MIC gives up Pasir Panjang, Behrang seats

In exchange, the party is eyeing the Buntong and another state seat in Perak, says MIC president G Palanivel.

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC will give up the Pasir Panjang and Behrang states seats to Umno and in exchange the largest Indian-based political party in the country is looking at the Buntong and another state seat in Perak.

Party president G Palanivel said MIC has decided to swap the two seats — Pasir Panjang and Behrang — and were in the midst of negotiations for replacement seats in the state.

“Buntong is a seat that we are looking at. We have yet to decide on the other seat. If we don’t get a seat in Perak, the Dengkil state seat (in Selangor) is our second option,” he told reporters after delivering his opening address at the 66th MIC annual general assembly here.

The assembly, attended by some 3,500 delegates and observers, was declared open by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak at the Putra World Trade Centre, this morning.

He explained the Selangor state seat was an option due to a stronger Indian vote base in Selangor. MIC lost in both Behrang and Pasir Panjang in 2008.

Palanivel also confirmed that MIC would be contesting in nine parliament and 19 state seats in the coming general election.

The party is alloted nine parliamentary and 19 state seats under the Barisan Nasional seat sharing system. Out of the allocated seats, MIC won only three parliamentary and seven state seats at the 2008 general election.

It won its fourth parliamentary seat at Hulu Selangor parliamentary by-election in 2010.

Of the total 19 state seats, the MIC chief is confident that the party’s candidates would win 14 state seats but did not elaborate on the seats concerned.

No problems in Perak
Palanivel also brushed aside speculation that he was having problems with the Perak BN leadership, headed by Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir.

“There are no differences of opinion. Negotiations are still ongoing,” said Palanivel.

Earlier this week FMT reported that Perak BN and MIC were on a collision course due to Palanivel’s insistence on fielding old candidates.

During the press meet, Palanivel also spoke about the Chinese votes which he deemed as important for MIC candidates.

“We will win if we get 25% to 30% of the Chinese votes.

“In Kapar, the Chinese say they’ll vote for DAP, not PKR and PAS,” he said. Kapar is currently held by PKR’s S Manikavasagam.

He also expressed confidence in recapturing Selangor and regaining the two thirds majority in parliament.