Malaysian Indian Congress battling to woo back Indian vote bank

Kuala Lumpur, May 26 (ANI): The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), which is vigorously debating whether its long time president S. Samy Vellu should stay or resign, is battling to woo back its lost Indian vote bank ahead of the next general election.

According to The Star, Vellu has been in the post since 1979, and now, pressure is mounting for him to step down immediately and not cling to power.

Vellu announced last Sunday that he would step down in September 2011, although his current and final term as president ends only in May 2012.

Barisan Nasional leaders were given to understand that Vellu would step down on July 10, at the 64th annual general meeting of the party, but were shocked when he announced that he would only retire next September.

There is also worry that Samy Vellu might not keep his promise.

"He said he would retire in 2006 but did not do so," said V. Mugilan, the MIC deputy Youth leader who was sacked last week for asking Samy Vellu to step down and for starting the Gerakan Anti-Samy Vellu (GAS) that is campaigning for him to quit by December 31.

"We will hold the inaugral gathering at the PWTC at 2pm on Sunday," Mugilan said, referring to the launch of GAS.

Samy Vellu, who used his special powers under the party constitution, has also expelled three other critics -Central Working Committee (CWC) members K.P. Samy and G. Kumar Aamaan and Petaling Jaya MIC division chairman V. Subramaniam.

His archrival for three decades, former deputy president S. Subramaniam has also endorsed the movement. He has threatened to file a lawsuit in this regard. (ANI)