MIC in two minds over July 9 rallies

Its information chief says the party will not participate in any walks but the Youth chief begs to differ, saying they will walk with Umno Youth .

PETALING JAYA: The MIC is in two minds abut taking part in the July 9 rallies. Its information chief says they will not take part in any walks while the Youth chief says they will walk with Umno Youth.

MIC information chief VS Mogan said his party would not be participating in the upcoming ‘Walk for Democracy’ rally organised Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih).

Led by former Bar Council chairperson, S Ambiga, Bersih is a coalition of over 62 NGOs and political parties who want free and fair elections.

Bersih is scheduled to take their cause to the streets on July 9 and submit a memorandum to the Agong.

“We are not participating in it because it is against the law and tarnishes the nation’s image,” Mogan, who is also Negeri Sembilan state exco, told FMT.

Mogan was also asked whether MIC Youth would lend its support to Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and Umno Youth who would have their own walk and submit a memorandum to the Agong to show their support for the Election Commission.

“MIC Youth wing should not get involved in the matter,” he said, in referring to Khairy’s move.

Bersih and Umno Youth aside, a coalition of NGOs called Gerak Aman led by Ibrahim Ali would also take to the streets to show their opposition against Bersih.

However MIC Youth leader T Mohan had different thoughts when asked if they will join the rallies.

“We will join the walk in solidarity with Umno Youth.

“It is a youth wing matter,” he added when asked to comment on his info chief’s statement regarding the matter.

When met at a cheque presentation ceremony yesterday, MIC prersident G Palanivel preferred to remain silent on the proposed walks.