MIC president G Palanivel has taken over as chairperson of Perak MIC with immediate effect.

NONE Palanivel ( right ) said the move is aimed to strengthen the party's base in state.

"The state MIC needs to focus itself on strengthening not only the party but its voters reach as well," he said in a statement today.

"Perak is important for both MIC and BN. Although everyone might be under the assumption that our voters are coming back, we must continue the effort to win over the hearts and minds of the people," he explained.

He said it was not a sudden decision but a matter which he had been contemplating for some time.

Palanivel, who is minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said he would meet the state divisional heads and noted that their entire focus would be on facing the forthcoming general election.

- Bernama