
Former MIC president Palanivel's remains cremated in Sentul
KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 — 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 4.30pm today.
Earlier, the late leader's body was transported by van from his residence at Jalan Bangkung, Taman Bandaraya, Bangsar, at about 3pm 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 8am 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. — Bernama
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Malay Mail
40 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Sarawak state assembly to hold special one-day sitting on July 7; Premier to table undisclosed item
KUCHING, June 21 — A special one-day sitting of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has been scheduled for July 7, according to a letter sighted by The Borneo Post. The letter, signed by DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, has been circulated to all assembly members. However, it does not disclose the agenda of the sitting, which is set to begin at 9am. When asked about it at an event here today, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said only that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg would be 'tabling something' during the sitting, without providing further details. — The Borneo Post

Malay Mail
40 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Wisma Putra: Malaysia shuts embassy in Iran, orders diplomats home amid rising Middle East tensions
KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 – Malaysia has temporarily shut its embassy in Iran and ordered the immediate return of all diplomatic staff following escalating tensions in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said today. New Straits Times quoted him saying the decision was made in response to a wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iran, with Malaysia joining several other countries that have already withdrawn their diplomatic missions from the country. 'I have instructed all embassy personnel, including the ambassador, to leave. All Malaysians have been asked to exit Iran,' he said. He added that some have declined to leave, including three students in Qom and one in Isfahan, who are based far from Tehran. Last week, Putrajaya said all Malaysians currently in Iran have been strongly urged to leave the country immediately amid the heightened security situation following Israel's aggression against Iran. The Foreign Ministry said the situation in Iran remains highly volatile and may take a turn for the worse without warning. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil previously said that the government would evacuate all Malaysians from Iran yesterday. Yesterday, the Ministry of Higher Education said it will continue to monitor Malaysian students currently in Iran after identifying seven there, although the exact number remains uncertain as some are there under self-sponsorship.


Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
DPM Zahid lauds outgoing IGP, welcomes Mohd Khalid as he takes helm of PDRM
KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 — 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. Ahmad Zahid also recorded his appreciation to Tan Sri Razarudin Husain for his dedication, service, and contributions during his tenure as the IGP, adding that Razarudin's efforts will always be remembered. Mohd Khalid, 60, who was appointed as the 15th IGP effective today, has held various important positions in the Royal Malaysia Police Special Branch, including Chief of the Pahang Special Branch from May 25, 2018, before being appointed as the Bukit Aman Special Branch principal assistant director on Sept 6, 2021. — Bernama