MIED Trustees Never Held Meeting For 24 Years - Mahalingam

PETALING JAYA, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The Maju Institute of Education Development (MIED) board of trustees had never sat for a meeting in the last 24 years of its establishment, revealed former MIC Treasurer-General Tan Sri M. Mahalingam.

Mahalingam, who was one of the institute's founders, said the MIED board members were dominated by high-profile MIC leaders which included MIC President Datuk Seri S. Samyvellu as the chairman, seven appointed trustees, including himself and 25 other listed members.

"MIED is supposed to be in the hands of the trustees. Any changes must only be done by the trustees who should decide in its future," he told reporters here Wednesday.

He said the 33 board members should know their responsibilities since they had also played a role in estabilishing the MIED.

"Don't waver from the objective of the establishment. MIED is an extension of a wing of MIC. They should be reminded that they owe their position to the people. They should protect the institute," said the former Deputy Minister, two-time Member of Parliament and Senator.

Mahalingam also said he was surprised to discover that he was no longer one of the MIED trustees, beginning this year.

According to the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) 2008/2009 Annual Report, which was shown to reporters in the media conference, it was stated that Mahalingam was an MIED trustee only until last December.

"I have never signed anything, any letter, or received any notification about this. I have the right to know the reason why I was removed from the board of trustees. I am not angry, I just want to know the reason," said Mahalingam.

He also pointed out that nothing moved in MIED or MIC without Samyvellu's knowledge.

On another note, Mahalingam said Samyvellu should explain his stand on the MIED to the people to clear the air.

Last week, Samyvellu was reported saying that the MIED was a separate entity from the MIC and since it was a separate entity, the MIC had nothing to do with it.

"I heard other MIC leaders comment on this issue, not from Datuk Seri (Samyvellu) himself. He should explain his stand to the people, especially to the Indian community," he said.

To a question by reporters, Mahalingam said he did not know why Samyvellu was slow in giving up his post as party President, and personally thought that it was time him to do so.

"I also ask myself why? (he has not retired)...but I have already, privately, told him to retire, in my capacity as a friend. It's time to hand over the leadership to new people," he added.