If Samy Subra Pathma Pandithan Had Unified Their Strengths Mic Could Be An Indomitable Force Today

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THE MIC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, a landmark rich in political heritage, became the site of a heartfelt tribute yesterday (Oct 26) evening.
Hundreds gathered to honour Tan Sri S. Subramaniam, a towering figure in Malaysian Indian politics whose legacy continues to inspire generations within MIC and beyond.
The tribute ceremony was led by MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan whose presence reflected the party’s enduring respect for its veteran leaders.
“The late TS Subramaniam was a generous leader whose ever present smile, composed nature and humble spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him,” recalled the Tapah MP in his address at the tributary event organised by R. Mutharasan, Subramaniam’s former aide.
“The achievements and contributions of former MIC leaders should be properly documented to ensure the younger generation can read, appreciate and understand their legacy”
The late Tun S. Samy Vellu (left) withThe late Datuk K. PathmanabanWhat matters is that the prolonged political rivalry between the late Tun S. Samy Vellu, Subramaniam, the late Datuk K. Pathmanaban, and the late Tan Sri M. G. Pandithan Pandithan over the years had resulted in a significant setback for MIC.
“Had Samy Vellu, Subramaniam, Pathmanaban and Pandithan chosen to consolidate their strengths and work in unity, MIC might have evolved into a formidable and unified political force today,” enthused Saravanan who was the former human resources minister.
Subramaniam’s emergence
Instead, the persistent infighting is widely regarded as a major factor that stunted the party’s growth and diverted attention from pressing national issues affecting the Malaysian Indian community.
Over time, these power struggles eroded public trust and projected an image of MIC as a party mired in division, and ultimately diminished ts influence and effectiveness on the national politics.
Subramaniam served as MIC’s longest tenured deputy president, holding the position from 1979 to 2006. His parliamentary career began in 1974 with a victory in Damansara, a seat he held until 1982.
After losing it to V. David in 1978, he was re-positioned to Segamat where he served as MP for four consecutive terms until 1999.
From 1995 to 2004, Subramaniam also held the domestic trade and consumer affairs deputy minister post which further cemented his role in national governance.
Nevertheless, as MIC continues to navigate the complexities of representing the Indian community in a shifting political landscape, the legacy of leaders like Subramaniam serves as a guiding light.
As it is, the party faces internal challenges, coalition uncertainties and the rise of alternative movements advocating for Indian rights.
Subramaniam’s political journey was shaped early on by Tan Sri V. Manickavasagam, who ushered in a new wave of leadership.
Among them were Subramaniam, a Universiti Malaya graduate, and Pathmanaban, a Harvard MBA holder.
Manickavasagam played a critical role in Subramaniam’s rise, bringing him to the MIC Central Working Committee in 1973 and later appointing him he party’s secretary-general.
The tribute ceremony to honour the late Tan Sri S. Subramaniam led by MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan at the MIC headquarters yesterday (Oct 26)Political tension
Backed by professional groups and the youth wing – and supported by then premier Tun Hussein Onn – Subramaniam quickly ascended the ranks of government.
He served as parliamentary secretary in the then labour and manpower ministry after the 1974 elections. By 1978, he was appointed the local government and federal territory ministry’s deputy minister.
MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. SaravananHowever, his rapid rise stirred tensions within the party, particularly among supporters of Samy Vellu. MIC soon found itself in the throes of a bitter internal power struggle.
The late senator Athi Nahappan, a close ally of Manickavasagam and then deputy president, attempted to mediate during this turbulent period. His death in May 1976 dealt a heavy blow to party unity.
Amid growing concerns over Samy Vellu’s influence, efforts were made to delay the election of a successor to Athi Nahappan. But by 1977, the delay could no longer be sustained.
Manickavasagam backed Subramaniam as his preferred candidate but in a closely fought contest, Samy Vellu edged out Subramaniam by just 26 votes to claim MIC’s deputy presidency.
Despite the defeat, Subramaniam remained a formidable presence in MIC. His rivalry with Samy Vellu spanned decades, marked by ideological clashes and leadership battles. Yet, Subramaniam’s calm demeanour, resilience and principled approach earned him widespread admiration.
He held the deputy president post for 27 years, a testament to his enduring influence and gentlemanly style.
While paying tribute to the late Subramaniam in July 2022, former MIC president Tun S. Samy Vellu re-affirmed that his respect for his former deputy endured over the years, undiminished by their past political differences.
Party members remember Subra as a courageous yet soft spoken leader whose charisma and integrity won the hearts of many. Henceforth, yesterday’s (Oct 26) tribute was more than a ceremony; it was a re-affirmation of MIC’s roots and values.
The event served as a reminder that the party’s journey has been built on the sacrifices and vision of leaders like Subramaniam, and that its future leaders must continue to honour such legacy. 
M. Vivekananthan is aide to Tapah MP and MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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