Sacked Malay-Indian Congress' leader to run for Party President's post

Kuala Lumpur, June 8 (ANI): Recently sacked Malaysian Indian Congress Secretary General S Murugessan has said he would contest elections for the party's top post and aim to replace incumbent President Samy Vellu.

He also insisted that his rebellion within the party should not be seen as bravura but rather as an assertion of his conviction.

"When I spoke up, I had no intention or (harbour) thoughts of being a hero. What matters is for me to have stood up for what I believe in," the New Strait Times quoted Murugessan, as saying.

Murugessan had rubbed Vellu the wrong way after vocally criticizing him for ousting his critics who had called for him to vacate the presidential post in favour of younger candidates.

Murugessan had been vaunted as a hero after taking a firm stand against Vellu and his good looks too became a talking point.

When asked about the consequences of demurring while still Secretary General of the party, Vellu said: "I could have kept quiet and safeguard my own position, I have a responsibility towards MIC members both as Sec Gen and an elected CWC member. In a healthy democracy, we should be able to debate issues openly."

Replying to a question on whether the Malay-Indian community was decidedly against the party, he said: "They see it as an institution that must be safeguarded and feel it is part of their lives. That is why anything that happens, either good or bad, in MIC attracts so much attention."

He also clearly expressed his Presidential aspirations by responding to queries about whether he will run for the post with an emphatic "Yes". (ANI)