Subramaniam's election as president 'illegal', says Palanivel

KUALA LUMPUR: The election of Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam as the MIC president last Friday is being disputed by his dethroned rival, Datuk Seri G. Palanivel.
Palanivel in a statement Sunday said Dr Subramaniam's election was "invalid and illegal" because he (Palanivel) was already "elected" as MIC president on Aug 9.
"Any other subsequent election is illegal and invalid," he said adding that he had already suspended Dr Subramaniam from the MIC in June.
On Friday Dr Subramaniam was elected MIC president after receiving 450 nominations. He was the sole candidate.
However, his election was marred by scuffles outside the party headquarters when about 150 of Palanivel's supporters tried to enter the building seeking "justice."
Later Dr Subramaniam, in his acceptance speech, said the party had lost precious time after becoming embroiled in internal disputes.
"Nearly 20 months was wasted infighting among ourselves while we should have been fighting our enemies," he said.
"Our priority is to fight the 14th general election and win back the seats we have lost," he said adding that a war room will be formed in the MIC to prepare for the electoral battle.
He also appointed his loyalist as new state MIC chiefs replacing all those appointed by Palanivel.
Dr Subramaniam also fixed September for MIC divisional elections and the annual general meeting (AGM) on Nov 24.
Elections for other MIC posts like deputy president, three vice-presidents and 23 Central working Committee would be held at the AGM.