Unperturbed by calls for the status quo in the top echelon of MIC to be maintained, its president S Samy Vellu said today that anybody or anything, for that matter, could contest in the coming party polls.

"In a democratic party, even a donkey can contest if it is a member," the veteran politician, who is also works minister, told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

He was responding to party veterans who recently warned that any contest for top posts would result in a rift in the party.

Yesterday, Samy Vellu reportedly brushed this aside, saying that contests in the past did not break up the MIC.

The elections, which will commence next month and end in June, is expected to be a heated affair as long-term deputy president S Subramiam could be challenged.

Strained ties

It is an open secret that ties between Samy Vellu and his deputy have been strained for years.

Previously, the president had openly endorsed his protege and party vice-president G Palanivel ( left ) for the number two slot, while Subramaniam ( right ) vowed to defend his post.

However, some quarters believe that Samy Vellu may decide to call-off the contest due to the problems he is facing in his ministerial post.

There have been numerous calls, even from Umno, for the veteran minister to step down over several controversies, such as the crack-ridden Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) flyover and other defected projects.

Recently, an MIC splinter party - the All Indian Progressive Front (IPF) - had also filed a report with the Anti-Corruption Agency against the minister.

MRR2 repair work

In a related development, Samy Vellu this morning confirmed that the government had approved an allocation of RM40 million to facilitate repair works on 31 of the MRR2 support beams.

He explained that the concessionaires would eventually have to reimburse the government, but declined to elaborate.

On a lighter note, during his inspection of the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) building earlier - which will be eventually occupied by the International Trade and Industry Ministry - Samy Vellu was prompted to share his views on Rafidah Aziz.

"She is a class of a lady. She knows her work very well... every step of the way," he praised the international trade and industry minister.