No one has right to stop PM from opening MIC general assembly - Samy Vellu

Former MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu has said that no one had the right to prevent Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak from opening the MIC General Assembly on Nov 6.

"Nobody can stop the PM as he is the greatest leader of our country. He has already recognised Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam as the new MIC president.

"I am confident the MIC General Assembly will proceed smoothly and with discipline," he told reporters after opening the Deepavali Fire Safety Campaign 2015 here today.

Samy Vellu, who is also Special Envoy on Infrastructure to India and South Asia, was responding to a news portal report that supporters of immediate past party president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel had urged Najib not to open the MIC general assembly.

According to the report, Palanivel supporters had threatened to hold a demonstration to prevent the MIC general assembly from taking place.

Samy Vellu said Palanivel's supporters did not even number 1,500 as many had returned to the fold and supported Dr Subramaniam, who is also health minister.

"The Indians will realise that the country's harmony is preserved under Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Najib."

He claimed Palanivel failed to lead the MIC well since his election as president four years ago, and "brought many problems" to the party.

On the hand, he described Dr Subramaniam as an educated and experienced leader who could reform the MIC.