S'gor MIC demands that BN picks Palanivel

Selangor MIC divisions are up in arms over the possibility that the BN leadership will not field G Palanivel as the coalition’s candidate for the Hulu Selangor by-election.

This was conveyed by 18 MIC division chiefs during a press conference at the party headquarters today. They urged the BN leadership to only endorse Palanivel, as recommended by MIC president S Samy Vellu.

The group’s representative A Saktivel, who leads the Puchong division, said the BN consensus dictates that the BN chairperson must endorse whichever candidate has been recommended by component party leaders.

“It has never happened in history that a candidate not chosen by the party president is fielded,” said Saktivel, who is also the party central working committee (CWC) member.

BN deputy chairperson Muhyiddin is scheduled to announce the candidate at 4pm tomorrow, but has denied that he is in favour of MIC Youth deputy chief V Mugilan as the candidate.

The speculation has drawn widespread opposition from the MIC grassroots, with leaders from 18 out of 22 party divisions in Selangor attending the press conference today. 

Palanivel, who is Hulu Selangor division chief, was however not present.

Furious objections

It is understood that during the BN management committee meeting on Monday, MIC leaders had made their objections known and insisted Palanivel (below, left), who is MIC deputy president, be fielded.

There is concern that, should MIC not get its way, it would set a precedent in allowing BN’s backbone - Umno - to interfere in the affairs of other component parties.

Saktivel said he called for a press conference today in view of intensifying rumours that Palanivel would be dropped.

“We don’t want a candidate who is allowed to contest for the seat through the back door. This is about party dignity,” he said.

Later, Saktivel produced Mugilan's birth certificate and claimed that the latter was not a ‘local boy’ because the document noted that his place of birth was in Pantai Remis, Perak.

Saktivel argued that Palanivel, on the other hand, has been residing in Hulu Selangor for the past 18 years. 

"If MIC has no say in the choice of candidate, there’s no point having MIC around. We will lose our face. We won’t be able to face grassroots members," said Saktivel.

He also denied reports that the MIC campaign machinery had slowed down lately due to the uncertainty over the candidates, explainign that the lack of activities is because many members are busy celebrating the Indian New Year, which falls today.

'We need a heavyweight'

Similarly, two CWC members have voiced support for Palanivel's candidacy.

"We need a heavyweight to fight (PKR candidate) Zaid Ibrahim. Palanivel has the experience, he understands the battle ground and above all he has served the community there and has the best chance to win," said Madhu Marimuthu.

He added that fielding the party deputy president would inspire party members to work even harder to ensure a big win and for the party to regain its "pride".

N Rawisandran hoped that the BN leadership will not let down the MIC, which is the third-largest component of the coalition.

"The candidate (suggested by Samy Vellu) is the BN chairperson for Hulu Selangor, no other suitable candidate can contest," he said.

"Anyone who has checked his track record since the general election will know the amount of work he done for the community."

He said MIC has never questioned the choice of by-election candidates of other component parties, citing the Bagan Pinang by-election as an example.

"In Bagan Pinang, we worked with the Umno candidate to get the support of the Indians," he said.