G Palanivel has put on a public show of numbers to show he has got what it takes to be MIC president.

In a special assembly held for him today, the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) saw more than 4,000 supporters turning up to show their support for the embattled party president.

The event in PWTC's Dewan Merdeka saw supporters cheering Palanivel's arrival, after which several MIC leaders gave speeches showing their support.

MIC vice president S Balakrishnan said it took only 48 hours to round up "10,000" people for the gathering.

"Others take months to prepare for assemblies. We only took 48 hours to gather 10,000 people.

"And we did not pay anyone (to come for the event)," he stressed.

Balakrishnan also had a message for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"If Barisan Nasional wants votes from the Indian community in the next general election, Palanivel must remain president.

"I hope this message reaches our prime minister," he said, to loud cheers.

Party with two heads

Malacca MIC chairperson MS Mahadevan had the audience in laughter when he pointed out that MIC was the only party in the country which had two presidents.

"One is the legitimate president, while the other appointed himself.

"We will only follow the leadership of Palanivel. How can a house have two fathers?" he said, to laughter from the crowd.

Palanivel is embroiled in a leadership tussle with his deputy, S Subramaniam.

Palanivel on Monday suspended Subramaniam and one of the party's vice presidents M Saravanan.

Subramaniam subsequently announced that he is the acting president .

Another event, also to be held at the PWTC tomorrow at 2pm , will see supporters of Subramaniam showcasing their support for him. 
 
The MIC internal crisis started following the election of three vice-presidents and 23 central working committee members in 2013, at the party's annual general meeting.

 

 The election, after widespread allegations of malpractice, was declared null and void by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) via a directive on Dec 5, 2014.

Palanivel and his supporters then took the ROS to court to try and reverse its fresh elections order while those against the president filed orders to have the ROS directive carried out.

 
The High Court has since dismissed two judicial review applications filed by Palanivel and four others to quash the directive of the ROS.