Four MIC divisions dissolved in protest

BY FMT STAFF

BUKIT SENTOSA: Four MIC divisions in Hulu Selangor have dissolved themselves in protest over “Umno” – Barisan Nasional candidate P.Kamalanathan.

The divisions - Batang Kali, Taman Wawasan, Ladang Ulu Tamu and Ulian Baru – had a collective membership of 1,200. Nineteen percent of HUlu Selangor’s 64,500 voters are Indians.

Parit Sulong branch chairman Hasmi Hashim said the four divisions announced its dissolution folowing deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announcement of MIC infromation chief, Kamalanathan's candidacy.

He said it was only a prelude to more.

“There is a possibility that 13 more MIC division will be dissolved because they disagree with Umno’s interference in the selection of MIC candidate in Hulu Selangor, “ Hami said.

He added that the dissolution was an indication that Hulu Selangor folk had lost confidence in the party..

“It’s a signal to show that the people here have lost confidence in the party, particularly the grassroot Indian community.

“The BN candidate, is said to be the middle choice, not MIC candidate. It is Umno who decided on the candidate for MIC,” said Hasmi.

Yesterday BN announced Kamalanathan as its candidate for the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat after a long drawn and embarrassing tussle with MIC.

MIC had, as early as late last month announced G Palanivel as its chosen candidate but Umno Hulu Selangor were highly critical of the choice.

They also went as far as to demand that the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat be returned to Umno, its original owner.

Mounting pressure forced Prime Minister Najib Razak to cap speculations saying the seat would remain with MIC.

Having lost this round, the division went on a relentless attack pushing their first choice candidate local boy V Mugilan, who was also Hulu Selangor MIC Youth chief.

But MIC president Samy Vellu refused to budge.

In what is believed to have been a trade off, Samy and Muhyiddin agreed on Kamalanathan.

If all goes well today, Kamalanathan will face-off with PKR candidate Zaid Ibrahim on April 25.

The Hulu Selangor seat fell vacant following the death of PKR MP Zainal Abidin on March 25.