PETALING JAYA, AUG 20- Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak averted a contest between party president G Palanivel and his deputy Dr S Subramaniam for the party’s top post on Sept 22.
In a late night meeting on Sunday, Najib, who is also the BN chairman, managed to pacify both parties and ensured they agreed to a peace deal and an amicable transfer of power in the future.
Sources close to Palanivel and Dr Subramaniam confirmed that the duo had received instructions to “tone down work” on the ground and they have stopped canvassing for votes.
FMT learnt that Palanivel and Dr Subramaniam will not face contests for their respective positions in the party this year.
Although the presidential election would be held next month, election of other national office bearers – deputy president, three vice presidents and 23 CWC members, would be held in November.
To contest for the party top post, a candidate needs to get 50 nominations. Each nomination must be proposed by one branch chairman and seconded by five other branch chairmen.
In all, a candidate for the party top post needs to obtain support of 300 branch chairmen to contest.
“Dr Subramaniam has made a sacrifice. The deal is that Palanivel will stay on for another term which is until 2016.
“Dr Subramaniam will take over after that. He is making a sacrifice…he has decided not to contest when he has already obtained enough nominations to make a bid for the party’s top post.
“He also knows that he stands a good chance of winning but he is giving it up…he is taking a huge risk as anything can happen within the next three years,” said the source.
Sources revealed that Najib met Palanivel, Dr Subramaniam, party vice presidents M Saravanan and SK Devamany at his official residence Sunday night.
“Dr Subramaniam was asked to reconsider his decision to fight for the top post for the sake of party unity. He gave his word that he will not fight. But they have also worked out other things…such as ensuring a smooth transition of power in 2016.
“Dr Subramaniam will from now have an added edge in the party. He would now become the de facto president. Palanivel will be warming the chair for the next three years,” said the source.
Both Palanivel and Dr Subramaniam are expected to hold a press conference on Thursday to explain their stand.
