Stop bickering, says Subra

GEORGE TOWN: MIC must stop its internal bickering or else the party will face greater problem in the next general election, said its deputy president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.
"The party can't afford any long-term bickering anymore; the fighting within the party has to stop now. The longer we delay, the more damage we will do to the party," he told reporters after visiting Penang Hospital here yesterday.
He said the solution to MIC's problem has to be holistic and to resolve the crisis, the leadership must recognise the issue.
"The earlier we recognise it, the earlier we can resolve it," said Subramaniam, who is also health minister.
He is worried that if party members do not put their act together, they would face greater problem in future.
"There is an absolute need to put aside all differences and recognise any unhappiness of party members. That's the way forward for the party," he said.
On Dec 5, the Registrar of Societies (ROS) ordered MIC to hold fresh elections for the posts of three vice-presidents and 23 central working committee (CWC) members within 90 days, following alleged irregularities and breach of the party's constitution and Societies Act.
It also ordered MIC to hold fresh elections for eight divisions within 60 days, namely Bayan Baru, Bukit Gelugor, Subang, Bandar Baru Kulim, Taiping, Tambun, Sepang and Jasin.
The ROS also ordered the party to hold re-elections for Batu Kawan (deputy chairman's post), Kota Raja (division chairman's post), Tanjung Malim (division chairman's post) and Taman Koperasi Polis (branch chairman's post) within 30 days.
Two branches – Merlimau Utara and Rumah Pangsa Pekeliling Selatan – will also have to hold re-election within 30 days.
The ROS has advised the party not to hold its annual general meeting until the matter is resolved.
The MIC elections held last year saw a contest among eight senior leaders for the post of three vice-presidents, while 88 candidates, among them two women, vied for the 23 CWC posts.