From the ashes of last year's electoral incineration, numerous voices of discontent, once silenced by the unbridled power of the president, reverberated through the corridors of MIC.

Angered by the reversal of fortunes, more and more leaders began to speak up and question the decisions made by the top leadership.

Suddenly, the formula that worked to perfection for decades was no longer conjuring the same results. The rules of the game had changed and the titans had become the underdogs.

samy vellu exclusive on tamil schools 080708 06 While some observers have condemned MIC to the annals of history, neither the party nor its 72-year-old president have conceded defeat.

However, some feel that S Samy Vellu's lingering presence at the top would continue to be a stumbling block.

The veteran leader - who was annointed president in March for a record 11th consecutive term - has announced that this would be his final lap.

He has also unveiled his choice of candidates to take over the top echelon in his absence and have urged the party delegates to vote them in come Sept 12 when MIC holds its elections.

Enter P Subramaniam

However, a former Youth leader agreed that the curtain has fallen on the era of blind loyalty, where once the president's word was nothing short of consecrate.

Although acknowledging that Samy Vellu still commands sizeable support, the 44-year-old politician believes that the party must undergo the cycle of change to remain afloat in a dynamically evolving political climate.

In view of this, P Subramaniam has decided to break the line.

NONE He has announced his intention to vie for one of the three vice-president posts up for grabs.

Despite being aware that the president's endorsement for his rivals would stack the odds against him, the former Selangor MIC Youth chief remains confident of making the cut.

Speaking to Malaysiakini today, Subramaniam said one of the reasons which motivated him to contest was his desire to bridge the divisions in the Indian community.

"One of the main reasons the community is split is because of MIC and its leadership.

"Now there are more parties sprouting up to represent the Indians and this is creating further fissures in a minority community," he added.

To tackle this issue and to bolster MIC, Subramaniam stressed that the changing times require leaders who are able to think out of the box.

"In view of this, MIC needs wise men, and not yes men. People who can contribute effectively and provide outstanding ideas," he said.

According to him, it is the young voters who would decide the party's fate via the ballot boxes in the next general election and therefore it is vital for MIC to have leaders who would be able to win their hearts and minds.

Subramaniam also feels that the winds of change have swept through MIC as well.

Based on the feedback from his nationwide tour, the Subang Jaya MIC branch chairperson said party delegates are more matured now and receptive to the idea of change.

'I have a dream'

Announcing his candidacy in Sunway earlier, Subramaniam vowed to battle to the end and denied the possibility of pulling out from the race at the eleventh hour.

"I have received tremendous support from the delegates and the grassroots," the father of two told reporters.

Asked if he met Samy Vellu to get his blessings, he replied: "I have not met the president but I have a hunch he knew that I would go for the post even if he announced his preferred candidates."

Expressing faith in the judgement of the 1,400 delegates, Subramaniam said: "They know which leader has been doing the work. I want to bring changes in MIC... not be a mere 'yes man'."

indian crowd malaysia 291107 In his official press release, Subramaniam stressed on the importance of reuniting the Indian community, and even spoke of his dream along the same vein as Martin Luther King.

"If Martin Luther King can dream for his people, why shouldn't I have a dream for my people?" he asked.

"What has been done by MIC is not sufficient to meet the current challenges. The time has come to change and rebuild the Indian community.

"I wish not to indulge in the past for that is history, my wish is to dwell on the future," he said.

"MIC should be rebuilt on the foundation of transparency and accountability to gain the lost trust of the Indian community in Malaysia," he added.

Samy Vellu has named MIC secretary-general and Human Resources Minister S Subramaniam, party treasurer and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department SK Devamany and information chief and Federal Territories Deputy Minister M Saravanan as his preferred candidates for vice-president.