PD POLLS | Former MIC secretary-general Kumar Aamaan today announced his decision not to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming Port Dickson parliamentary by-election.

He said that the decision was made after discussions with a lawyer and taking into account that the MIC was not fielding a candidate in its traditional seat, previously known as Teluk Kemang, and Umno was also staying away from the by-election.

“Therefore, my candidacy in protest is now academic. I have taken the solemn initiative to go personally to the grassroots in Port Dickson and discovered that there are many woes and issues that the Indian community is facing which need to be resolved.

“This requires a heavy machinery ... I would kindly request (PKR president-elect) Anwar Ibrahim to look into this matter seriously,” he said, adding that he would offer his assistance in coordinating on the issues.

Nomination for the by-election is on Saturday and polling, on Oct 13.

Port Dickson MP Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah of PKR vacated the seat on Sept 12 to pave the way for Anwar to return to the Dewan Rakyat.

- Bernama