G. Palanivel named new Malaysian Indian Congress Chief

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 6 (ANI): G. Palanivel has taken over as the new Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) President following S. Samy Vellu's resignation. Vellu led the party for over 31 years.

The Star quoted Vellu as saying that he had submitted his resignation to the central working committee (CWC).

"I have made this decision as I want to give adequate time for my successor to make the necessary preparations to face the next general election, which is scheduled anytime," he said.

"Even though I have resigned as the MIC president, I am still an MIC member and will continue to contribute my services to the Indian community and the country in other capacities," Vellu added.

Seventy-four-year-old Vellu said the MIC Central Working Committee (CWC) has also endorsed Palanivel as the new President and Vice-President Dr S. Subramaniam as the deputy president.

Vellu took over as acting President in October 1979, and was re-elected as President for a record 11th term in 2009, for a three-year term ending March 2012. However, he decided to step down before the scheduled time. (ANI)