MIC delegates were today told to voice whatever grouses they might have through the ballot box at the coming party elections.

Party deputy president S Subramaniam said this when asked to comment on his campaign to retain his post at the June 24 polls.

"Some delegates met expressed that they wanted to be quiet (about their dissatisfaction). I respect that.

"But (they must remember) that the right place to express (themselves) is through the ballot box," he told a press conference after officiating Nesa Corporation's annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

Full steam

Subramaniam said that his campaign was now in full steam, adding that he had only embarked on a 'soft campaign' after the party's divisional election in March.

"Some (however) did not do the same," he said, without elaborating.

It is believed that the statement was directed at party president S Samy Vellu who had launched a fiery campaign to unseat Subramaniam in favour of his chosen candidate G Palanivel.

Palanivel, the current vice-president, has yet to announce his candidacy for the number two post.

Meanwhile, Subramaniam declined to comment on why Nesa Corporation had been rather successful compared to other MIC ventures such as Maika Holdings .

"You should ask others that question. I only have a role in Nesa," he said. Subramaniam has been president of Nesa Corporation for the past 26 years.

Nesa Corporation, an investment arm of the MIC, was established in 1974 as a self-help programme to uplift the economic status of the Indian community.