Samy-Subra debate on

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KUALA LUMPUR: The debate between MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and his estranged deputy Datuk S. Subramaniam is on.

Samy Vellu said he would fix an appropriate time and venue for the debate as he was the one who initiated it.

“He (Subramaniam) has no right to decide on the time and date for the debate. I will deal with him when the time comes,” he said.

After Samy had thrown the challenge, Subramaniam had said that he accepted the challenge and was ready to set the venue and date.

To a question on gangsters being brought in for the nominations, Samy Vellu said that it was not he who roped them in, and that he also did not have anything to do with people who vandalised the headquarters’ property.

He added that the MIC election on Sept 12 would decide the future of the party and community.

“It is not about individuals seeking power.

“The election is crucial as the 1,464 delegates should elect leaders who have shown results, can move the party forward and regain the lost support of the Indian community,” Samy Vellu said.

He added that the team comprising Datuk G. Palanivel (deputy pre-sident), Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam, Datuk S.K. Devamany and Datuk M. Saravanan (vice presidents) could work as one cohesive unit.

“Palanivel is an untainted, no-nonsense and clean man. He has carried out his duties as a deputy minister and deputy president effectively without seeking publicity,” he said.

Samy Vellu said Dr Subramaniam, Devamany and Saravanan were endorsed for the vice-president post because they are MPs and the party’s representatives in the government.

“They must be given the mandate by the party to speak to the government on behalf of the Indian community and the MIC.

“They will be unable to perform effectively if the MIC itself is seen as not supporting them,” he said.

Meanwhile, party secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said MIC delegates had always elected their leaders based on their performance and capability.

“There is no low or upper caste within the Indian community. All are equal and treated fairly,” he said to reporters after launching a job recruitment campaign here yesterday.