MIC eyes 12 parliamentary seats in GE15 - source

 

MIC is eyeing to contest 12 parliamentary seats in the upcoming 15th general election, three more than its current allocation from BN since 2004.

A high-ranking party source told Malaysiakini the 12 seats will include Cameron Highlands, which was contested and won by Umno’s Ramli Mohd Nor in the 2019 by-election after an Election Court nullified MIC’s initial GE14 victory.

According to the source, MIC’s central leaders will bring the party’s request for consideration of other BN components.

“Since 2004, MIC contested in nine seats. This time we are proposing to contest 12 parliamentary seats.

“This is because Gerakan’s departure from BN has given room for MIC to contest more seats,” said the source.

The nine traditional MIC seats are Sungai Siput and Tapah in Perak; Hulu Selangor, Kota Raja, Sungai Buloh, and Kapar in Selangor; Port Dickson (Negeri Sembilan); Segamat (Johor); and Cameron Highlands (Pahang).

Meanwhile, the source said two of the three additional seats are Teluk Intan in Perak and Padang Serai in Kedah, previously contested by former Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong and MCA’s Leong Yong Kong respectively, who both lost to Harapan.

“For now, we have party coordinators in Teluk Intan and Padang Serai.

“If the BN leaders agree, then our candidates will be fielded in the two seats,” said the source.

Malaysiakini understands MIC vice-president T Murugiah has been appointed as coordinator in Teluk Intan while former Cameron Highlands MP C Sivaaraajh is in charge of Padang Serai.

'Seat loaned to Umno'

Meanwhile, the source said MIC remains keen on recontesting in Cameron Highlands, which it had supposedly “loaned” to Umno.

“MIC has the right to reclaim the seat. Firstly, MIC president SA Vigneswaran had repeatedly said the seat is only loaned to Umno during the Cameron Highlands by-election.

“Secondly, BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s recent statement that all seats contested by MIC in GE14 will remain for the party to contest in GE15,” said the source.

Zahid, who is also Umno president, had previously said MIC is also open to contest in other seats, subject to discussions with BN deputy chairperson Mohamad Hasan.

“For the meantime, the Cameron Highlands seat remains with MIC.

“But if Umno wants to discuss swapping seats, then they have to offer an equally strong seat,” said the source.

Malaysiakini is seeking comments from MIC and Umno on the matter. - Mkini