MIC deputy president G Palanivel today reitrated his support for party boss S Samy Vellu, who has been asked by several party leaders to vacate the MIC top post earlier than the third quarter of 2011.

"In the past I have said that Samy Vellu has to be the one to decide when to leave. Now that he has decided to set the time to leave, let us work together to ensure a smooth transition," Palanivel told Bernama when contacted today.