Even though MIC president S Samy Vellu has officially announced his preferred deputy, incumbent No 2 S Subramaniam is holding his ground.

Yesterday, Samy revealed his preferred candidates list for the upcoming party elections. G Palanivel was endorsed for the number two post.

"I need person to work with me, a person to hand over the party at the appropriate time," said Samy in reference to his endorsement, reported the New Straits Times.

Responding to Samy's announcement, Subramaniam today reiterated his decision to defend his post and will wait for Palanivel to officially announce his candidacy, before taking further action.

"There has been many challenges in my political career and I am willing to face the impending challenge," he told reporters at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.

Proxy fight?

He stressed that he is still capable of contributing to the community and is relevant in the party.

The party veteran added that while there have been cases where the party president endorses certain candidates, not all of them were successful.

"I don't want to see it (the contest) as a proxy fight. But he (Samy) already has the presidency. Why does he need to control the deputy post as well?" said Subramaniam when asked if he thinks Palanivel was serving as a proxy for Samy.

Asked if the newly established party known as MIC Baru would undermine his position in the party, the deputy president said that he was "alien to the problem" and that he has never communicated with individuals from the party.

"Whether they were engineered to undermine my position? I don't know. That's why I have repeatedly said do not try to link me with MIC Baru," he said.

Nominations for presidency will take place this Sunday, where Samy is expected to be returned unopposed for a record 10th term as party chief.

G Palanivel has yet to make any announcement on his candidacy for the number two post.