MIC to contest GE15 after all

MIC today said that it would contest the Nov 19 general election, ending speculation over its participation in the polls following what was believed to be disappointment over Barisan Nasional's (BN) allocation of seats. 

Party president SA Vigneswaran, who was conspicuously absent from last night's announcement of BN candidates, said MIC had accepted the coalition's decision to allocate seats to the so-called Friends of BN.

Speaking at a press conference after chairing an emergency meeting at the party's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today, Vigneswaran said the meeting was not held to discuss a boycott of GE15, but to ensure that MIC members understand the direction and accept any decisions related to GE15.

"I would like to inform you that the announcement by Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday regarding MIC candidates was a fair decision. 

"It is hoped that the names (nominated) accept the decision with an open heart for the success of the BN family," he said as reported by Bernama.

On the current Batu parliamentary seat crisis, Vigneswaran said the party would continue to bet on A Kohilan Pillay even though MCA will reportedly field Yew Teong Look in the seat.

Questioned further on the matter, Vigneswaran appeared unaware of the latest candidate change, as announced by MCA president Wee Ka Siong this morning.

"The announcement was made by the BN chairman yesterday and (I assume) it is the final decision. We are contesting in Batu. I am also in constant contact with Zahid and we even talked this morning, but there was no notification about the change of candidates between MIC and MCA.

"He didn't mention anything about Batu seat swap. I think Zahid is the best person to answer (regarding the change of candidate)," he said.