MALACCA, Dec 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak opened MIC’s 67th annual general meeting (AGM) at the Hotel Equatorial here today.

Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, was welcomed on arrival at 10.15am by MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, deputy president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam and other senior MIC leaders to the accompaniment of traditional Indian music.   

After Palanivel’s policy address, Najib delivered the opening speech before more than 3,000 delegates, party members, invited guests and observers.

Najib was also garlanded by Palanivel to thundering applause from those present.

Also present were Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron, BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, former MIC president  and Malaysia’s Special Envoy (Infrastructure) to India and South Asia, Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and leaders of other BN component parties.

The two-day AGM started yesterday with MIC’s elections for its three vice president posts and 23 seats in the Central Working Committee, the highest decision-making body in the party.

In his speech, Najib had wished the delegates “Unggal Ellarkum Kaalai Vanakam” which is good morning to everyone in Tamil.

He also congratulated Palanivel and Dr Subramaniam who won their posts uncontested in the MIC polls.

“Hopefully, MIC’s new leadership line up will be able to steer MIC to even greater success,” he said.

The debate on the president’s policy address will start after lunch followed by his wind up speech.