ALMOST 1,000 MIC BRANCHES ARE IN LIMBO

The worst fears I had voiced have unfortunately been realised, and the consequences are far-reaching. What was once a foreseeable challenge has now become a painful reality, leaving nearly 1000 branches and 150,000 dedicated members in a state of limbo. The failure to act decisively and responsibly has left the party at a critical juncture, with branches disbanded or overtaken due to inaction. This is a moment of reckoning, where the cost of missed opportunities is evident, and the path forward demands both accountability and unity.

Last Thursday, in my statement titled “To Nominate or Not to Nominate? – MIC Branch Nomination”, which you can read here, I urged Datuk Seri Palanivel’s supporters to ensure branch chairmen submitted their nominations as a precautionary measure. This call prompted a wide range of responses across the country. While many of DS Palanivel’s supporters criticised my stance, around 30% expressed their appreciation for my candid and transparent advice.

The reaction, though deeply emotional, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for clarity and legal responsibility. Too many were swayed by leaders with personal interests rather than taking a step back to assess the situation through a legal lens. The Court’s recent ruling has now left almost 1000 branches either defunct or under new leadership, the result of DS Palanivel’s supporters failing to submit their nominations in time.

However, I remain encouraged by the nearly 1,000 branches that heeded my advice and submitted their nominations. These branches now have legally elected chairmen, empowered to shape the party’s future and to actively participate in the upcoming Presidential election. It is unfortunate that many chairmen, misled by misinformation, now find themselves without branches and excluded from the election. Nonetheless, this situation presents an opportunity for constructive dialogue, learning, and reform.

It is truly regrettable that those leaders who privately agreed with my call for nominations did not publicly lend their support. Had they done so, their endorsement could have averted the disbandment or takeover of even more branches. Unfortunately, the damage is already done, and the focus must now shift towards rebuilding the party and strengthening its foundations for future success.

As I have always maintained, I am neither oblivious nor naive, and I firmly believe that no individual is more important than the collective strength of the Party. Sadly, nearly 1,000 branch chairmen and their 150,000 members now face the consequences of decisions driven by ego and stubbornness. This painful experience serves as a critical lesson in the importance of prioritising the party’s well-being over personal agendas.

Looking ahead, we must focus on unity and rebuilding, moving forward with a renewed commitment to our community and nation. Only through collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared vision can we secure the party’s future and preserve its integrity, thereby creating a positive impact for the members and supporters who continue to place their trust in us.

#askmani

Link to my earlier article “TO NOMINATE OR NOT TO NOMINATE? – MIC BRANCH NOMINATION“