Palanivel's remains cremated in Sentul
KUALA LUMPUR: The remains of former MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, who passed away on Tuesday, were cremated at the Sentul Hindu Crematorium here at around 4.30 pm today.
Earlier, the late leader's body was transported by van from his residence at Jalan Bangkung, Taman Bandaraya, Bangsar, at about 3 pm and arrived at the crematorium 45 minutes later.
The 45-minute ceremony was held in a solemn atmosphere, attended by around 200 individuals, including family members, MIC vice-chairman Datuk T. Murugaiah, and members of the public.
Speaking to Bernama, Murugaiah described Palanivel as a leader who made immense contributions to the party and the community, adding that his sacrifices would always be remembered.
Palanivel passed away at 8 am on Tuesday at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, leaving behind his wife, Datin Seri P. Kanagam, and four sons.
Born on March 1, 1949, in Penang, Palanivel began his career as a research officer with the National Museum under the Bujang Valley Project in 1973 before joining the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as a senior journalist in April 1977.
In 1984, he was appointed as editor of domestic and economic news at Bernama and was later seconded as press secretary to then Works Minister Tun S. Samy Vellu from 1987 to 1990.
Palanivel had been active in politics through MIC since the early 1970s and contested his first general election in 1990. He assumed leadership of MIC in 2010 following Samy Vellu's retirement.
He won the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat in the 1990 general election and held it for four consecutive terms before losing in 2008, later returning to Parliament in 2013 as the Cameron Highlands MP.
Palanivel played a vital role in MIC's leadership, starting as the party's treasurer-general from 1991 to 1994 before being appointed as vice-president in 1995, a post he held for 10 years.
He continued his leadership journey as deputy president from 2006 to 2010 and was appointed MIC president in December 2010, a position he held until 2015.
Throughout his tenure, Palanivel was known for his dedication to championing the rights and development of the Indian community and initiating various reforms within the party.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
European Officials Urge Iran To Stay Engaged In Diplomacy As Israeli Attacks Continue
Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, flanked by France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas speaks to media after nuclear talks with Iran in Geneva, Switzerland, June 20, 2025. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse GENEVA, June 21 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Top European diplomats on Friday stressed the urgency of continued dialogue with Iran following talks in Geneva aimed at de-escalating regional tensions and reviving negotiations on Tehran's nuclear programme, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, met with his counterparts from the UK, France, and Germany (known as the E3), as well as Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief. Indirect talks between Iran and the US had been taking place when Israel launched strikes against Iran's nuclear and military facilities on June 13, prompting retaliation. The tit-for-tat attacks have continued since then. bootstrap slideshow Speaking after the meeting, Kallas said the talks made clear that "regional escalation benefits no one," underlining the need to maintain open channels with Tehran. "We agreed that we will discuss nuclear but also broader issues that we have, and keep the discussions open" to make progress, she said. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy gave a similar message, urging Tehran to remain at the table. "We are keen to continue ongoing discussions and negotiations with Iran, and we urge Iran to continue their talks with the United States," he said. "This is a perilous moment, and it is hugely important that we don't see regional escalation of this conflict." French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stressed that the initiative had been closely coordinated with key allies and could lay the groundwork for broader negotiations.
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
PDRM Will Remain Trusted Under Mohd Khalid's Watch
KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has congratulated Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail on his appointment as the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP). Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that Mohd Khalid will adopt a comprehensive and progressive approach to safeguarding national security and public order based on his outstanding leadership track record, including serving as the Bukit Aman Special Branch director and holding various strategic positions since 2018. 'Insya-Allah, under Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid's leadership, I believe that the Royal Malaysia Police will continue to be a trusted institution among the people, respected by both friend and foe,' he said in a Facebook post today.
Focus Malaysia
2 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Anwar's dilemma grows as allies compete for Cabinet posts
THE resignations of PKR's Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as economy and natural resources ministers have sparked a race among unity government parties for the vacant Cabinet posts. This has deepened the dilemma faced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. UMNO, eyeing its seventh ministerial slot after Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz's defection to PKR, has proposed names like Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, sources said. Johari is the current Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister. Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan is also mentioned as a potential interim economy minister. Meanwhile, Amanah also is pushing for more representation, citing its strong track record, while MIC and MCA demand fairer Barisan Nasional (BN) representation, criticising UMNO's dominance. While Anwar faces pressure to balance coalition dynamics, both MIC and MCA have so far been denied ministerial posts, though they are under the BN banner, and BN is a loyal party to the Madani regime. Reports now suggest Johari is among those tipped to act as interim economy minister, replacing Rafizi, who made it clear he is not coming back to Anwar's cabinet. However, Anwar could also appoint Johari, analysts said, as a permanent economy minister in a portfolio swap between UMNO and PKR. A portfolio swap could happen, but the quota balance remains. Some reports are saying UMNO could propose others to replace Johari at the Commodities, such as Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan or Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail. We also have to note that last week, Amanah Johor called on the Prime Minister to allocate more cabinet positions to the party following the resignation of two ministers. Its deputy chairman Dr Zuhan Zain highlighted Amanah's strong performance and commitment to the unity government, citing leaders like the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. While the vacant posts were previously held by Rafizi and Nik Nazmi, Zuhan argued that UMNO's nomination of non-PKR candidates opens opportunities for all coalition parties to propose their leaders. On the other hand, UMNO has been reminded not to behave as if it is the sole party representing BN in the coalition government. MIC strategic director R Thinalan criticised BN chairperson Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's push to maintain UMNO's seven ministerial positions after Tengku Zafrul's departure, calling it disappointing to MIC grassroots. Thinalan argued that UMNO is not the sole BN representative, questioning why MCA or MIC cannot fill Cabinet roles. He emphasised that Tengku Zafrul's former ministry belonged to BN, not UMNO exclusively, and insisted that any Cabinet appointments must involve discussions with other BN component parties, highlighting the need for a fairer representation within the coalition government. — June 21, 2025 Main photo credit: Reuters
