PETALING JAYA, June 28 — Datuk Seri G. Palanivel does not have to vacate his office at the party headquarters after losing his MIC membership.

The party’s acting president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said Palanivel vacating his office was “not a big issue” as the priority was to hold the party elections soon.

“He (Palanivel) had not visited the office since (he was dismissed as party member) but we are not in a rush to tell him to leave,” he said yesterday.

“Following the directive by the Registrar of Societies (RoS), all presidential powers and benefits that come with it are automatically removed (for Palanivel).”

On the possibility of Palanivel rejoining the party, Dr Subramaniam said anyone can apply to become a member.

“If Palanivel wants to do so, he can.”

Dr Subramaniam also gave the assurance that Palanivel’s supporters will not be victimised as the main concern is to unite the party.

“All we want now is to conduct the elections run by the 2009 CWC (Central Working Committee) so the party can return to its normal state,” he said.

Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Mansor said Palanivel had to adhere to the instructions given by RoS.

“I agree with what RoS has said because they have also been taken to court.”

“I have read the letter RoS sent to Palanivel and I know what they have told MIC,” he said yesterday.

He reiterated the party’s constitution states no member can take a party dispute to court without the consent of the CWC.

“If the president himself does not want to follow the party’s constitution, how do you expect others to do so?”

“It is clearly stated that if they bring the party to court, they will lose their membership. If that is what they insist on doing, then it is their decision,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had said on Friday he would need to look into Palanivel’s Cabinet post once the party’s leadership issues are sorted out.

Palanivel is the natural resources and environment minister.