MIC deputy president S Subramiam will not be deterred from defending his post despite party president S Samy Vellu reportedly endorsing his protege and vice-president G Palanivel for the number two post.

According to a source close to Subramaniam (left), the latest development will not have an impact on the deputy president's decision to defend his seat.

He was responding to a report in the Star today that Palanivel was endorsed by the president during a closed-door meeting with state liaison chiefs and several Central Working Committee (CWC) members at the MIC headquarters yesterday.

Quoting sources, the report said Samy Vellu had also endorsed incumbents S Veerasingam and KS Nijhar and secretary-general S Sothinathan as the official candidates for the three vice-president posts.

The line-up was announced to ensure a smooth transition of power and the leaders present at the two-hour meeting had accepted the explanation, it added.

Up to the delegates

Meanwhile, the source close to Subramaniam revealed that the deputy president was not present at the meeting.

As for how he rates his chances, the source said Subramaniam would leave this in the hands of the delegates to make the decision.

"Delegates are wise enough to understand that this is not a contest against Samy Vellu (right) but for the deputy presidency," he added when contacted.

It is an open secret that ties have been strained between Samy Vellu and his deputy for a long time although the two have repeatedly denied this in public.

Subramaniam had even contested against the president in 1989, which observers noted had cemented the rift.

Subramaniam, whose last government posting was that of deputy trade and consumer affairs minister, was also struck off MIC's candidates list for the general elections.

Prior to that, he was the incumbent parliamentarian for Segamat, Johor.

Fireworks guaranteed

Palanivel's name as a possible contender began to make the rounds since last year and the president had told the media back then that he would back him.

Observers had described this as a deliberate attempt by Samy Vellu to sideline his deputy of more than two-decades from mainstream politics.

Previously, it was also speculated that the president - who is also the works minister - would maintain the status quo in the party following several controversies surrounding his ministry.

However, with the latest development, the party elections which will commence this month is shaping up to be a heated affair.

Despite numerous attempts, Palanivel - who is the women, family and community development deputy minister - could not be reached for comments.