MIC president S Samy Vellu has named his deputy G Palanivel as his preferred choice to continue in the number two position and succeed him in the near future.

Although initially, the veteran politician had hinted that he would not interfere in the party elections, speculations had soon emerged that he was tacitly backing his former press secretary.

NONE In a statement today, the president said: "I am choosing Palanivel because he is a very efficient, strong and simple man of the people."

"I hope the members and delegates will throw their support behind him for continuity," he added.

Apart from Palanivel, Samy Vellu also named his preferred choices for the three vice-president posts.

The trio are Human Resources Minister Dr S Subramaniam, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department SK Devamany and Federal Territories Deputy Minister M Saravanan.

'I gave it serious thought'

Samy Vellu said he wants MIC members and delegates to know that this team will be able to manage the business of the party more effectively and efficiently.

"They will bring the party very much nearer to the people as they are dedicated and able to listen to the people's voice and aspirations.

samy vellu exclusive on tamil schools 080708 06 "I have managed to unite the party and administer it effectively with my current office-bearers who make up my ‘election team," he added.

As a leader, Samy Vellu said he has the responsibility to hand over the party to the right person.

"I have given serious thought over the last two months on how we intend to conduct the MIC elections. I have concluded to support this team for a better future for the Indian community.

"I have taken great care of MIC for the last 29 years. I rebuilt the party from just 120,000 members to 630,000 members, and from just 700 branches to well over 3,300 branches now.

"All this was possible through the constructive team work which I created amongst my office-bearers," he added, calling on members and delegates to back this team.

Come the party elections in September, Palanivel will be facing a three-cornered battle for the number two post.

His challengers are former deputy president S Subramaniam and vice-president S Sothinathan.

In an immediate response, Palanivel told Malaysiakini that he is grateful to the president for endorsing him.

"I will do my best to ensure that I will live up to his expectations as well as the confidence and trust he has placed in me," he said.

Sothinathan vows to fight on

Contacted later, Sothinathan said the latest development will not deter him from going for the post.

s sothinathan Asked if his chances have been compromised by the endorsement, he replied: "It is no longer a question of endorsement. It is about who will be the right leader for the party."

"I will continue with my campaign and leave it to the delegates to pick the best candidate," he added.

Sothinathan was once seen as the president's blue-eyed boy and most likely to be endorsed as deputy president.

Subramaniam, on the other hand, chose to remain tightlipped on the matter.

Trio pledge to work hard

Meanwhile, Dr Subramaniam thanked the president for his confidencein him.

NONE "I appreciate the president's decision which I believe is based on the need of the party.

"I have discharged the duties enstrusted to me so far dilligently and with sincerity and I will continue to do so in future in whichever position or post which the party entrusts me with," said the MIC secretary-general.

Saravanan also expressed gratitude to the president for having faith in him and backing him for the vice-president post.

He said the three individuals proposed hold government positions and therefore will be accepted by party members.

Saravanan is currently MIC information chief.

Devamany pledged that the trio will work hard to serve the party and community.

"We will also work towards uniting the Indian community. We will strive towards making MIC a respectable political institution for the Indian community," he said.