SA Vigneswaran is now the first leader to helm MIC as the opposition, following the party's crushing defeat in the 14th general election.

The Dewan Negara president won the party top post uncontested, becoming its 10th president.

He replaces Dr S Subramaniam, who opted not to defend his seat after the polls defeat on May 9.

MIC presidential selection commission chairperson S Gopalakrishnan confirmed that Vigneswaran received 1,808 nomination papers in the party polls, which took place today at the MIC headquarters in Dewan Nethaji, Kuala Lumpur.

"With no other candidates, Vigneswaran is elected MIC president in accordance to article 58.3 and 52.12 of the MIC Constitution, for the 2018 to 2022 term," Gopalakrishnan announced amid cheers by party members today.

Polls for the party's other posts, including its central committee, division chiefs and state chiefs will be held in stages. 

Read more: New MIC chief: Party will discuss sticking with BN

MIC is one of the remaining three component parties left in BN, along with Umno and MCA. All three suffered big losses in the national polls, with MIC winning just two parliamentary and three state seats.

This led to calls from its members for the party leadership to make way for a new generation to lead.

'Party is at war'

In his speech, Vigneswaran vowed to restore the party to its former glory.

"When I was chosen as Dewan Negara president, I said to the former president Subramaniam that this is the highest post that I can hold in my political career.

“Even so, I did not expect undivided support from MIC branch leaders in selecting me as party president.

"Today is historical for me as I will be the first president of MIC to lead the party as the opposition," he quipped.

Vigneswaran added that even though MIC was battling its own image following the general election loss, he was touched by the commitment and unwavering support shown by its members in strengthening the party.

MIC would no longer stay silent, he said, but would instead face anyone who attempts to discredit and destroy the party, which was formed in 1946.

"I also wish to thank (former party president) S Samy Vellu who gave me the opportunity to join the party and appointed me to several important posts," he said. Samy Vellu, a former cabinet minister, attended the nominations today.

Vigneswaran, 53, joined MIC in the 1980s and was later elected Kota Raja MP in 2004. He also served the previous BN administration as the Youth and Sports Ministry parliamentary secretary.

He helmed the MIC youth chief portfolio from 2003 to 2009, and was made senator and Dewan Negara president in 2016.

Of late, however, Vigneswaran has been accused of pressuring MIC division and branch chiefs to support his bid for the presidency.

A screengrab of a purported chat message exchange shared online showed that a complaint on the matter had been made to inspector-general of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun, who allegedly promised to investigate.

However, the police chief has since denounced the message as fake.

Meanwhile, outgoing president Subramaniam expressed hope that under the new leadership, the party would be able to return to its foundations.

He stated his willingness to advise the new leadership, once fully elected, should his advice be required.