MIC appoints Sothinathan as CWC member in reconciliation move

KUALA LUMPUR: Former MIC vice-president Datuk S. Sothinathan has been appointed a member of the party’s central working committee (CWC) to reconcile party members.

MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said Sothinathan’s appointment was aimed at mending broken ties among MIC members over a feud with former party president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel.

“Before 2013, we (MIC) were all together. Only after that, we had a split. But if we do not do it (unite), the split will always be there,” he said at a press conference at the party’s headquarters here today.

He noted Sothinathan’s appointment was vital to strengthen MIC as the coming 14th General Election (GE14) would be tough and “therefore, we need the party to be strong and united.”

In the meantime, the MIC president said the party was ready to defend its current seats in GE14, and even the possibility of contesting in different parliamentary and state seats.

He however, refused to elaborate when asked to comment on a proposal involving ‘swapping of seats’, stating it was Barisan Nasional’s idea which was still being discussed.

Sothinathan was from Palanivel’s ‘camp’ which saw the creation of ‘Team A’ and ‘Team B’ in the MIC.

His return to the party under Dr Subramaniam’s leadership, signifies a new-found unity in MIC.

On a separate matter, the MIC has formed a legal committee to study the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355).

“We formed the committee and will look into the jurisdiction and rights of non-Muslims in the country, with regard to the Act.

“The legal committee will hold discussions and gather views which will in turn, be presented to the prime minster,” said Dr Subramaniam. - BERNAMA

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