An MIC Youth leader is seeking the intervention of the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to address the party’s move to re-admit sacked members into its ranks, since their top leadership has turned a deaf ear to their objections.

Youth secretary C Sivarraajh, in his personal capacity, today lodged a complaint at the ROS’ Selangor branch in Shah Alam, over the party’s all-powerful central working committee’s (CWC) move to not only readmit sacked members but to reinstate them to their former positions.

NONE Sivarraajh has objected to his party leadership’s decision to defy their party constitution by awarding amnesty to four sacked members, V Mugilan, V Subramaniam also known as Bharat Maniam, KP Samy and G Kumar Aaman.

“I strongly believe that it is the duty of all the members to abide by the rules of the constitution,” Sivarraajh told Malaysiakini , adding that the move is in breach of the party constitution.

Last week, the CWC had resolved to readmit nine former members on condition that they accept the offer in 30 days.

“The four of them were sacked by former president S Samy Vellu less than a year ago and yet the CWC wants to reinstate them,” said Sivarraajh.

“I must say that I have no quarrel with the president or any other officers of MIC. I feel it is wrong to make decisions in violation of the party rules.

“The question is whether is it fair to set aside the party's constitution to award an irrelevant amnesty?” asked Sivarraajh.

Mugilan, Subramaniam and Samy as well as Kumar Aaman had revolted against the leadership of Samy Vellu and pushed for the latter’s resignation from the post he had held for 31 years and 11 consecutive terms.

Samy Vellu resigned December last year, and appointed handpicked successor G Palanivel to helm the party.

‘Amnesty’ unconstitutional

According to Rule 61.5 of the MIC constitution: “After the expiry of two years from the date of expulsion, such expelled member may re-apply for membership to the central working committee through a branch congress.”

Sivarraajh also mentioned Rule 15.4 that only allows for the reinstatement of sacked members to their original positions following an appeal to the CWC, pending the CWC’s approval.

“I must also point out that their applications for readmission must be made through their respective local MIC branches.

MIC secretary general interview s murugesan 170909 01 “We appreciate the president’s efforts in making the party strong again. But we disappointed at the manner in which the ‘reinstatements’ were effected.

“In fact, they do not even call it reinstatement. They call it ‘amnesty’. Where is the provision in the rules for an amnesty?  If the party wants to grant amnesty, then amend the rules first,” he said.

“The constitution is the backbone of the organisation. Generally when we already have a constitution that is detailed and robust to apply in decision-making, I don’t think it is right to come to any resolution that violates or doesn’t conform to the constitution,” he said.

He added that until the ROS takes its position, the CWC should put their decision on hold.

He added that party secretary-general S Murugesan ( above ) is aware of the measures the Youth secretary has taken.

“I have asked the ROS to review the decision made by the CWC and rescind it,” said Sivarraajh, adding that it will help avoid similar issues in future.

Splitting Youth wing unity?

gas pc mic 270510 mugilan Sivarraajh also took to task media statements by Mugilan ( left ) saying that he would contest against Youth leader T Mohan in the next party election due in 2013.

He opined that Mugilan’s intentions are ill-timed and his objectives are doubtful.

“Is the decision made on the basis of party unity or to split the unity fostered specially in the Youth wing?” he said.

“We are aware now of Mugilan’s intention to return to MIC and it is obviously a political decision and focussed on defeating Mohan,” said Sivarraajh, urging the CWC to evaluate Mugilan’s statements carefully.