While contenders were left biting their nails in anticipation of the outcome and delegates made a beeline to cast their ballots on the fourth floor, the situation however was different on the lower floors of the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

mic elections 120908 campaigners The iconic building was enveloped in a carnival-like atmosphere with numerous stalls set up to cash in on the MIC elections.

Since morning, cash tills have been ringing as delegates, party members, media personnel and members of the public patronise the stalls set up since yesterday.

Almost everything can be found here, from sumptuous Indian delicacies to books.

There were also those promoting online education sites and traditional Indian garments.

One businessman struck on the novel idea of offering foot massages for those tired of pacing up and down.

"The sales are good," said one stall owner with a smile as he counted a pile of RM10 notes and stuffed them into a drawer, already overflowing with cash.

Apart from the stalls, restaurants located in PWTC were also crammed with people.

The rain during lunch time left most of those present with little choice but to satiate their hunger at these restaurants, offering an assortment of steeply priced dishes.

In fact, this reporter had to fork out a whopping RM14.40 for a plate of bland tasting kuey teow and another RM10 for a glass of Manggo juice.

No 'dirt 'uncovered

The floors were also swarming with supporters sporting t-shirts and badges of their respective candidates.

mic elections 120908 campaigners The most visible being the supporters of deputy presidential hopeful S Subramaniam, who were clad in t-shirts bearing an image of the politician with his fist raised.

Printed in bold letters were his campaign slogan 'Change for Better'.

Memorabilia such as key chains with images of Subramaniam were also distributed for free.

On a another note, some of the candidates also roped in the services of young women, clad in sarees in an attempt to lure the votes.

Despite concerns over security, police presence was at a minimal while the situation in PWTC was also calm.

On a lighter note, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had quipped during his opening this morning that he had instructed the bomb squad to sweep the premises for any 'hydrogen or nuclear' bombs.

"Fortunately, there were none," he said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Najib was referring to the threats issued by MIC president S Samy Vellu and his arch rival Subramaniam who claim to have 'explosive' dirt on each other.