MIC deputy president S Subramaniam will meet Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin to find out why he is not receiving sufficient media coverage on the state-owned RTM network.

"I have noticed that this has been happening for a long time. I don't know why I am not getting enough coverage," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

The deputy president said there were several agendas, which according to him, must be resolved concerning Tamil radio and television programmes on RTM.

He was speaking to reporters after the announcement that party president S Samy Vellu had retained his position with a resounding 508 nominations at the party headquarters yesterday.

It is an open secret that ties between the duo have been strained for a long time. In fact, Samy Vellu had recently endorsed vice-president G Palanivel ( photo:right ) to contest for the number two post in this June's party elections.

Subramaniam ( photo:left ), 62, has vowed to defend his post.

Subramaniam became an MIC member in 1962 and rose up the ranks to deputy president in 1981. In 1989, he unsuccessfully challenged Samy Vellu for the top post.

Since then observers said the president has been on a crusade to end Subramaniam's political career, to the extent of dropping the former parliamentarian from the list of candidates for the general election.

Confident of victory

Meanwhile, Palanivel told reporters last night that he is confident of winning the number two post.

"I do not believe in dreams alone, I know that I have to work hard for the party and the Indian community and this is what I am doing," said the deputy women, family and community development minister.

Last week, Samy Vellu also endorsed incumbents S Veeerasingham, KS Nijhar and secretary-general S Sothinathan for vice-presidency.

According to the total nominations received by Samy Vellu, about 73.7 percent or 3,168 out of the 4,300 branch chairpersons support the president.

Observers said this will have a bearing on the other candidates the president has endorsed.