Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia has told MIC president G Palanivel to buck up or step down amid the party being plunged into a crisis after the Registrar of Societies (ROS) ordered the party to hold a re-election.

 

"If it becomes clear that Palanivel its incapable due to serious reasons, he should step down and make way for other leaders," said Awang Selamat, the daily's official pseudonym used to express its editorial stance.

 

However, the newspaper, in its Sunday edition Mingguan Malaysia today, said it preferred if Palanivel ( right ) can rise from his shortcomings.

 

The daily related what it said was various complaints among MIC grassroots against a "lethargic" president.

 

"Many point fingers at Palanivel who is said to be lacking charisma, fond of making promises, taking safe paths, lacks confidence and is not proactive in handling the problems of the Indian community.

 

"Whether it is true or not, that is the perception against MIC and Palanivel. Perhaps in part of it, there is basis to them," it said.

 

The daily said Palanivel was "to quiet" and was not vocal in fighting off the opposition.

 

Palanivel must show his potential and capability. The political field is not a theatre to remain silent.

 

"What is the point of holding a position if one is unwilling to take risks," it said.

'Prove worth or go'

 

The newspaper said it is incumbent on Palanivel to prove his critics wrong.

 

At the same time, it urged Palanivel's lieutenants to back the president to carry out improvements to the party.

Last month MIC director of strategy Vell Paari urged Palanivel to step down following the Pahang sultan's angry rebuke blaming the MIC chief and Cameron Highlands MP of not solving the issue of deadly landslides in his constituency.

 

Yesterday, MIC deputy president S Subramaniam ( right ) confirmed the party will comply with the ROS instruction to hold a re-election for the party's vice presidents and central working committee after it found irregularities in the polls last year.

 

However, the position of MIC president and deputy president are spared from re-election as they were the only two positions that were won uncontested by Palanivel and Subramaniam respectively.