Analysis: Dr Subramaniam wins popularity vote ahead of election

The strong crowd that turned up at the MIC briefing on Sunday, consisting of about 2,000 MIC branch leaders and party members, was more like an annual general meeting (AGM) than an ordinary briefing.

Usually, the party president's speech would be the most anticipated but in this case, it was the deputy president, Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam's speech that everyone was eagerly awaiting.

MIC president, Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, is understandably, was nowhere to be seen at the gathering.

The atmosphere at the ‘Current Issues and Future of MIC' was charged with excitement as everyone waited for Dr Subramaniam’s arrival.

No one dared to leave the hall as the host of the event kept reminding everyone to stay put since Dr Subramaniam had an ‘important’ announcement to make.

Dr Subramaniam's arrival was welcomed with loud cheers, whistles and applause - indicating the support that he had from the party members.

When he took the stage for his much-awaited speech, an expectant hush fell over the place.

Dr Subramaniam took the opportunity to explain the frustration and exasperation that party members felt after the 2013 party election, especially when Palanivel announced that he will take legal action against the Registar of Societies (RoS).

“RoS came because they receive reports. They investigated and found that there are some truths to these reports,” he said.

But, the icing of the cake was when he announced that he will be challenging Palanivel for the party's top post.

"I don't have any desire for posts, I'm already a minister. What else do I need? So, I am announcing that I will contest for the number one post," he said.

His announcement, made at the end of his speech, received a standing ovation, an indication of the support that he has, and the desire of the MIC members, for a change.

Many of them, openly pledged their support and said that they will ensure Dr Subramaniam wins. There were talks that the Segamat member of Parliament had wanted to challenge Palanivel for the top post in 2013 but decided against it following a peace deal.