Former MIC strategic director S Vell Paari has been slapped with a show-cause letter for uttering statements against party president G Palanivel.

Party disciplinary committee chairperson KS Nijhar confirmed that Vell Paari, who is the son of MIC’s longest-serving president S Samy Vellu, had been asked to explain his remarks.

Vell Paari, who is also a former central working committee (CWC) member, has alleged that Palanivel, who is natural resources and environment minister, was careless in handling issues effecting the ministry.

“In a two-hour meeting, the committee has also issued a show-cause letter to Shah Alam Pusat branch chairperson S Vaithialingam for making statements against the party leadership,” Nijar told Bernama when contacted today.

Nijhar said both Vell Paari and Vaithialingam had been asked to reply to the show-cause letter by March 20, as to why disciplinary action, by way of expulsion or suspension, should not be taken against them.

“If their answers are not satisfactory, we will either suspend or sack them from the party,” he added.

He noted that the committee had earlier decided to take it easy on leaders who went against the party leadership. Nevertheless, the leadership’s patience has been tested by some irresponsible leaders.

“At first, we didn’t want to take any severe action. But after viewing all the statements made in several media against the president and the party, it is time for us to act sternly to protect party interests,” stressed Nijhar.

Since Feb 17, the disciplinary committee has been monitoring the movements of 10 party leaders, with a view to taking stern action against them for allegedly going against the party leadership.

“The disciplinary committee will meet again next month to finalise if any disciplinary action should be taken against any of them,” said Nijhar.

A week ago, former Bukit Gelugor MIC division chief K Loganathan was sacked from the party for challenging the party president, after failing to provide evidence to support his claims.

- Bernama