MIC deputy president S Subramaniam today gave an assurance that he will continue to "work hard for the government, party and the Indian community" despite being dropped as a candidate for the general election.

"I am not upset and I will not retire from politics," he said at a press conference held at his house in Petaling Jaya this evening.

He was earlier dropped by party president S Samy Vellu from defending his Segamat parliamentary seat in the March 21 polls.

The seat will now be contested by his namesake, Dr S Subramaniam.

Subramaniam, who is former deputy minister of consumer affairs, insisted that he had no problems with Samy Vellu and had given his full support for all party policies implemented by the party leader.

"I had been his deputy for the past 20 years and will continue to remain so. In this capacity, I will carry on my work for the community and party.

"I have been dropped before (in 1990), so this is nothing new," he added.

Leadership tussle

When asked about his immediate plans, he said that he wanted to ensure a thumping victory for the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional.

Earlier today, Samy Vellu while announcing the MIC candidates for the elections, said he was not dropping anyone, but merely "changing (them) ... to see new faces in the party".

While stating that he does not know the reason for being dropped, Subramaniam however speculated that it could be due to his failure to openly support his party president when comments were made last year that veteran leaders like Samy Vellu should give way to young faces.

Subramaniam, 59, and Samy Vellu, 66, had been involved in a bitter leadership dispute which started in 1989 when Subramaniam vied for the top post.

He lost narrowly in the leadership challenge and as a result, he was dropped from contesting the 1990 general election.

Subsequently, after making a compromise with Samy Vellu, the erstwhile deputy was appointed a senator in 1991 and he was returned as deputy chief in the party polls that year.

Following this, Subramaniam and Samy Vellu agreed to put aside their differences and ever since, there has been no contest for the top two posts in the party.

Political observers believe that Samy Vellu's decision to drop Subramaniam from the candidate list is to ease him out of the party deputy post.

Party vice-president G Palanivel is now seen by many as Samy Vellu's chosen successor.