Council of BN MPs (BNBBC) chairperson Shahrir Abdul Samad has refuted the claims that former MIC president Datuk Seri G Palanivel is said to be joining the DAP. 

 

"I don't believe in the story that if someone is frustrated, he or she would join the DAP, the PKR, PAS and so on, this is not right. 

 

"I think this is all colouring in terms of political development," he told reporters after a 'Kacau Dodol Perdana' gathering in Johor Baru yesterday evening.

 

Shahrir (photo) , who is also Johor Baru MP, said the claim was merely a speculation which should not have arisen and those groups wanting to resolve the matter should remain calm.

 

"We want to resolve the deadlock in the MIC problem, there must be calm, wisdom and rationality," he said.

 

Shahrir said if the problem was resolved hastily, then the situation would be aggravated, especially if there were groups exploiting the issue which would result in the problem becoming more serious.

 

He said this when asked to comment on the claim that Palanivel was purportedly said to be wanting to join the DAP after the Natural Resource and Environment Minister lost his membership in the MIC.

 

The rumour surfaced after a posting on social media claimed that DAP's Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy had negotiated Palanivel's entry into the party.

 

However, Ramasamy (photo) yesterday denied this, adding that even if Palanivel wanted to join the DAP, he may not necessarily be accepted.

 

"Although the matter of Palanivel joining the DAP is wild and baseless rumour, let me state that the DAP is not just an ordinary party where you can join and leave whenever you want. It is not for the 'frogs'," he had said.

 

On the 'Kacau Dodol Perdana' programme, Shahrir said the programme organised by Johor Baru Umno, gave an opportunity to the community to experience making the 'dodol'.

 

He said the 'dodol' making programme would be made into an annual activity to enliven the Muslim month of Ramadan and revive the village tradition.