KUALA LUMPUR: Outgoing MIC president S Samy Vellu declared today that he would not accept any advisory role in the party after his departure from active politics in December or January.
"For the time being, I do not have any idea of becoming MIC advisor," he told reporters after presenting cheques to Malaysian Indian students to help them further their education. The money came from the Maju Institute of Education Development, MIC’s education arm.
A jovial Samy Vellu said there was no need for him to take any advisory role in the party as deputy president G Palanivel and vice-presidents Dr S Subramaniam, M Saravanan and S K Devamany had the required experience and were "good enough" to run it in his absence.
"When I was elected as president in 1979, there was no one there to advise me. I conducted the party with my previous experience and ideas.
"So, I think after my resignation, it is better for me to let others lead the party," he said.
The long serving MIC supremo said his departure from active politics would give him plenty of time for family, friends and the Indian community in Malaysia.
He announced recently that he would step down soon and would reveal the details on Nov 29, after the party's central working committee meeting, which is expected to be his last as party chief.
There has been strong speculation that the government has offered him an ambassador’s post that carries ministerial status. He is expected to take up the job on Dec 1.
He has named Palanivel as his successor in MIC.
Smiling and chuckling throughout the press conference, he took pot shots at the media.
"I am always condemned by the media and others,” he said. “I am not being praised by anybody. I am being condemned by everybody.
"Some newspapers sell because of me. I pity them. When Samy Vellu resigns, their sales will go down."
He even sang for the reporters, picking one of his favourite Tamil songs from the 50's, "Anbu Oli Veesi" (Spread the Ray of Love).
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