[[{“value”:”
A SHARP exchange has erupted between Perak DAP vice-chairman Datuk A Sivanesan and MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M Saravanan over the issue of contesting Malay majority seats.
Saravanan, who is also Tapah MP, challenged Indian representatives in DAP to field candidates in Malay or Indian majority constituencies rather than focusing on Chinese-majority seats.
Speaking at MIC’s annual youth, women, and Puteri convention at IDCC Shah Alam, he cited remarks by a DAP assemblyman in Perak, widely believed to refer to Sivanesan, who allegedly said MIC had lost deposits in Jelapang and Buntong.
Saravanan also noted that MIC representatives have campaigned among Indian communities nationwide and even contested in Malay-majority seats, unlike DAP, which he said focused on Chinese-majority areas.
“If you’re confident in representing all Malaysians, step out of Chinese-majority constituencies and contest in Malay-majority seats in the next general election,” he challenged.
Sivanesan swiftly hit back, questioning why he should contest a Malay-majority seat when MIC has struggled even in Indian-majority constituencies. He highlighted Buntong, where Indians make up 52% of voters, noting that MIC’s candidate lost while newcomer M Thulsi from KL won the seat.
“MIC should at least retain their deposit before making any claims,” Sivanesan said, pointing out that the party has lost nearly all its seats in Perak apart from Tapah.—Nov 9, 2025
Main image: Bernama
The post Sivanesan, Saravanan trade barbs over contesting Malay-majority seats first appeared on Focus Malaysia.
“}]]
