KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12- September’s MIC presidential election is seen as an evaluation of the top leadership’s credibility in keeping the party relevant to carry on the struggle of the Indian community.
Political analyst M. Neela Mehan, said the selection process would be critical because it not only focused on who would lead the party but also reflected the wishes of the community as a whole.
He said the community was searching for an elusive edge and measuring the ability of Datuk Seri G. Palanivel as he was still deemed to be under the shadow of former president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.
Neela Mehan said Palanivel should use the less than 21-day period now as a springboard to work harder and prove his authority by going to the grassroots to strengthen his position and ties with his supporters.
“The political landscape is ever changing. There are many young and educated delegates now. So the presidential election must be held in a democratic manner to fulfill the aspirations of all quarters,” he told Bernama.
He observed that although it had yet to be determined if anyone would challenge the top post, there appeared to be a possibility that the incumbent may be taken on by a top party leader.
“Deputy president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam hasn’t said if he would contest or not. But there seems to be some pressure from his supporters which may result in a tussle. He may be just biding his time to voice out his stance.
“Both these leaders have their own advantages but Indians want solutions and reform in order to continue backing the only Indian party which can elevate them to a higher level,” he said.
He said if the presidency was challenged, he hoped that the ultimate result would not lead to a divided party.
Neela Mehan claimed that a survey he conducted via Facebook showed that nearly 85 per cent of the respondents wanted the presidency to be contested in order to refresh the party and keep it relevant.
On June 18, the Central Working Committee (CWC) set Sept 1 as nomination day and the election on Sept 22.
The election for the rest of the positions, such as deputy president, three vice-presidents and 23 members of the CWC, will be held in November or December.
– BERNAMA
