M Muthupalaniappan has repeatedly claimed that he has the numbers to stage an upset in the upcoming MIC presidential polls and unseat the incumbent S Samy Vellu.

Since announcing his intention of vying for the top post, the 68-year-old politician has fired a volley of criticism against his former ally who has helmed the party for three decades and is now considered by many to be at his lowest ebb following MIC's disastrous outing in the March 2008 general election.

m muthuppalaniappan interview 171208 04 As Muthupalaniappan continues to ruffle feathers, the party has accused the senior lawyer of working against the interest of MIC and slapped him with a show-cause letter.

Observers claimed that this could be an attempt to stop the presidential hopeful from contesting against Samy Vellu as the former could face the likelihood of a suspension, or even expulsion, if found guilty.

In the show-cause letter dated Dec 23, the former MIC vice-president was accused of making baseless allegations against the leadership in an article which appeared in Tamil daily Makkal Osai in November and an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini last month, where among others, he spoke about the closing and formation of MIC branches to serve political aims.

"The allegations are completely untrue and are intended to disparage the party leadership and administration of MIC," read the letter signed by the party's disciplinary committee chairperson, G Vadiveloo.

"The words also impute lack of integrity on the part of the leadership," he added in the letter, which also contained excerpts from the abovementioned news articles.

Muthupalaniappan was also accused of acting in a manner detrimental to the interests of MIC and contravened the party's principles.

"You are required to show cause in writing within 14 days from the date of receipt of this letter as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against you," stated the letter, a copy of which was provided to Malaysiakini .

Letter of reply

Muthupalaniappan, a former close ally of MIC president S Samy Vellu, had announced his intention of contesting for the top post in this year's party polls.

In his letter of reply dated Dec 30, Muthupalaniappan denied the charges levelled against him.

The 68-year-old politician also penned his objection against the disciplinary committee chairperson having any role in this issue.

"In light of the nature of the allegations and that at material times you - G Vadiveloo - was the secretary-general of the congress (MIC) in charge of forming and closing branches, therefore you will be a material witness in this investigation.

"In the event that there is a step forward in this investigation, you shall be called by me as a witness. I therefore would like to state that Vadiveloo's involvement goes against the very grain of natural justice and I would like to formally state my objection in him playing any role in this matter," he said.

"We are now at an important juncture insofar as the future and well-being of MIC is concerned. As you are certainly aware, I have expressed my intention to run for the office of the president of MIC and the intention has received overwhelming support by not only MIC members but the Indian community at large.

"It is therefore safe to say that we are not dealing with the matter of high office but also the general interest of the Indian community.

"In this regard, I hereby appeal to the central working committee to deliberate and appoint a special independent committee to enquire into the alleged complaints, if any," he added.

'Show me the full news reports'

Apart from this, Muthupalaniappan also pointed out that the allegations made against him were based on excerpts from news items and urged Vadiveloo to provide him with the full news reports.

"Please note that it is against any sound principles of justice that I am made to guess or assume when replying to your show-cause (letter)... I do not read all the newspapers. When the newspapers interview me, I have to enlighten them in the spirit of freedom of press and to uphold the principles enshrined in the MIC constitution.

"If my memory serves me right, I have not at all made any statements alleged by you in the letter nor did I make statements detrimental to the interests of the congress as you have alleged," he said.

"Kindly therefore in the interest of justice, to avoid any suspicion of witch hunt, give me a better picture of the complaint against me, to enable me to ascertain whether the statements are actually mine or the figment of imagination of certain interested quarters and to avoid any unjustified actions by certain quarters to derail my quest to serve and protect the interest of the congress.

"Upon reading the full text of the alleged complaint, I will reply within 14 days from the date of receipt," he added.