MIC gets deadline extension for Merlimau Utara re-election

Re-election for the Merlimau Utara branch (in MIC Jasin division) will not be held within 30 days, the deadline of which ends Monday, as the MIC's central working committee (CWC) has obtained an extension of time from the Registrar of Societies (RoS).

Melaka MIC chairman, Datuk M.S. Mahadevan, however, said he was not sure how long the extended period was.

"MIC managed to get the extension through discussions between MIC president, Datuk Seri G. Palanivel and related parties with RoS," he said when contacted, here, Monday.

On Dec 5, RoS ordered MIC to hold re-election for its three vice-presidents' posts and 23 CWC seats within 90 days following complaints on abuse of power and conduct which violated the party constitution and Societies Act.

RoS had also asked the party to hold fresh elections in eight divisions, namely Bayan Baru, Bukit Gelugor, Subang, Bandar Baru Kulim, Taiping, Tambun, Sepang and Jasin within 60 days.

RoS also ordered fresh polls to be held within 30 days for the Batu Kawan division deputy chairman, Kota Raja division chairman, Tanjung Malim division chairman and Taman Koperasi Polis branch chairman posts.

Two branches, Merlimau Utara and Rumah Pangsa Pekeliling Selatan, were also ordered to hold fresh polls within 30 days.

RoS had also advised the party not to have its annual general meeting until the matter had been resolved.

"The elections (in Jasin and Merlimau Utara) were held in accordance with all regulations in the past, but I will refer to the party headquarters if we need to have a re-election," said Mahadevan.

Yesterday, Palanivel said in a statement that the party had sent a letter to RoS on Friday (Jan 2) to grant an extension of time to hold the re-election.

In GEORGE TOWN, Penang MIC chairman M. Karuppanan told Bernama that his side was awaiting information regarding the extension of time for the re-election from Palanivel.

Karuppanan also claimed that RoS made a mistake in the information regarding Batu Kawan as it should be re-election for the post of vice-chairman of Simpang Ampat branch, Batu Kawan division, and not for the post of deputy chairman.

On a statement by Bayan Baru division chief Datuk M. Nyanasegaran, who questioned the transparency of his (Karuppan's) appointment as the new disciplinary committee chairman, Karuppanan said the appointment was valid.

Meanwhile, Perak MIC could not be contacted for clarifications on re-elections involving the state.