Former MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, who passed away at 76, was remembered by political leaders as a statesman and education advocate. DAP’s M. Kulasegaran praised his honesty and kindness in Parliament, while Seputeh MP Teresa Kok called him a gentleman who supported her during her time in office.

MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan also paid tribute, acknowledging Palanivel’s contributions to the Indian community despite their past political disagreements. Palanivel, who once served as Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, led MIC from 2010 to 2015, playing a key role in boosting Indian education through MIED and AIMST University.

He was Hulu Selangor MP for four terms from 1990, and later returned as Cameron Highlands MP in 2013. Palanivel died at KL Hospital at 8am yesterday.