The Barisan Nasional (BN) might field one of MIC president S Samy Vellu's 'blue-eyed' boys in the upcoming Ijok by-election in Selangor.

According to a Sin Chew Daily report today, three of the president's 'blue-eyed boys' have been identified. They are MIC Shah Alam division vice-chief Muruga Vellu ( right ), Kota Raja division deputy chief RS Maniam and Selangor Youth chief S Murugesan.

The report also claimed that Maniam ( left ) could have an edge over the two, given that he is Samy's nephew.

On the other hand, Murugesan ( right ), a lawyer by profession, could also be picked because of his academic background and experience in the party.

Meanwhile, Kuala Selangor Umno will push the state leadership to field an Umno candidate in the by-election.

In view of this, a delegation from the division will meet Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, who is also the state Umno chief.

PKR's short-listed candidates

In a related development, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Selangor chief Khalid Ibrahim said the opposition party is expected to make an announcement next Monday on whether or not it will contest in the by-election.

"We will assess the situation and have a discussion with DAP over the weekend. By Monday, we should be able to make the announcement," he said when contacted today.

PKR Selangor met with its Barisan Alternatif ally PAS yesterday regarding the by-election.

PKR election director Azmin Ali said five names have been short-listed and will be tabled to the party's political bureau for discussion if PKR decides to contest.

He refused to reveal the names but said they are "senior leaders of the party, have good track records and have shown their commitment."

Pressed for further details, Azmin revealed that there are national leaders among the five.

The Ijok state seat fell vacant following the death of MIC incumbent K Sivalingam, 59, on Wednesday.

He was a three-term state assemblyperson for Ijok and a Selangor exco member. He was also a MIC central working committee member.

In the last general election in 2004, PKR's Abdol Raman Moharam garnered 3,564 votes against Sivalingam's 5,213 votes.