MIC deputy president Dr S Subramaniam has chosen not to defend his party boss G Palanivel, who has come under criticism, opting to sidestep the issue instead.

"You answer the question. You journalists are the ones asking that question?" he retorted when quizzed on the matter.

Yesterday, the Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia published a scathing column asking for Palanivel to resign if he is unable to perform.

This followed the Registrar of Societies (ROS) directing the party to hold a re-election.

Palanivel has also been severly criticised for not being able to tackle the disaster in his parliamentary constituency of Cameron Highlands.

As for the re-election, the top two posts would be contested.

Asked about this, Subramaniam merely said that the election should be conducted by an "independent panel".

"An independent panel that would make everyone happy should conduct it," he added.

Subramaniam was speaking to reporters after launching a healthcare innovation programme in Putrajaya earlier today.

The health minister also acknowledged that the prices of drugs were increasing even before the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was implemented.

He said that the national pharmaceutical bureau is coming up with mechanisms on how this matter can be solved.

"We are studying different models from different countries. Drugs are not controlled items, but we can try to put a price tag so that retailers do not excessively profit from it," he added.