The race for MIC's deputy and vice-presidents yet to take shape

While the nomination for the MIC deputy president and three vice president's posts is only 10 days away, there is still no sign of any race taking place yet.

Political observers are now closely watching the developments within MIC, the largest Indian political party in the country, and appear coy on the possible contest especially for the party's number two post.

In so far, party vice president Datuk M.Saravanan had made his intentions clear that he is going for the deputy president's post while the rest when inquired are keeping their decisions close to their chest for now.

However, just a week earlier another party stalwart Datuk Seri S.K Devamany made a statement that he would be contesting for a party post, but fell short of mentioning the post he is going to contest.

Party insiders believe that Devamany may join the race for the party's number two post and is now gauging the support from the grassroots.

The party president's post is now being occupied by Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam who won uncontested for the 2013-2016 term.

The 1,500 MIC delegates will decide on the key positions of the party on Nov 6 during the party's 68th AGM slated at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) here.

The nomination for all 23 CWC positions, deputy president and vice president is slated on Oct 25.

CAN A SARAVANAN-DEVAMANY FACE OFF TAKE PLACE

Except for Saravanan, those aspiring for the deputy president's seat or the three vice presidents' post have been lying low.

Saravanan when offering himself for the post was careful not to ruffle any feathers and he politely said any contest for the party's positions should be conducted in the spirit of unity and friendship.

His statement also indicated he was well aware he could face a challenge, possibly from Devamany who is also the Perak State Assembly Speaker and former vice president.

Devamany in fact took a calculated step when he said he would be going for a party post but fell shy of saying which post he was after. He was careful not to miscalculate his chances right on the onset.

Devamany is also aware of his past face off with Saravanan for the vice president's post in 2013 where he lost.

However, both Saravanan and Devamany have what it takes to go for the number two post.

The secretary for the Political, Security and International Relations Cluster of the National Professor Council Prof Datuk Abdul Halim Sidek noted that Saravanan and Devamany have their respective charisma and influence within MIC.

Both have come up from the school of hard knocks in politics and have strong following within.

THE NEW LINE UP WILL TEST MIC'S CREDIBILITY

Abdul Halim noted that the party polls this time around is crucial as it would also help the party prepare for the 14th General Election (GE).

The winners of the party polls would most likely contest in the general election.

However, Abdul Halim cautioned those contesting should avoid conflicts that could see a repeat of the woes that the party underwent for 10 months when the Registrar of Societies (RoS) nullified the party's 2013 polls.

Moreover, it is also the best opportunity for the party to redeem the trust of the 2.6 million Indians in the country.

EIGHT FACES TO VIE FOR THE VICE PRESIDENT'S POST

Meanwhile, the son of former MIC president Datuk Seri Vell Paari, and two former youth chiefs Datuk T.Mohan and Datuk S. A Vigneswaran are in the forefront for the vice-president's race.

There have been also talks that Central Working Committee (CWC) Member P.Kamalanathan, former party treasurer Datuk Jaspal Singh, and the son of former party deputy president Tan Sri S Subramaniam, S.Sunther are vying for the vice presidents posts as well.

Party insiders say there are another two who have showed keen interest in the three posts but did not want to mention their names.

Mohan and Jaspal had contested for the post during the 30 Nov 2013 party election held in Melaka but Datuk S.Sothinathan, Saravanan and Tan Sri S. Balakrishnan emerged as the winners.

PARTY PRESIDENT TAKES A NUETRAL STAND

Party president Dr Subramaniam had made it clear that he would not back any of the candidates on the grounds that all those contesting were his supporters.

Thus the onus is now on the 1,500 delegates to decide on the vacancies.

Though the Indians are a minority, their support is seen crucial for Barisan Nasional in GE14, and this can only be achieved through a strong MIC.

The re-election is being held for all party positions after RoS nullified the November 2013 elections due to irregularities and ordered the party to re-elect new office bearers before the end of Oct 2015.

The RoS also ordered the 2009 elected CWC to conduct the party polls.