KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 — The highly-anticipated battle to unseat the MIC president in the coming party polls may not materialise after all following sudden realignments among party leaders and also the threat to close down branches.

Palanivel’s attempts to strike deals with party leaders seem to be failing.
Palanivel’s attempts to strike deals with party leaders seem to be failing.

While party members have been waiting for the battle royale between president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel and his deputy Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, it has now emerged that efforts have been made to strike deals among party leaders.

Party insiders say talks are ongoing to ensure no contest for the No. 1 and No. 2 positions.

New developments, it is said, are putting pressure on Dr Subramaniam to abandon his hope of going for the party chief position.

Although he seemed confident just a week ago due to his strong support base in the southern states, it is learned that he was facing a tough time reaching out to branch chairmen in the northern states.

Senior leaders close to Dr Subramaniam said he was now waiting for the party’s central working committee meeting to be over on Sunday before deciding.

“Palanivel has been reaching out to some of Dr Subramaniam’s supporters. But we do not know how they are reacting. So he just wants to see the level of support he has on Sunday before taking a final decision.”

Another senior leader said Dr Subramaniam was also aware that more than 100 branches had their annual general meetings declared null and void.

There is pressure on Dr Subramaniam to abandon his hope of going for the party chief position.
There is pressure on Dr Subramaniam to abandon his hope of going for the party chief position.

“These branch chairmen were all Dr Subramaniam’s supporters. The party headquarters suddenly sent officers to check on their AGMs and declared they did not have quorum or that they failed to follow regulations.

“This action has raised fear among other chairmen and some are already thinking twice whether or not to support Dr Subramaniam.”

To be eligible to contest the president’s position, a member has to receive at least 50 nominations. Each nomination requires the support of at least six branch chairmen.

There are about 4,000 MIC branches nationwide.     

However some leaders have said Palanivel’s attempts to strike deals with party leaders seem to be failing.

They said Dr Subramaniam was still convinced he could mount a strong challenge despite the fear instilled among branch chairmen.

Among those said to be in Dr Subramaniam’s corner are former president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, vice-presidents Datuk M. Saravanan and Datuk S.K. Devamany, Wanita chief Komala Krishnamoorthy and Youth leader T. Mohan.