This is sure to be one of the fastest turnaround in recent memory for MIC members. Muthupalaniappan did some soul-searching and patched up with MIC leadership (Samy Vellu lah..).
Me thinks after seeing prospective competitors like Sothi and Subra being trashed by Samy Vellu, Muthu fancies his chance by being in the good books of Samy Vellu. Vice President Muthu, anyone?
For an idea of Muthu-Samy spat during the recent presidential elections, just do a search in the blog.
If ever one needs proof that political is stinking sewer, this is it.
In politics, foes do not remain foes forever and friends do not remain friends forever. The latest development in MIC is testimony to this.
After an unexpected change of heart, former vice-president M Muthupalaniappan has decided to call a truce with the man whom he severely criticised and even attempted to contest against for the top post in March.
Following some ‘soul searching’, the Seremban-based leader today announced that he has buried the hatchet with MIC president S Samy Vellu.
“I enjoyed a good relationship with the MIC leadership and I cherish it. But due to circumstances and leaders envious of me, my relationship with the leadership deteriorated to the extent that my presence was not welcomed. This also gave me an opportunity to gauge my strength and support in the party.
“Over the past few weeks, I did some soul searching over the situation in the party as well as the happenings in the Indian community,” he said.
“My heart bleeds to see what is happening in MIC and if the situation continues the party may head towards oblivion at the expense of the Indian community.
“I feel that everyone in the party, whichever side they are on, should set aside their differences, work and earn the respect of thadded.
Muthupalaniappan, who joined MIC in 1969 and held numerous party positions, also paid tribute to Samy Vellu for his effort in upgrading the lives of Indian Malaysians.
“Even though I have been separated by ‘outside evil forces’, I still have high regards for Samy Vellu as a leader who worked hard to raise the socio-economic conditions of the Indians here.
“But unfortunately most of the other leaders under him failed in their duties which is the main cause of the people losing confidence in MIC and the leadership,” he said.
Muthupalaniappan, who once accused the MIC president of failing the Indian community, said the community must be aware of Samy Vellu’s contributions.
“Although some would not be happy with my decision to join hands with Samy Vellu to work for the betterment of the community, I vouch that there is no other leader who has worked tirelessly for our community in our country like him,” he added.
The lawyer-turned-politician also revealed that following the request of numerous individuals, he and Samy Vellu held a ‘fruitful heart-to-heart’ discussion for an hour on how to strengthen MIC and make it relevant once again.
“I feel MIC must first try to change the attitude of the grassroots leaders and our community to regain the confidence of all Malaysians.
“Towards this end, I suggested that all closed branches be re-opened and all leaders expelled from the party be reinstated,” he said, adding that the imbroglio concerning the party’s debt-ridden investment arm Maika Holdings must also be positively addressed.
“I am pleased to note that Samy Vellu has now realised who are the genuine leaders who can assist the community. Knowing the prevailing conditions in MIC and the situation in the community, I feel that SamyVellu is the right person to continue to lead the Indian community by way of collective responsibility.
“I am confident MIC can be re-strengthened, revitalised and regain the confidence of the people,” he said.
In the run up to the presidential elections, Muthupalaniappan had on numerous occasions attacked the president.
However, he failed in his bid to contest against Samy Vellu when a sizeable number of his nominations were struck out, rendering him ineligible.
Even then, he had accused the president of employing underhand tactics.
I wonder who are those “outside evil forces”. Name and shame them la if got guts. Or maybe Muthu will join that group when the going gets tough in Samy’s camp?
Anyway, thanks to Muthu for this news. At least we have something to talk about during teh tarik today.