MIC president S Samy Vellu said when Barisan Nasional was on a winning streak, he was considered an 'asset' for the ruling coalition.

The 73-year-old politician was responding to the stinging criticism from former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who among others branded Samy Vellu as a 'liability' for BN.

samy vellu exclusive on tamil schools 080708 06 Samy Vellu said he was sad that only now Mahathir, who retained him in the cabinet throughout his 22-year tenure as prime minister, had labeled him as a liability, "but when BN was winning (in general elections), I was considered an asset."

"I am not at all surprised at his comments (that I am a liability). But I think he refuses to understand that BN lost (many seats) in the last general election not due to me.

"An experience man (politician) like him should understand that," he added.

Samy Vellu described Mahathir's comments as akin to telling a young wife that she is beautiful and an asset, but when she becomes old, she is branded a liability.

The MIC president however said the 84-year-old statesman was entitled to his opinions.

"I am not hurt by his comments and my respect for him will never diminish," he added in a statement.

Retirement plan

As for his retirement plan, Samy Vellu said he had already discussed it with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak last June and would stick to it.

mic election 120909 najib "I had a frank discussion with the prime minister when I met him in Sarawak where I told him of my (retirement) plan.

"I will keep to my word to the prime minister and I will not change (my plan)," he added.

He said Najib was aware of his retirement plan but declined to reveal it, saying it was between him and the BN chairperson.

In March, Samy Vellu was returned unopposed as the MIC president for a record 11th term, which would expire in 2012.

Ties between the MIC president and Mahathir turned sour just ahead of last Saturday's MIC polls, when the former premier was quoted in a Tamil daily as attacking Samy Vellu.

Samy Vellu then lashed back, calling Mahathir a 'master' in the art of destroying deputies.