Johor MIC Chief Refuses To Be Nominated, Says State BN Chairman

Johor MIC chief Datuk K.S. Balakrishnan has refused to be nominated again as candidate for the Permas state seat in the upcoming general election due to health problems, says state Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman.

Despite that, Balakrishnan would continue to assist the BN election machinery, he told reporters after the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly here today.

He said he did not see any problem in the coalition's campaign following Balakrishnan's decision.

Ghani also said that Kluang Umno head Datuk Gapar Gurroho had expressed his intention not to seek re-election for the Mahkota state seat.

Johor has 26 parliamentary and 56 state seats.

Balakrishnan, 64, told Bernama: "I underwent a heart bypass three years ago and now, I don't feel well. My family has advised me to retire."

He said he had served as an assemblyman for five terms and state executive council member for two terms. He said he was now tired and wanted to rest.

He said he wanted to give way to the younger generation but would continue serving as Johor MIC chief and assist the BN in the election campaign.

PM his successor for the Permas seat, he said: "It will be determined by MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu because he knows who can work and is hardworking."

He denied that his son, B. Panir Selvam, 36, who is Johor MIC youth vice head would replace him

Quoted From
BERNAMA

Wednesday, 13 Feb 2008