MIC's all-powerful central working committee (CWC) today decided that the party's presidential elections will be held in April.

samy vellu and mic 160408

At a press conference this afternoon, MIC president S Samy Vellu announced that nomination will be on March 22 and polling on April 12.

The veteran politician is expected to defend the post which he has been holding since 1979.

When asked if he would contest on April 12, he jokingly replied: "Maybe."

The elections for the other positions have yet to be fixed but observers believe they will be held between June and September this year.

muthupalaniappan To date, only former vice-president

M Muthupalaniappan

has openly expressed his intention to challenge Samy Vellu for the top post.

Samy Vellu denied suggestions that the presidential polls were intentionally being timed after the Bukit Selambau by-election, saying the party was acting in accordance to its constitution.

"Three months before the expiry of the position of president, the party must call for an election," said Samy, adding that his term officially expires on May 26.

Bukit Selambau candidate soon

On the Bukit Selambau by-election , Samy Vellu said that the party had shortlisted five candidates, including Kedah MIC chief

T Saravanan.

He said a final decision would be made by the end of the month.

"You must understand that this election is a very tricky election. You can just put in a very young, handsome and well-educated candidate, but if he is not well received by the people, it would be a problem for us.

"You can also put up an experienced candidate who knows the place and understands the people. We are thinking of (these) two things at the moment," said Samy Vellu on the factors being considered when choosing a candidate.

He, however, refused to comment when asked about the possibility of Umno contesting the seat, which MIC had held for four-terms before losing it to independent V Arumugam in March last year.

'Indians are awake'

samy vellu exclusive on tamil schools 080708 06 On the very high possibility that Pakatan Rakyat would field an Indian candidate, Samy Vellu was unperturbed.

"The Indian community are now awake. They are no longer sleeping. They won’t be persuaded by them. The Indians know, if they want development and a good life, they have to be with a party which respects them and brings development," he said.

Samy Vellu also expressed confidence that MIC would be able to rebut Pakatan’s attacks during the Bukit Selambau by-election campaign, saying the party was prepared to answer questions on more than 50 topics.

"They think they can shun my face when I go to Bukit Selambau. But I will shun their faces when I go there. When they talk, I also have a lot of subjects to talk about," he said.

'Check our accounts'

On the controversy surrounding the party’s education arm, Maju Institute of Education Development (MIED), Samy Vellu said it would not be a factor in the by-election campaign.

"One assurance I can give you, if the press wants, I can open the account books of MIED. You decide the date. I’ll bring the accountant, quantity surveyor and project manager.

"I won’t sit there. You sit with them and look at the accounts for the whole day," he quipped.

mic and mied education scandal To a question, Samy Vellu said that MIED head P Chitrakala Vasu has not been sacked as police are still investigating alleged misappropriation of funds by the institute.

"I don’t think for what she has done she deserves a disciplinary action . She deserves greater than that," he added.

Chitthirakala is now on leave after being accused of contract irregularities. An internal probe is underway.