Barisan yet to name candidate for Camerons’ seat

KUANTAN: With nomination for Cameron Highlands just days away, many are wondering who Barisan Nasional will be fielding.

However, all eyes are on Datuk T. Murugiah, who was spotted laying the groundwork in the popular holiday destination.

The MIC vice-president had spent the past two weeks in the parliamentary constituency, ahead of nomination on Jan 12.

He was also seen with Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail visiting the community of Pos Mensun and attending a wedding reception in Tanah Rata.

When contacted, Pahang MIC chairman V. Arumugam declined to confirm about Murugiah’s possible candidacy.

“We are still waiting for an announcement from the central leadership. But yes, I have been with Murugiah in Cameron High- lands for the past two weeks,” he said.

Arumugam said they were making early preparations so that the party machinery would go into full swing after nomination.

In a statement, MIC secretarygeneral Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari said there had been no request from Umno to contest the seat.

“Request is only for a winnable candidate. Currently, we are evaluating a number of candidates.

“Once a decision is made, an announcement will be made,” said Vell Paari.

Pakatan Harapan had announced that DAP’s M. Manogaran would be fielded to wrest the seat from Barisan.

In the May 9 polls, he lost narrowly in a five-cornered fight.

On Sunday, MyPPP president Tan Sri M. Kayveas also expressed his intention to contest to create more excitement, claiming the party already had 3,000 votes in hand. He said the party was neither supporting Pakatan nor Barisan.

On Nov 30, the Election Court declared Barisan’s win in the Cameron Highlands parliamentary seat null and void as it found corrupt practices had been committed.

The incumbent, Datuk C. Sivarraajh, did not appeal the court’s decision.