MIC cannot remain lame duck for long - Subramaniam

The MIC cannot remain a lame duck for far too long as this will have a domino effect on the party and community as a whole, says acting president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.

He said he was focused on holding the Barisan Nasional component party's re-election as soon as possible to enable it to return to normalcy.

"Towards this end, MIC is giving priority to complete the party's re-election before October.

"What had happened during the past 18 months had only disrupted the party and brought it to a standstill.

"We cannot remain a lame duck for long...we want to resolve its (MIC's) internal crisis. Moreover, it will also have an impact on our performance in the next general election.

"Now that UMNO has decided to postpone its party election for 18 months, we must be ready, as well. If not, that's it...," he told reporters after launching the MySihat programme in SJK (T) Rantau near here today.

Dr Subramaniam, who is also health minister urged heads of branches and leaders at grassroots level to understand the urgency of the current situation.

He said the leaders needed to restore the party quickly so that it could function as soon as possible.

"If we do not do that, then we will face serious problems. To restore the party to normalcy is the most important thing and that's my responsibility," he added.