MIC to keep up with times

(New Straits Times) – The MIC will be fielding more young and new faces as candidates in the next general election, said its secretary-general S. Murugesan.

This is to keep up with the growing demand for younger blood, meeting new challenges and keeping up with the younger voters, he added.

“There will definitely be a mixture of old and new faces, but we will field more younger people,” he said in an interview yesterday.

On the selection of candidates, he said the party needed to consider, among other things, whether the person could deliver, keep up with the expectation of voters, was likeable and accepted by the people and enjoy good support from the constituents.

On preparations for the 13th general election, he said the party had taken several measures like appointing coordinators at parliamentary and state seats the party had held.

Their job included organising activities and getting to know the people, their problems and needs.

He said the party was also working closely with several non-governmental organisations on various issues.

On seat swapping, he said they would only consider doing so if the deal was fair.

At the same time, he acknowledged that winning some seats like Kota Raja, Subang, Kapar and Batu Caves would be tough. Nevertheless the party was ready.

“Yes, we are ready. We are prepared for battle,” he added.