MIC meeting goes on despite ruckus

PETALING JAYA: Disgruntled supporters of ousted MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel attempted, but failed, to disrupt the party’s emergency general meeting (EGM) held mainly to discuss the PAS’ Private Member’s Bill controversy.

Police did not allow the group, led by former party treasurer-general Datuk R. Ramanan, to enter the hall at One City in Subang Jaya. This led to a tense standoff with the police.

Armed with batons and shields, personnel from the Light Strike Force kept apart the group and MIC members who were at the entrance.

There was shouting, chanting and jeering from both groups. Water bottles were thrown above the red-helmeted police personnel.

Ramanan told police he had “come in peace” to express his disatisfaction with the EGM, which he claimed was illegal due to several pending cases in court.

He claimed the organisers did not meet the 14-day notice requirement while some who received invites were not let in.

Chaos at the meeting: Disgruntled supporters attempting to disrupt the party’s EGM.

Ramanan and the group left after holding a press conference.

After the EGM, MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the group should rejoin the MIC “so that they can voice their opinions”.