KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has confirmed that numerous MIC members are switching loyalties to support the coalition, amid talk of dissatisfaction in the Barisan Nasional (BN) component party.
Azmin, who is also PN information chief, said his coalition, led by chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, is willing to open its doors to anyone who aligns themselves with the coalition’s beliefs.
“As individuals, many MIC members have joined PN at various divisions. We accept anyone who is committed to our (PN’s) principles and policies,” he told Scoop.
Earlier, New Straits Times reported that about 50 MIC leaders in Selangor will be backing PN in the coming state elections, following in the footsteps of former Ijok assemblyman K. Parthiban.
Parthiban, who was expelled from MIC earlier this week after he expressed support for PN, said the decision aims to provide representation for the Indian community after disappointment over MIC’s choice to not contest in Selangor.
“MIC’s recent central working committee’s decision not to campaign for Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidates in six states further influenced their decision,” he was quoted as saying by New Straits Times at the Selangor PN Indian Supporters Club event today.
Pledging to ensure the surge of the Indian community’s presence in urban areas across Selangor, Parthiban said that support from Indians, who make up more than 40% of the state’s population, can greatly benefit PN.
As of press time, PH component party DAP has named nine Indian candidates in three states, while PKR is set to field five Indians in four states.
PN’s Bersatu associate wing and component member Gerakan have the most Indian representation for now, with the two parties naming 16 candidates in three states. – July 28, 2023