MIC ropes in NGOs to face by-elections

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 Feb 2009: The MIC has formed an alliance with several Indian Malaysian-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to face the 7 April by-elections in Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang, party president Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu said today.

He said the party formed a working team made up of party grassroots leaders and the NGOs to ensure better understanding and coordination, especially in wooing the Indian Malaysian voters, who had backed the opposition candidate in the 2008 general election.

He said the MIC wanted to adopt a new approach by roping the NGOs into its election machinery “because they are a strong force among the people”.

“The NGOs have made an impact in the last general election and we have now forged an alliance with many of the NGOs to win the hearts and minds of the voters,” he told reporters after chairing the MIC Central Working Committee meeting at the party headquarters here.

He also said the party had activated its operations room in the Bukit Selambau state and Bukit Gantang parliamentary constituencies, for which nominations would be held on 29 March.

He said that over the past one year, the opposition had failed to bring any development to Bukit Selambau and now the people wanted change.

“We have also formed a youth NGO team in Bukit Gantang to woo the Indian youths in the constituency,” he said, adding that the party would focus more on the younger voters.

Samy Vellu also said the party would not be drawn into a spat with other Barisan Nasional parties over who should contest in Bukit Selambau, which has traditionally been contested by the MIC.

“Our priority is to ensure a Barisan Nasional victory, not only in Bukit Selambau but also in Bukit Gantang,” he said.

He added that it would be an uphill task but with early preparations, “we can win”. — Bernama