Peace offer brought to Subramaniam

KUALA LUMPUR: Just as matters in the MIC came to a boil and with branches gearing for the crucial elections, a peace offer was brought to acting president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam (pix) from supporters of president Datuk G. Palanivel's faction.
However the peace emissaries told theSun that they were acting on their own and not from orders by Palanivel.
Two CWC members from Palanivel's factions attended the 2009 CWC called by Dr Subramaniam today, and proposed a compromise from Palanivel's faction.
The two – CWC members Datuk Kumar Amman and K. P. Samy – offered to have a special committee of 10 or 15 members from each faction that would sit and resolve every issue that has divided the party.
Both factions have fixed early mid-July for branch elections which start with nominations on July 9 for Palanivel's faction and July 10 for Dr Subramaniam's faction.
The two leaders brought up many issues at the close door CWC meeting ranging from pending court cases, two factional elections that has divided the party and mutual factional suspensions and sacking of leaders.
"Dr Subramaniam was very cordial to us and listened to what we had to say. At times the meeting was heated. We want to save the party from a serious disaster and proposed a joint committee to resolve all problems," Kumar Amman said.
He said Dr Subramaniam has promised to get back to them tomorrow.
"I am confident that we can meet half way and save the party from a serious split," he said
However there is much scepticism from all round over the proposal,
"Why are they forwarding such a proposal at this late hour? Why go to court at all, why challenge the ROS decisions," asked Datuk Jaspal Singh.
"The proposal is rubbish and comes at a late hour. We are having elections and will proceed accordingly."
Dr Subramaniam said he has taken note of what the two said and will discuss it further.
Dr Subramaniam is bent on winning the branch elections first to get the majority of branches behind him.
While Dr Subramaniam has the backing of the Registrar of Societies to conduct elections as the acting president, Palanivel is disputing this.
He is filing another action in court next week to fight allegations that he has loss his party membership because he went to court.
Palanivel's supporters are also gathering outside the RoS office in Putrajaya Monday morning to show support and request the RoS to be fair to both factions.
While Dr Subramaniam's faction is mailing out documents called "B" forms necessary for branch elections, Palanivel's faction wants branch chairmen to collect it from state chairmen, who were all appointed by Palanivel.
At a 2009 CWC meeting on Sunday Dr Subramaniam announced that branch election are going well and good.
"The branch election will proceed in a fair and impartial manner," he said.
"I have informed police and they will provide security for breach election."