MIC to elect its first opposition president on July 29

At its prime, MIC was an indomitable force. However, since the 2008 general election, which witnessed the defeat of its long-term president S Samy Vellu, the BN component party's fortunes have reversed.

In the 14th general election, MIC was left with two parliament seats and three state seats. Its president Dr S Subramaniam and his deputy SK Devamany were vanquished.

Formed in 1946 and an original member of the then-ruling Alliance and later BN, MIC now finds itself in an unfamiliar role as an opposition party.

Against this backdrop, MIC delegates would be voting for their new president on July 29, months ahead of the previous plan to hold the contest in October.

A party source told Malaysiakini that the presidential candidates would be nominated on July 14.

It is understood that Dewan Negara president and senator SA Vigneswaran is the sole candidate for the top post, following the incumbent Dr S Subramaniam's decision not to defend his position.

According to the source, MIC central working committee member and Tapah MP M Saravanan is gunning for the deputy president's post against incumbent Devamany.

This contest and those for other positions would be held in October.

In the previous election, Saravanan was defeated by Devamany for the number two position.

Following MIC's disastrous performance in the May 9 polls, Subramaniam had announced that he would bow out and hoped that the leadership mantle would be passed to the younger generation.

"I hope in this party election, more (members of) younger generation will participate in the party," he said.

MIC, like its counterparts Umno and MCA, is struggling to remain relevant in the new political landscape.

After ruling uninterrupted for six decades, BN has been reduced to three parties from 13 before the general election. -Mkini