Indian party wants to contest Malaysian by-election
By IANSTuesday, April 6, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR - A party representing ethnic Indians wants to contest an upcoming parliamentary by-election in Malaysia but the dominant Malay force in the ruling alliance is also eyeing the seat.
The election in Hulu Selangor has evoked a lot of interest among ethnic Indians as G. Palanivel, vice president of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), may be nominated despite losing last time.
Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who completed one year in office Saturday, feels the by-election is important for the ruling alliance Barisan Nasional (BN). The MIC is a key partner in the alliance.
The by-election was caused by the death of Zainal Abidin Ahmed, an opposition lawmaker who defeated Palanivel in March 2008. A former journalist, Palanivel represented Hulu Selangor since 1991.
The United National Malaysian Organisation (UMNO), the party of majority Malays, has also staked claim to the seat.
