The MIC central working committee (CWC) meeting which was scheduled on Monday, has been deferred to Dec 6.

Party president S Samy Vellu said this was due to the postponement of the BN convention from this Sunday to Dec 5, as a mark of respect over the death of former Penang chief minister Dr Lim Chong Eu.

"All CWC members have been notified," he said in a statement today.

On Tueday, Samy Vellu, who is stepping down from the party soon, said he would be making some major announcements concerning MIC affairs at the CWC.

Sources said the MIC chief for close to 32 years was expected to announce the exact date of his retirement. The former works minister had said he would step down in January next year.

There have also been reports that he would leave at the end of this month.

Last week, Samy Vellu said that he would make an announcement on his plans after retirement on Dec 13, a day after Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is scheduled to launch a biography on the Indian leader.

Samy Vellu is expected to hand over the party to deputy president G Palanivel, who will serve as acting president until the next party elections.

- Bernama