MIC president S Samy Vellu has urged the party's 1,441 delegates to vote for his team at this Saturday's elections.

"The winds of change are here and the delegates have accepted my team for the betterment of the party and community," he was quoted as saying by Bernama today.

Referring to his list of preferred candidates as 'our team', Samy Vellu said his remarks were based on the feedback from delegates he visited throughout the country.

The president's list includes current vice-president G Palanivel for deputy presidency, incumbents S Veerasingham, KS Nijhar and secretary-general S Sothinathan for vice-presidency.

Samy Vellu said he chose his team based on the candidates' performance and excellence. "We need change, we need renewed energy and new thinking," he added.

The president said he has been in MIC for 43 years and in the past 23 years, he has built the party into an enviable organisation.

With the support of members, he said, the party was able to set up its first university in Kedah.

"The human problem is our biggest problem. We need capable leaders to solve this. Not doing anything when in power is not a criteria to be re-elected," he added.

The president's campaign has been centred around one man, his estranged long-term deputy S Subramaniam.

Samy Vellu has accused him of numerous misdeeds ranging from undermining the party to backstabbing. Subramaniam has denied the charges.

'I am the man'

Meanwhile, Palanivel reminded delegates to look at the track record of a candidate before casting their ballots.

"At a time when propaganda and erroneous information can be easily disseminated, it is important for the delegates to look for the truth and see the difference between those who are really interested in the welfare of the people and those who enter politics for personal interests," he said.

"When a person is hardworking and honest in leading, the whole community benefits because everyone is proud of having such a leader. This leader can serve without fear of favour. I am that person," he added.

Palanivel also reiterated that the hour of change has arrived for MIC and that is why he had accepted the challenge.

He also dismissed the allegations by his critics that he lacked grassroots support. "I am a silent worker and I am sure they (his rivals) would be surprised. People know how much I have done. I am certain that hardwork will bear fruit," he said.