MIC names Kamalanathan for Hulu Selangor

Malaysian Insider

UPDATED

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — The MIC has named its information chief, P. Kamalanathan, as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Hulu Selangor by-election, in a last-minute compromise with Umno.

MIC president, Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, is now on his way to inform Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin of the party’s latest decision, according to sources.

“The party has decided on P. Kamalanathan as a compromise candidate,” a source told The Malaysian Insider.

The 44-year-old Kamalanathan is currently the public relations director for rice retailer, Beras Jati. The MIC had picked him to rebrand the party, after its disastrous outing in Election 2008.

Both parties had earlier differed on the BN choice for the semi-rural seat, with MIC initially proposing deputy president, Datuk G. Palanivel, and Umno going for MIC Youth deputy leader, V. Mugilan.

The Malaysian Insider has learnt that Muhyiddin had asked the MIC president, when they met this morning, to consider other names if the party was against Mugilan contesting the April 25 by-election.

“Frankly speaking the situation is still fluid, it’s still being sorted out,” party vice president, Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam earlier told The Malaysian Insider.

“Of course, we are concerned, [but] there’s going to be another meeting with DPM. Let’s wait and see,” the Human Resources Minister added after the first round meeting.

Palanivel has declined comment, while party treasurer, Datuk SK Devamany, said MIC remained strong in the crisis

“Don’t worry, MIC is rock steady,” he said, adding “You can see we are all here.”

“BN is a coalition and I know the problem will be solved,” another vice president, Datuk M. Saravanan added.

The MIC central working committee (CWC) met last night and resolved to stick to Palanivel as the candidate for Hulu Selangor, which he represented between 1990 and 2008.

The CWC also decided that Umno can take the seat if they refuse to allow Palanivel to contest. It is understood that Umno is in favour of Mugilan, as they want a fresh face for the parliamentary constituency that was lost narrowly by 198 votes to PKR in Election 2008.

It is understood that Hulu Selangor Umno officials are buying up several sets of nomination forms in case MIC is stubborn about its choice. The Election Commission (EC) said 14 sets of nomination papers have been sold ahead of nomination day this Saturday.