ramasamy is the Urimai chairman. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
Rakyat Post
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Rakyat Post
Late Ex-MIC President Palanivel Remembered For Temple Contributions
Subscribe to our FREE Former MIC President Datuk Seri G. Palanivel passed away at Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) on Tuesday (17 June) at the age of 76. The passing of Palanivel, who was also the former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, was confirmed by MIC Deputy President Datuk T. Murugiah. Born on 1 March 1949, in Penang, Palanivel began his career as a Research Officer at the National Museum through 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 editor for domestic and economic news at the news agency before being seconded as press secretary to the late Tun S. Samy Vellu, Minister of Public Works, between 1987 and 1990. From Ordinary Member to Party President Palanivel joined MIC as an ordinary member in 1968 and began contesting in the General Elections in 1990. He won the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat in the 1990 General Election and remained as the constituency's representative for four consecutive terms before losing in 2008. Palanivel returned to Parliament in 2013 as the representative for Cameron Highlands constituency. He took over MIC leadership when long-serving president Samy Vellu stepped down in 2010, becoming the party's 8th National President after 31 years of Samy Vellu's leadership. Government Positions: 1995–1999: Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of National Unity and Social Development 1999–2004: Deputy Minister of Rural Development 2004–2008: Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development 2008–2011: Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities 2011–2013: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department 2013–2015: Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Community Service and Religious Contributions During his tenure as MIC President, Palanivel rendered tremendous service to the temples, according to Dato Sri N. Nadaraja, President of Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam. Nadaraja recalled that Palanivel had provided full cooperation for temple development works. As Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Palanivel had secured government grants for Hindu temples through his ministerial position. 'We remember his contributions to religious infrastructure with gratitude,' Nadaraja said in an interview with the media, extending deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Palanivel had been unwell in recent weeks before his passing. His final rites are scheduled to be conducted on Friday (20 June). Mourners Pay Final Respects At Bangsar Home Many paid their last respects to former Palanivel at his Bangsar home, including Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Clad in all black, Rosmah extended her condolences to Palanivel's wife, Datin Seri Kanagam Palanivel. Rosmah remembered Palanivel as someone who served during her husband's tenure as prime minister, describing him as a quiet but pleasant person. The late Palanivel served during my husband's time. I knew him, although he was quite quiet, hardly spoke to him but he was a very nice man and he'll be very much remembered. Parts of this story have been sourced from Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Sun
17-06-2025
- 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
17-06-2025
- 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
17-06-2025
- 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.
