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Murugessan remains defiant

"When I spoke up, I had no intention or (harbour) thoughts of being a hero. What matters is for me to have stood up for what I believe in," said the young MIC figure who was in the news over the past two weeks as party critics tried to put together a movement to oust Samy Vellu, president since 1979.

Murugessan, 43, appointed to the powerful post of secretary-general last September, had on May 28 criticised the president's handling of these critics, among them two central working committee members and the No. 2 in the youth wing. They were sacked for putting pressure on Samy Vellu to vacate the presidency before the promised date of September next year.

Samy Vellu said he was invoking Article 61. 2 of the party constitution, which requires him to consult his deputy before expelling "members who have spoken or acted in a way detrimental to the interest of the Congress (MIC) or acted in any way contrary to the principles of, or, objectives of MIC or violated any directives issued in the interest of the CWC".

Murugessan, a lawyer who was elected to the CWC, objected that Samy Vellu had not given the three due process before sacking them, for they should have been referred to the disciplinary panel. He was replaced as secretary-general two days after criticising the president.

When the all important question on whether he was going to contest a top post in coming party election in March 2012, Murugessan replied with an emphatic: "Yes."

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