A coalition of Indian NGOs has expressed regret over MIC president G Palanivel's decision to drop S Vell Paari from the party's all-powerful central working committee (CWC).

In a statement, WargaAman secretary-general S Barathidasan pointed out that Vell Paari is one of the few MIC leaders who has the courage to speak out.

"He spoke out on issues concerning (Perkasa vice-president) Zulkifli Noordin and (academic) Ridhuan Tee Abdullah when the duo insulted Hinduism.

"Vell Paari also voiced out against custodial deaths and led a delegation, which comprised WargaAman leaders, to meet Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Paul Low to push for the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC)," he said.

NONE"WargaAman is proud of Vell Paari's concern for the well-being of the Indian community and all Malaysians," he added.

Barathidasan (right) called on Vell Paari not to stop speaking his mind on pertinent issues and pledged the coalition's support for him.

The NGO leader said while WargaAman does not wish to interfere in MIC's internal affairs, it is however saddened by the latest development.

He stressed that MIC and the Indian community needed leaders who are willing to stand up for certain issues, without fear.

"We want someone who is brave enough to speak up. Furthermore, we NGOs find it easier to work with him in raising issues," he added.

No issue being Samy Vellu's son

Commenting on Vell Paari's plan to contest for the vice-president's post, Barathidasan said he is confident that the former would receive the backing of MIC delegates.

The WargaAman leader also said that he sees no issue with Vell Paari being the son of former president S Samy Vellu.

NONE"We see a similar situation in Umno, MCA, Gerakan and even in PKR, DAP and PAS, where the sons and daughters of leaders follow in their father's footsteps," he added.

Palanivel dropped Vell Paari from the CWC last week, replacing him with former vice-president S Sothinathan (left).

The president also brought in the son of former deputy president S Subramaniam, Sunthar, in what is seen as a move to consolidate his position.

Speculation is rife that current deputy president Dr S Subramaniam would mount a challenge for the top post with the blessings of Samy Vellu, who is still influential.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Hindu Movement president S Sanjay also expressed disappointment over the decision to drop Vell Paari.

"He is one of the more vocal leaders; he spoke out on issues affecting the Indian community and Hindus. It is people like this who should be in the frontline of MIC.

"I fail to understand the logic of dropping him but including a relatively unknown person like Sunthar in the CWC line up," he said.

Sanjay warned that MIC is already on the road to destruction and such moves would expedite the process.