Palanivel has no power to call for fresh election - Saravanan

Embattled party president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel has no power to call for fresh election in the party, said its vice-president Datuk M. Saravanan.

He said such suggestion should be put forward to the party’s powerful central working committee (CWC) first.

He also reminded the Natural Resources and Environment minister to abide by the Registrar of Societies (RoS) order for re-election to be held before April 1.

“I’m confused. His intention may be good but why doesn’t he solve the current pending issues with the RoS? If these are not settled, the party can be dissolved,” he told Astro AWANI when contacted.

Saravanan also questioned the Palanivel’s rationale in bringing forward the party’s election, scheduled to be held only in 2016.

“He does not have the power to bring forward the election date. His position as the party president runs from 2013 to 2016. He has to get the approval of the delegates before deciding on fresh polls,” he added.

Saravanan who was also unhappy that Palanivel was making statements on party stands before consulting other office bearers urged the Cameron Highlands MP to solve the matter internally and go by the book.

“That is what I have been teaching him from the beginning. Follow the party constitution. If we are given a position, we abide by the rules,” he said.

“In line with Thaipusam, I hope and pray that he understands the constitution,” Saravanan added.

He said the party constitutions were clear on election matters and reiterated his call to Palanivel to discuss the crisis within the party and with the party’s CWC.

“Let’s discuss first. Stop fooling around, we are carrying the party’s image,” he said.

Yesterday, Palanivel proposed to hold fresh elections to end the crisis in the party.

"We are looking at conducting a re-election or fresh election, however, after discussions we want to have a fresh election because it is the best way," he said after meeting with MIC branch chairmen throughout Johor on Sunday.

On Dec 5, 2014, MIC had been ordered by RoS to conduct fresh elections for its 23 CWC and the three vice-president positions within 90 days following an alleged misconduct and breach of party constitution and Society Act.

On Jan 5, the RoS gave the party 120 days to resolve issues in regards of the 2013 party election.