Samy to defend post one last time
Malaysiakini.com
Apr 4, 2008

Embattled MIC president S Samy Vellu is not ready to thrown in the towel just yet. MCPX

samy vellu pc 120308 talkingThe 72-year-old politician today said he will be defending his post for the last time in the presidential elections in March next year.

The former works minister reiterated that it would be his last term leading the party and that he would not contest in the next general election.

"I will definitely contest for the president's post. I've already said I will retire after 2012.

"But I will not contest anymore in the general election. It's enough," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Samy Vellu, who lost in the Sungai Siput parliamentary seat in last month's general election, said he welcomed contest from anyone who wanted to challenge him for the top post which he had held for 27 years.

"Let anyone contest, I don't want to say who will contest or what. Anybody can contest and I will be very happy because I want to see what strength they have," he said.

Rebuild the party

He was returned unopposed in the presidential election for the 10th consecutive term, making him the longest-serving MIC president.

Samy Vellu said he would be choosing candidates for the next general election should the 13th general election be held before or in 2012.

"I will still be deciding on the candidates, then I say goodbye," he said.

As for now, the MIC supremo said he would be focusing on overhauling the party at all levels, starting with a series of meetings with grassroots leaders from next month.

Samy Vellu said he would revamp the state MIC liaison committees after the party's general assembly in July.

He also said the party had set a target to rope in at least 200,000 young members in the next two years as part of the drive to rejuvenate the largest Indian-based party to remain relevant to the community.

The party suffered a blow in the March 8 general election, winning only three of the nine parliamentary seats and seven of the 19 state seats.

"We want to overhaul the party and have changes in the leadership," said Samy Vellu. "I am happier now. I am able to do more work and contribute to the party."

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