MIC president S Samy Vellu said the party's candidate S Ganesan in the April 7 Bukit Selambau by-election can help develop the constituency if elected as he will get the backing of the Barisan Nasional at the federal level.

samy vellu exclusive on tamil schools 080708 06 "He will be able to carry out projects and programmes for the people of Bukit Selambau because he represents the BN at the federal level," he said when asked on the naming of S Manikumar as the PKR candidate today.

It was reported that the Kedah government controlled by the opposition would name its candidate in Bukit Selambau to the state Exco if elected, allowing him to develop the area.

Samy Vellu said Ganesan could do more as the federal government would ensure adequate allocations for socio-economic projects in Bukit Selambau.

While declining to comment about Manikumar, Samy Vellu said he would rather concentrate on the people and also promote the BN candidate.

'Prepared the ground'

s ganesan mic candidate for bukit selambau Describing Ganesan ( right ), the former Lunas assemblyperson, Kedah MIC deputy chair and a lawyer as the worthy choice, Samy Vellu said MIC has 'prepared the ground' during the past three weeks to face the opposition.

However, he said MIC is not taking any chances and would redouble its efforts to win the hearts and minds of the voters, particularly the Indians who constituted almost 30 percent of the electorate.

Samy Vellu said Ganesan has been moving closely with the local leaders from all races and also working with other BN component parties to strengthen cooperation.

"He is seen as a candidate for all races. We need the support of all races," he said, adding that MIC has also sought the cooperation of local non-governmental organisations to help in its campaign.