The late MG Pandithan’s widow will take over the leadership of the Indian Progressive Front (IPF) following her husband’s demise.

This was announced by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi after paying his last respects to the IPF president who died this morning following a protracted bout with leukemia.

Speaking to reporters, the prime minister said he was informed that Jevashree Pandithan would helm IPF and promised to extend whatever assistance the party needed.

He also called on IPF supporters to provide solid support for the new leadership.

mg pandithan funeral 300408 01 "I was told Puan Sri will take over the party's leadership and I believe she will be able to discharge her duties and responsibilities.

"I will help in whatever way possible. IPF will continue to function and I hope the supporters will continue to back Puan Sri," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Earlier, Jevashree told Abdullah of her resolve to pursue the struggles of her strong-willed husband.

Born on April 3, 1940, Pandithan was a former MIC vice-president until his sacking with 13 of his supporters in 1988.

He was expelled in the wake of a protest following a fallout with MIC president S Samy Vellu. During the protest, Pandithan had brought a coffin to symbolise the death of democracy in the party.

Former journalist

Pandithan received his early education at the San Peng Tamil School and continued his secondary education at the St Anthony Secondary School, Jalan Robinson, Kuala Lumpur. He held a diploma in journalism.

Pandithan served as parliamentary secretary at the International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) in 1986, but was dropped in 1989 when he was expelled from the MIC.

Prior to that, he began work as a part-time journalist with Tamil Nesan before becoming a full-fledged journalist and subsequently, a sub-editor of the Tamil daily.

In 1975, he joined the MIC as an ordinary branch member before becoming the chairman of the Loke Yew-San Peng MIC branch, a year later.

In 1977, he was elected to the party central working committee and four years later, he became MIC vice-president.

In 1985, he was made senator and became the member of parliament for the Tapah seat in the 1986 general elections.

He retained the party vice-presidency in 1987.