Businessman S Nallakarupan has offered to run for the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-presidency in the party's national congress in May.

According to him, the majority of Indian Malaysian members in the party want him to contest for the post.

PKR has three elected vice-presidents, Azmin Ali, R Sivarasa and Dr Lee Boon Chye. The other two appointed vice-presidents are Mustaffa Kamil Ayub and Saidatul Tun Said.

Contacted today, Nallakarupan also claimed to have the support of Azmin and former PKR Youth chief Ezam Mohd Nor.

The close associate of PKR advisor and former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim said he announced his decision during a closed-door meeting with some 100 Indian PKR members in Kuala Lumpur last night.

"I want to contest to strengthen the Indian community's support for PKR," said Nallakarupan, who was once the MIC Youth deputy chief.

In view of this, the businessman said he will meet with Indian members at the grassroots level to fortify the opposition party.

Nallakarupan, who joined PKR last year, is confident that he will be able to contribute immensely to the party.

"Everyone is happy with me although I am still new in the party," he said.

Experienced politician

Meanwhile, a source told malaysiakini that Nallakarupan's announcement was well received by those present at the meet.

He said the businessman only needed two nominations from the party divisions to contest for the post.

According to the source, since Nallakarupan had joined PKR, many Indians from MIC and PPP have joined the opposition party as well.

"Nallakarupan is an experienced politician and his presence in PKR is definitely good for the party," he said.

PKR division meetings are currently underway until next month. The party has 197 divisions nationwide.

Meanwhile, Sivarasa told malaysiakini that he will defend his vice-presidency post if he receives enough nominations.

Commenting on Nallakarupan's intention to contest, he said it is up to the delegates to choose and anybody is free to contest in a democratic party.

"I don't think a contest will weaken the party, it will give the members a chance to elect the leaders of their choice," he added.