Source claims MIC to opt out, BN leadership to pick candidate

CAMERON POLLS | MIC has decided not to contest in its traditional seat of Cameron Highlands and allow the BN leadership to decide on the coalition's candidate for the Jan 26 by-election, according to a source.

The source said the decision was made during the party's central working committee (CWC) meeting this morning.

"Of the 56 CWC members who attended, only six opposed the decision not to contest.

"BN leaders will decide on the candidate for the by-election," the source, who is also CWC member, told Malaysiakini.

The source also claimed that Umno acting president Mohamad Hasan's name is on the list of possible candidates.

On Nov 17, the Election Court nullified the results of the Umno leader's Rantau state seat.

Mohamad, who is the former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar, won the seat after his opponent from PKR, Dr S Streram was not allowed to file his nomination papers during the last general election.

He has since filed an appeal against the Election Court's decision.

Malaysiakini learned that Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and an Orang Asli leader, who is a former senior police officer, are also on the potential candidates' list for Cameron Highlands.

BN is slated to announce its candidate on Thursday at the Hotel Seri Pacific, which is located next to the Umno headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Umno is hoping to capitalise on the large number of Malay voters in Cameron Highlands.

Of the 32,048 registered voters in Cameron Highlands, 34 percent are Malays, 30 percent Chinese, 22 percent others and 15 percent Indians.

In the last general election, MIC vice-president C Sivarraajh won the seat in a five-way tussle, edging DAP's M Manogaran with a margin of about 600 votes.

Last November, the Election Court nullified the results due to the commission of corrupt practices and ruled that a by-election be held.

Pakatan Harapan has named Manogaran as its candidate, but if an Umno heavyweight enters the fray, it could prove to be a hurdle for the coalition to capture the seat from BN.

Earlier today, Umno supreme council member Noh Omar said that BN's chances of retaining the seat would be brighter if a candidate from Umno is fielded.

 - Mkini