Disquiet in Hulu S’gor: MIC factions see red
By B Nantha Kumar, Free Malaysia Today
Barisan Nasional’s decision to field P Kamalanathan for the Hulu Selangor by-election has enraged the supporters of MIC deputy president G Palanivel and local leader V Mugilan.
According to sources, both camps are contemplating casting protest votes in order to teach BN and Umno leaders a lesson.
“How can they embarrass Palanivel in this manner?” exclaimed a local MIC member, who declined to be named.
“He is the deputy president of MIC and a four-term MP in Hulu Selangor. They should not have done this to him. Mark my words, there will be protest votes,” he told FMT.
The MIC member pointed out that Palanivel has worked hard for MIC and BN for many years, and he should not have been treated in this manner.
“You cannot simply use and throw leaders like this, he won the seat four times for BN and nobody complained then. Suddenly, they talk about change and a new face,” he said.
Hitting out at the Umno top brass, the MIC member said: “Forget about Indian and Chinese votes, Let’s see if they (Umno) can deliver the Malay votes.”
On the same note, a supporter of Mugilan also expressed outrage that the Hulu Selangor MIC Youth chief was sidelined despite having the backing of Umno leaders in the constituency.
“Former menteri besar (Dr Mohd) Khir Toyo and (Selangor Umno deputy chief) Noh Omar also wanted Mugilan and he (Mugilan) was made to believe that he will be the candidate.
“He stuck out his neck, but in the end, they slit his throat,” he said.
Meanwhile, a source close to Palanivel told FMT that the MIC deputy president has accepted the decision, and will campaign in the by-election.
“Whatever said and done, he is a MIC man and he will deliver the votes to BN,” he said.
On the speculation that he will be offered a senatorship and eventually be made a deputy minister, the source said Palanivel will “think carefully” about this.
