Datuk Seri G.Palanivel stressed that he is still the MIC president and dismissed claims made by the party's central working committee (CWC) that he has lost his party membership automatically.

"The claim made by my deputy Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam that I have violated Article 91 of MIC Constitution is untrue and obviously he (Dr Subramaniam and others have surreptitiously manipulated it saying I and the four others have lost our memberships in MIC.

"The provisions of the MIC Constitution does not in any way affect the membership of members who commence legal proceedings against third parties," he said in a statement here today.

Palanivel said members were only precluded from commencing legal proceedings against the CWC or the party and not otherwise.

"I again wish to reiterate that there is no doubt I am still the duly elected president of MIC and any claims to the contrary by Subra or any other party are misconceived and clearly untenable.

"I hope the party members are not hoodwinked by Subra and other suspended members into believing their story," he added.