Tamil newspapers are abuzz over the news that a Barisan Nasional component party leader was involved in undermining MIC president and former works minister S Samy Vellu's chances during the March 8 general election.

samy vellu exclusive on tamil schools 080708 06 It is learnt that the leader in question is from Umno and the alleged conspiracy was centred around the party's desire to seize control of the Works Ministry from MIC.

During last year's general election, Samy Vellu was defeated in his traditional parliamentary stronghold of Sungai Siput and subsequently dropped from the cabinet line up.

The Works Ministry fell into the hands of Umno while MIC was given, what most regard as the 'more junior' Human Resources Ministry.

The 'sabotage' allegation was raised by prominent Indian businessman OMS Thiagarajan earlier this week.

He was quoted in the Tamil newspapers as saying he had the assistance of a BN component party leader to oust Samy Vellu from Sungai Siput to ensure that the MIC president did not retain the position of works minister.

Thiagarajan is a close associate of the MIC president's former estranged deputy S Subramaniam.

Saravanan: Probe the allegation

Meanwhile, MIC information chief and Deputy Federal Territories Minister M Saravanan said the allegation should be fully investigated as it was very serious.

saravanan kl draft plan 220808 03 "I will be talking to BN secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor about the matter soon," he told Bernama.

Saravanan said that if the allegation was true, stern action must be taken against the component party leader.

"I am not accusing Thiagarajan of making a false statement, but I just want BN component party leaders cleared of any such allegation.

"This allegation can create a lot of discomfort and result in disunity among BN component parties.

"It is a serious allegation and should be clarified as soon as possible," he added.

Samy Vellu has yet to comment on the issue.