GE15: MIC gets green light to contest in all traditional parliamentary, state seats

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC has been given the nod by Barisan Nasional to contest in all its traditional parliamentary and state seats for the coming general election, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"I promise that all the seats which were contested in the previous general elections, I confirm that MIC will get them again," he said at the launching of the MIC National Brigade here on Sunday (Sept 18).

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He quipped to MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran, who was present, that MIC could lobby for more seats but this was subject to negotiations.

"If you want more seats, Tan Sri Vigneswaran has to negotiate with Tok Mat (Barisan deputy chairman Datuk Mohamad Hasan).

"If you don't get the additional seats, don't get angry with me.

"Get angry with Tok Mat," Ahmad Zahid said amid laughter from Barisan leaders and the crowd.

In the 14th General Election in 2018, MIC contested in nine parliamentary seats and 18 state seats.

The party won the Tapah parliamentary seat which was contested by MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan while the Cameron Highlands seat was won by Datuk C. Sivarraajh.

However, MIC lost the Cameron Highlands seat after the

Election Court nullified the results, paving the way for a by-election in January 2019 which saw Umno candidate Datuk Mohd Ramli Nor winning the seat.

Earlier, in his speech, Ahmad Zahid said he was confident that MIC would win more parliamentary and state seats in the coming polls.

He hinted that Vigneswaran should also be given a seat to contest.

Vigneswaran won the Kota Raja parliamentary seat in the 11th General Election in 2004.

"It shouldn't be a problem for MIC Youth chief K. Raven Kumar as he is already a state assemblyman.

"As for the MIC Women chief (Datuk Mohana Muniandy), go look for a place and get ready.

"I will sign the watikah (letter of candidacy)," he said.

Raven is currently the state assemblyman for Tenggaroh seat in Johor and a state executive

councillor for tourism, environment, heritage and culture.

Ahmad Zahid also lauded MIC as having the most prepared “war room” for the coming general election.

He praised MIC for remaining loyal to Barisan despite the coalition suffering a crushing defeat in the 2018 general election.

He reminded MIC to remain united with Barisan in facing the coming polls.

Also present at the event was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.