Samy Vellu ready to be mediator to resolve MIC crisis

Former MIC President Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu has offered to be the middleman and broker peace between the warring factions as the party's internal crisis has taken a turn for the worst since December.

Samy Vellu, now the Special Envoy for Infrastructure to India and South Asia, said he would only start mediation if requested by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman.

"Since I am the immediate past president, I do not want to comment about the conflict because if I do, it will become a big issue. Let them resolve the conflict on their own," Samy Vellu told reporters at the 9th International Conference of Tamil Studies at Universiti Malaya, here today.

The four-day conference opened by Najib, saw the culmination of Tamil language, literature experts and scholars to share and exchange views on empowering the Tamil language.

Samy Vellu said he would prefer the Prime Minister to evaluate the MIC crisis and if he (Najib) says "Samy Vellu call the party and discuss, then I can discuss."

He hoped with the intervention of the Prime Minister, the internal crisis can be resolved to ensure the Indian community remained united.

Samy Vellu who helmed the MIC for 31 years since 1981, also urged party leaders to be focused and give priority to the needs of the community and not worry about their self interest.

On Dec 5, the ROS directed the MIC to hold re-elections for the posts of three vice-president and 23 Central Working Committee seats within 90 days, following complaints of abuse of power and misconduct during its polls, which contravened the party's constitution and the Societies' Act.

The ROS also advised MIC against holding its annual general meeting until the issue was settled.