Nijhar quits as MIC veep

KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran MIC leader Tan Sri K.S. Nijhar has quit as party vice-president and he did it via SMS.

But it was not in a huff. The 72-year-old Nijhar who has been the vice-president for three terms, had announced his intention to resign at the last committee meeting early this month.

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the committee accepted Nijhar’s resignation at yesterday’s meeting.

On the reasons for Nijhar's resignation, Samy Vellu said the former Subang MP had stated his intention in the press.

“I don’t have any quarrels with him,” he said.

Nijhar, when contacted, said that he had sent text messages to Samy Vellu and secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam on his resignation.

“I have nothing against Samy Vellu. We have only minor disagreements on some issues,” he said.

He said that he had already stated that the decision to quit was not against Samy Vellu or anybody else in the party.

“I won’t be where I am in politics without Samy Vellu's help. I am very grateful.

“It is just that sooner or later, I have to call it a day from politics. I remain a life member of the party and would be available to serve again if needed,” said Nijhar.

Nijhar joined MIC in 1973 and had held several positions including treasurer-general, CWC member and secretary-general before being elected as a vice president in 2000. He retained the vice president’s post in 2003 and 2006.

He was appointed a senator for six years and served as parliamentary secretary of the International Trade and Industry Ministry from June 1989 to June 1991.

Nijhar had also contested and won the Subang parliamentary seat in 1999 and 2004 but was not fielded in the March 8 general election.

He had expressed displeasure after he was dropped from the MIC election line-up this year.