MIC president S Samy Vellu said he would remain neutral with regards to the tussle between the party's incumbent Wanita chief Jaya Partiban and secretary Komala Krishnamoorthy for the wing's top post.

"I will remain neutral as I will be conducting the party elections," he was quoted as saying in a Bernama report today.

The MIC Wanita wing will hold nominations for its top post and deputy leader on May 20 and elections will be held on June 20 this year.

Samy Vellu said Jaya and Komala were free to campaign for the top post "but I am not going to be involved in their fight."

However, the party president said he had recently asked Jaya to continue as the Wanita MIC chief after she had called him to ask for his opinion.

"She called me to ask if she should contest again for the (movement's) top post as she felt that she needed my advice, especially after she had completed her term as a senator last August," he added.

Samy Vellu, who is also works minister, said since Jaya had strengthened the Wanita wing after assuming the post, he felt that she ought to seek another three-year term.

"She has built the women section and I thought she should continue," he said.

To a question, Samy Vellu said he had not got the opportunity to speak to Jaya or Komala since Komala's announcement to vie for the top post.

No smear campaign please

Samy Vellu also urged the two women leaders to refrain from embarking on a smear campaign but rather to speak to the delegates of their achievements and let them decide.

"I would urge them to be careful with their statements as some newspapers tend to sensationalise them," he said.

On Komala's ( right ) contention that Jaya had got the Datin Paduka title, which was allocated, to Wanita MIC Selangor, Samy Vellu said it was not true.

"The titles are the prerogative of the party president who will decide after discussions with the state leaders. It is my decision," he said.

On the campaign for the main posts at the national level, Samy Vellu said he would start his nationwide campaign next week.

"The others have already started campaigning. Let them choose whatever methodology they want to woo the votes," he said when asked that some party leaders have yet to officially announce their candidacy.

Elections for the deputy president, three vice-president and 23 Central Working Committee posts will be held on June 24.