Palanivel silent on where he will stand

On potential suitable seat for him, the MIC leader said he would prefer to go to a place where there is a good mix of all the races.

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC president G Palanivel is playing it close to his chest when it comes which parliamentary seat he would contest in the 13th general election.

He was at his evasive best when reporters asked him where he will contest and only said he would contest at a “suitable” place but, for now, he was more focused on uniting the Indian community under the MIC flag.

Speaking at a press conference today from his office at the Putra World Trade Centre, Palanivel said: “Some people asked me to contest in Kapar, some in Teluk Kemang and some in Cameron Highlands.

“Probably I will contest in all those places,” said Palanivel in a jest.

Last month, a MIC source claimed that Palanivel had met Cameron Highlands Umno chief Wan Rosdy Ismail in a move to gain support for the former to contest there.

The incumbent for the seat is deputy prime minister at the Prime Minister’s Department SK Devamany, who is also an MIC vice president.

The news caused a split in the Umno division in the parliamentary constituency. As the Umno Youth wing and the Puteri wing announced their support for Palanivel, the Umno women wing and several NGOs had voiced support for Devamany in return.

On the “suitable” place, Palanivel who is a minister in the PM’s Deprtment, said he would prefer to go to a place where there is a good mix of all the races.

“Probably a place where the percentage of Malays and the Indians are above the 50% margin,” he said.

When asked if MIC had prepared its candidates’ list for the upcoming polls, Palanivel said time was not right to reveal the details to the public.

“This is something between MIC and the Barisan Nasional chairman (Najib Tun Razak). Umno and MCA has not announced its candidates’ list yet so why should we?” asked Palanivel.

He however said the party leadership had a rough idea on its candidates but will only make a final decision once the Parliament is dissolved.

Ponggal celebration
Earlier, Palanivel announced that MIC would be holding a Ponggal celebration in Kapar on Feb 26, which would be officiated by Najib.

Also scheduled to attend the celebration is Information, Communication and Culture minister Rais Yatim.

When asked if Najib would make his “big announcement” for the Indian community at the said function, Palanivel claimed he was in the dark over the matter.

“I don’t know of it. You’re the one telling me about it. I believe Najib will continue making good decisions for the Indian community,” he said.

On Feb 8, Najib told the media during the Thaipusam festival in Batu Caves that he would make a “big announcement” which would benefit the Indian community soon.

Also present during the festival were Palanivel, former MIC supremo S Samy Vellu and Gerakan president Dr Koh Tsu Koon.