KUALA LUMPUR – Former colleagues in Barisan Nasional mourns the passing of Datuk Seri G. Palanivel and recall his contributions to both the party and the nation.
Palanivel died at Hospital Kuala Lumpur this morning. He was 76. Palanivel left behind wife, Datin Sri R Kanagam, and four sons. The wake will be held tomorrow from 9am to 9pm at No 3, Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar and the funeral will be held on Thursday at 1.30pm
Palanivel, who was previously the MP for Cameron Highlands and Hulu Selangor, joined MIC in 1968.
He assumed the role of party leader in 2010 after Tun S. Samy Vellu, who had been president for 31 years, stepped down. He had also served as Samy Vellu’s press secretary.
Speaking to Scoop, Datuk J Dhinagaran, the head of Penang MIC, remembered Palanivel, who is also from Penang, as a leader who was very generous in supporting the Indian community, both locally and across the country, even though he had a brief time as the party’s president.
“He has been a strong supporter of various initiatives for the Indian community, contributing significantly to Indian associations and helping with the development of several temples through substantial donations,” he said.
“We must remember all the contributions made by Palanivel. The people of Penang should acknowledge his role in the development of the area.”
Dhinagaran, who was the Penang MIC Youth leader under Palanivel’s leadership, mentioned that they had a strong working relationship. He remembered how the late party leader consistently offered guidance and support for the efforts of the Penang MIC Youth.
Meanwhile, Senator Datuk C Sivarraajh from the Dewan Negara reflected on Palanivel as a commendable individual who dedicated many years to serving the MIC and Samy Vellu.
He pointed out that even though Palanivel’s tenure as party president was brief, he made efforts to bring about reforms and provided chances for young leaders to excel within the party.
“When we met several times during that period, Palanivel said that the party needed a succession plan and expressed his dedication to strengthening the party before stepping down,” he told Scoop when reached for comment.
“I will remember him as a good man who assisted many Indians during his time as president.”
Palanivel’s membership in the MIC concluded in 2015 when he had a leadership dispute with the then deputy president, Datuk Seri Dr. S Subramaniam, to court.
‘Indian community lost a statesman’
Palanivel served as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department from Aug 2011 until May 2013, and later as the minister for natural resources and environment from May 2013 to July 2015.
He also held several deputy minister roles in various ministries, including rural development from 1999 to 2004, women, family and community development from 2004 to 2009, and plantation industries and commodities from 2009 to 2011.
Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, a former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department responsible for Islamic affairs, expressed his sorrow over the passing of a close friend who worked alongside him during Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s time in office.
Jamil described Palanivel as a significant figure in the community who made substantial contributions to the economic empowerment of the Indian community.
Jamil said that even though there seems to be a divide between his previous ministry and MIC, he and Palanivel actually maintained a strong working relationship, particularly in promoting unity among different races and religions.
He added, “As a minister, he made significant contributions to the country that deserve to be acknowledged and respected.”
It’s important to note that Palanivel was against the unilateral conversion of minors while he served as the party president.
At the same time, MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, who worked alongside Palanivel in Najib’s administration, said that the late MIC leader made significant contributions to the nation, especially during his time as minister for natural resources and environment.
He said, “His passing is a substantial loss to the political scene in the country, particularly for the MIC, a part of Barisan Nasional, which he once led with unwavering commitment and dedication.
“I wish his family strength and resilience during this difficult time,” Wee shared in a tribute on his Facebook page.
Former housing and local government minister and the assemblyman for Bertam, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican expressed great respect for Palanivel’s leadership and vision when contacted by Scoop.
He characterised Palanivel as a dedicated leader who devoted his life to serving the community, especially the Indian community, noting that his contributions to both Penang and the nation were significant.
“We will greatly miss his wisdom and experience in our political family,” he stated- June 17, 2025