MIC deputy president S Subramaniam today denied using popular Tamil daily Malaysia Nanban to wage a 'proxy war' against party president S Samy Vellu.

"I don't have any proxies... all the newspapers have a lot of journalists. What they say is not always accurate about me, but it doesn't mean they are serving as proxies," he told a press conference in Shah Alam.

He was responding to Samy's accusation yesterday that he (Subramaniam) is using the newspaper to undermine his leadership.

Subramaniam said that while he and Malaysia Nanban's late chief editorial advisor Athi Kumanan were close friends, the latter's views were that of his own.

"I am also good friends with other editors. Whatever Athi wrote is his view as an editor," he added.

Despite Samy's open attack, Subramaniam dismissed suggestions that it would have an impact on his chances at next June's party polls.

"No. I don't feel disadvantaged. I can handle any contest for the position," he said.

He also stressed that he had no desire to challenge Samy for the presidency, and that he would merely defend his position as deputy president, which he has held since 1982.

Party vice-president G Palanivel, who is said to have the blessings of the president, is expected to contest for the number two post.

SMS campaign

Yesterday, Samy accused his long-term deputy of waging a silent campaign to unseat him via the newspaper.

He claimed that the daily had created 'confusions and problems' in MIC and Indian politics here.

He said there was also a silent underground campaign with some quarters sending short messaging service (SMS) to Subramaniam's supporters to gain support.

"They are hoping that these SMS would be passed on to others and would help gain as much sympathy as possible," he added.

On the internal problems in Malaysia Nanban, Subramaniam refrained from commenting citing legal sensitivities.

Sources had indicated that members of Samy's camp had influenced some of the shareholders of the newspaper to intentionally cause a rift that would adversely affect the newspaper which is openly sympathetic to Subramaniam.

The saga between the two MIC heavyweights has been going on since the 1970's. Subramaniam was once groomed to be party president, but was superceded by Samy in 1972.

Subramaniam was even dropped as a parliamentary candidate by Samy during the last general election.