Former MIC president G Palanivel passed away this morning at Kuala Lumpur Hospital. According to Bernama, MIC vice-president T Murugiah confirmed that Palanivel died at 8 a.m. at the age of 76.
Palanivel, who previously served as the Member of Parliament for Cameron Highlands, began his political journey in 1968 when he joined the MIC as an ordinary member. He took over the leadership of the party in 2010 after the resignation of its long-serving president, S. Samy Vellu.
The late Palanivel was appointed as a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department under the administration of Datuk Seri Najib Razak in 2011. He had earlier joined Datuk Seri Najib’s Cabinet in June 2010 as the Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities.
Born on March 1, 1949, Palanivel pursued his higher education at the University of Malaya (UM), graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972.
He later worked as a lecturer in Economics and History at Maktab Kadir Adabi in Kuantan, before serving as the Executive Director of the Penang Consumers Association. He also held the position of research officer at the National Museum, contributing to the Lembah Bujang Project, before joining Bernama in April 1977. In 1984, he was appointed as the Economic News Desk Editor.
G. Palanivel leaves behind a legacy of dedicated public service, both in politics and in various professional roles. His contributions to the Malaysian Indian community, the MIC, and the nation at large will be remembered with respect. As a leader, educator, and journalist, he played a significant role in shaping public discourse and advocating for community development. His passing marks the end of an era for Malaysian politics, and he will be deeply missed by colleagues, supporters, and all who knew him.
Source: Free Malaysia Today, Astro Awani
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