A plan brewing in MIC

So what is happening with MIC is a sign of unseen hands doing their best to change the status quo, with help everywhere in the establishment.

Santha Manickam

The Malaysian Indian Congress has always had question marks about its elections, but this is the first time the Registrar of Societies (ROS) has come down on the party. MIC is a long-standing Barisan Nasional component party, and historically even more solid and consistent behind the leadership of Umno.

It was not surprising that the Democratic Action Party was hauled up and asked to redo their party election; government agencies like the ROS being strict with non-BN groups is common. The ROS refused to recognize Parti Socialis Malaysia (PSM) for years because it is a Pakatan party.

So what is happening with MIC is a sign of unseen hands doing their best to change the status quo, with help everywhere in the establishment.

This is not going to be just about the vice-presidents and the central working committee, I believe the position of the president is at stake here.

If the central working committee of 2009 meets, and not the rejected 2013 line-up which is technically now non-existent since ROS has rejected the election results, it is likely to do more. What is that more is what all the members are asking each other right now.

The theory is, other than deputy president S.Subramaniam, the only government office bearer M Saravanan is going to benefit most from any shakedown in the party.

Why is Saravanan not worried, after all a revote might mean he may lose the vice-presidency if he chooses to recontest the position? His grassroots strength in the party is strongest, probably after the president G Palanivel right now. But Palanivel is facing many problems from within and without the party, fighting on two fronts is making him tired.

So while Saravanan can focus on only his internal support, Palanivel is distracted.

If the 2009 CWC decides to have full elections, then there is every chance that Subramaniam will run for president with the tacit support of many in BN and also Saravanan.

Saravanan to support Subramaniam so that he can contest the deputy presidency without opposition. S.Vell Paari is an outsider and will settle for a peaceful settlement as vice-president.

If Palanivel goes, then Saravanan will be the strongest grassroots leaders in the party and also well regarded inside BN as a deputy minister for five years. And as deputy president he can rise to a full minister in the Najib Cabinet.

Subramaniam is more senior and with academic credentials to match anyone in the Najib administration. He would be the best option to bring more education into MIC, and therefore uplift the Indians of Malaysia, but Subramaniam will only be a seat-warmer for Saravanan.

Does Saravanan have the guile and resources to outpace Subramaniam if Palanivel is out?

The friendship between the deputy minister and MIC-linked Daya Maju Infrastructure Asia (DMIA) executive director Subramaniam Pillai, has been seen as crucial to Saravanan’s viability as a complete leader.

DMIA over the time Saravanan was at the Federal Territories Ministry grew as a main contractor in the Little India Brickfields project, and last year FT awarded Subramaniam Pillai a datukship.

So the ROS ruling so conveniently a month after the Cameron Highland mudslide which has dented environmental minister Palanivel both us minister and MP for the area, has opened up all kinds of possibilities for Saravanan, who as deputy minister for youth and sport building a relationship with the minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

So with both a weaker Palanivel, willing minister Subramaniam, stronger financial backing and many friends inside BN, Saravanan’s opportunity to shine has possibly arrived. There is a very interesting 2015 in store for MIC.