PM, govt leaders extol Palanivel's contributions to nation

Summary

• Govt leaders extend their condolences to G Palanivel’s family following the former MIC chief’s passing this morning.

• PM says Palanivel contributed greatly to the Indian community, rural development and environmental conservation during his long political career.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended his condolences to G Palanivel’s family following his death earlier today.

Heaping laurels on the former MIC president’s contributions, Anwar said Palanivel’s efforts in uplifting the Indian community, rural development and environmental conservation will always be remembered.

“My condolences to the family of the late G Palanivel. The leader has contributed a lot as a MIC president and MP. He has served the government in various capacities since 1990.

“I hope his family will stay strong in these trying times,” he said on Facebook today.

Palanivel, 76, passed away at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital at 8am.

He had been actively involved in politics through MIC since the early 1970s and contested in the general election for the first time in 1990.

Palanivel won the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat in the 1990 general election and served four consecutive terms as an MP before losing the seat in 2008.

On Dec 6, 2010, the then-MIC deputy president succeeded S Samy Vellu as party president, who had held the position for 31 years.

Loss to nation

Bernama reported several BN leaders paying tribute to Palanivel and his past achievements.

BN secretary-general Zambry Abd Kadir described Palanivel’s death as a significant loss to the nation, especially to MIC and the BN.

“He was a respected and principled leader who contributed greatly to national unity and the well-being of Malaysians from all backgrounds,” he said on Facebook.

Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister R Ramanan referred to Palanivel as “a respected voice for the Indian community”.

“As the Hulu Selangor MP and after that Cameron Highlands, he championed issues such as education, economic opportunities and community development.

“His contributions to the development of the Indian community and inclusive government policies, including efforts to bolster national unity, are profound and will be remembered,” said the PKR vice-president.

‘Transcended politics, racial boundaries’

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad described Palanivel’s legacy as one where his leadership transcended political and racial boundaries.

“Palanivel’s commitment to expanding educational access through the MIED (Maju Institute of Educational Development) and the establishment of Aimst University stands as a lasting legacy that continues to benefit young generations.

“His calm, principled and unifying leadership will be fondly remembered across political and racial lines,” the Amanah vice-president said.

Ex-MIC president Palanivel dies

Longest-serving MIC deputy president S Subramaniam passes away at 78

Samy Vellu passes away at age 86