Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email Saravanan hotly tipped http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/10/nation/17392718&sec=nation
By WANI MUTHIAH
KLANG: Speculation is rife as to who will be selected to contest in the up-coming Ijok by-election, triggered by the sudden death of the state assemblyman MIC’s Datuk K. Sivalingam 59, in Chennai, India last Wednesday.
However, party president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu’s recent statement that “even Selangor citizens staying in Federal Territory were eligible to be considered” has placed MIC information chief M. Saravanan as a front-runner.
“Saravanan was born in Kuala Kubu Baru but stays in Kuala Lumpur and is the Federal Territory MIC chairman,” said a veteran party member who declined to be named.
He said that Saravanan, a Samy Vellu loyalist, had finished his second term as a senator, was ready to handle bigger responsibilities and was an excellent speaker in Tamil.
“Ijok has a huge Indian electorate and this factor is crucial. At 39, Saravanan is also young and has the stamina to carry out extensive fieldwork to win over the Indian voters,” he added.
As for Sivalingam’s replacement in the state exco, the party insider said Sri Andalas assemblyman Kamala Ganapathy was the likely candidate as she had been “assigned to assist the late Sivalingam.”
Kamala’s good relationship with Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, who would be the one selecting Sivalingam’s replacement, would also be a deciding factor, he added.
When contacted, Saravanan said he had no idea if he would be chosen to stand in Ijok.
“It has not even crossed my mind. I am now too busy working for the Machap by-election,” he added.
