A decision by MIC to appoint the president’s son to head a powerful new committee has caused deep concern among state leaders and members at the grassroots.

At its last meeting on Feb 19, the party’s powerful central working committee (CWC) appointed Vell Paari, son of president S Samy Vellu, to head the community goodwill and unity relations committee.

samy vellu exclusive on tamil schools 080708 01 The meeting was chaired by Samy Vellu (left) himself.

The committee - and Vell Paari - have been tasked with spearheading efforts to regain the trust of the community, to bring back into fold all disgruntled, suspended or sacked leaders and members, and to ensure that the party remains united from now on.

Several state leaders are worried that the appointment reeks of nepotism and does no good for the party’s image. It has been trying to rebrand itself after suffering a humiliating defeat in the general election last March.

The leaders – largely from Kedah and Perak – are also worried that the appointment will have a negative impact in the upcoming by-elections in both two states in April.

“The appointment will only stress the point that the party is still practising its old politics of (promoting those with) family connections and personal ties,” said a branch leader who requested anonymity for fear of a backlash.

Some leaders are worried that there’s more to the appointment of Vell Paari to the position.

“He now becomes an appointed CWC member. He is being roped into the party hierarchy by his father. Don’t forget that he was made the Youth wing adviser after the general election,” said a branch leader from Kedah.

“The whole scheme of things sounds like he is being primed to take over a top post after the party polls later this year (in September).”

It is widely speculated that Vell Paari is being groomed to become secretary-general - an appointment that is made by the president.

There are other considerations. The alleged nepotism is likely to weaken MIC’s position in the upcoming by-elections - it is expected to field a candidate in Bukit Selambau, Kedah.

k sujatha indian tamil actress Vell Paari’s current position as head of the failed Maika Holdings Bhd and alleged implication in the death of actress K Sujatha (left) are other factors held against him in assuming a prominent party post.

“The appointment would give fodder for the opposition to attack MIC, especially in Bukit Selambau,” said the Kedah branch leader.

The inquest into the Sujatha’s death has been fixed for three days from March 16. The proposal to sell off Maika’s assets to pay investors has been put on hold, pending a court case.

‘No sinister motive’

Contacted for comment, Vell Paari said there is nothing wrong in his appointment to the committee and that his father had nothing to do with the decision.

vell paari vellpaari “A vote was taken among all CWC members who were present, during which my father excused himself. They voted unanimously in support of my being appointed to head the committee,” he said.

He said that, that even before the appointment, he had played an important role in bringing the disgruntled leaders back to the party.

“I was the one who brokered talks with many leaders who had left the party in anger or those who decided to remain passive. These people are now back in the mainstream of the party, all working together to make the party relevant again,” he claimed.

He said that he would continue to do the same - the only difference is that he now wears the ‘badge’ of committee head.

“For me the most important thing is unity in the party and making it relevant to the community. I guess I can do that better now, with this committee.”

Vell Paari said he would be holding a meeting with all state branch leaders soon to chart a plan for the party’s revival.

Adding that his appointment is in line with the party’s rebranding exercise, he said: “I think I can do this job better as I can be independent of state or federal leaders. I have no ulterior motives - (my only motive is) just to make the party better.”