MIC’S campaign claim in Melaka that voting its candidate S. Nadarajah in Gadek would ensure Indians have a representative in the state government was disputed.
Melaka election takes place tomorrow (Nov 14) and MIC is contesting only in one seat – Gadek.
Addressing the matter in Tamil, Negeri Sembilan DAP chief J. Arul Kumar revealed MIC was claiming state exco representation if S Nadarajah won in Gadek.
The claim does not hold water since there are no Indian representation in Pahang even though MIC has a representative in the state legislative assembly.
No exco position was given to MIC despite it having a representative in the state legislative assembly.
Arumugam the Sabai state assemblyman is also Pahang MIC chairman.
“Aren’t there Indians in Pahang?” Arulkumar queried.
Taking a cue from MIC that frequently equated Indians in Pakatan Harapan to small stalls in a food court, Arulkumar jabbed that MIC did not even have a small stall in the Pahang food court.
Gadek witnessed a four cornered battle involving MIC’s Nadarajah for Barisan Nasional, DAP’s K. Jegasilan for Pakatan Harapan, BERSAMA’s B. Laveen and Laila Norinda Maon of Parti Bumiputra Perkasa Malaysia (Putra).
The incumbent for the seat, MIC’s VP Shanmugam held the exco position for the youth development, sports, and non-governmental organisations portfolios.
Unlike MIC, DAP is contesting seven seats. Three out of the seven are fresh faces, including Jegasilan.
Ironically Jegasilan is also the sole Indian candidate for the DAP.
Gadek has been contested by MIC since the general election in 2013. Prior to that it was represented by UMNO.
The seat appears to be a swing seat. MIC won it in 2013 and in the most recent state election in 2021.
DAP held the seat for a term via G. Saminathan. – Nov 13, 2026.
Main image credit: FMT
