Former MIC leader urges party members to back PN

 

A former MIC leader has called on members of the party to vote for Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the upcoming state elections.

P Punithan said this after MIC president SA Vigneswaran’s claim that the party, as well as MCA, was sidelined during seat negotiations.

Punithan, who left MIC last month, said the Indian community should no longer be deceived by voting for BN-Pakatan Harapan candidates.

“I would like to openly call on MIC members to support PN. The MIC president said the party was sidelined during seat negotiations.

“It’s clear that MIC and BN’s services aren’t recognised or appreciated by Harapan.

“I urge MIC members to boldly protest this by voting for PN in the upcoming state elections,” he told Malaysiakini.

MIC president SA Vigneswaran

Yesterday, Vigneswaran revealed that one main reason his party and MCA were skipping the six state elections was that they were sidelined during seat negotiations.

He said the formula used, in which incumbent parties get to keep their seats, left few constituencies available for BN to contest.

“During negotiations (for opposition-held seats), however, giving seats to MCA and MIC was never discussed, especially in Kedah, Penang, and Selangor.

“Plus, Umno was not very spirited in holding talks with MCA and MIC,” Vigneswaran said.

Punithan tendered his resignation to the MIC president on June 30, without giving any reason. His resignation came three days after Senator C Sivarraajh also quit the party.

Punithan was then appointed as deputy chairperson of the PN Indian Community National Committee led by coalition secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin.

Some PN sources told Malaysiakini the committee will be converted into a new political party representing the Indian community. This is predicted to take place after the state elections in August.

“PN has recognised Indians as a whole through the establishment of this committee and I was appointed as deputy chairperson. Many things have been discussed to help Indians.

“I believe PN will take better care of the Indians. Don’t make another mistake by voting for BN-Harapan,” Punithan said. - Mkini