The Selangor state assembly today nominated PKR deputy president Syed Husin Ali ( left ), 73, to the Senate as a representative from the state.

syed husin book launch 091108 syed husin Syed Husin's choice was approved by the elected representatives through block voting, in which 32 agreed, three abstained and 20 absent.

His name was proposed by Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and seconded by state PAS chief and exco member Hasan Ali.

The state assembly also nominated and approved grassroots leader and MPPJ councillor S Ramakrishnan for the second slot to the Senate from the state.

Ramakrishnan, 53, was proposed by senior exco member Teresa Kok and seconded by Yaakob Sapari. He has been a DAP member since 2000.

Thirty-two elected representatives voted in favour of Ramakrishnan while two objected. One representative abstained from voting while 20 were absent.

They will replace two senators from the state whose term of office expires on Dec 6. They are Ikhwan Salim Sujak and Yip Kum Fook.

The slot allocated to Ramakrishnan was originally granted to Hindraf's V Ganabatirao who was backed by senior Indian leaders in DAP to become a senator for his role in highlighting Indian issues.

The post was originally slated to veteran grassroots leader T Kannan but was vetoed by party leaders such as national vice-chairperson M Kulasegaran, deputy secretary-general P Ramasamy and national publicity secretary Tony Pua in favour of Ganabatirao.

However it is believed that Ganabatirao's name was dropped after it was pointed out that the Selangor sultan was not in favour as he was not born in Selangor.

The reason to drop Ganabatirao ‘not true'

NONE In the latest twist, however, sources had informed Malaysiakini that the reason to drop Ganabatirao ( right ) was not because he was not a Selangor-born, but "something to do with him being a Hindraf leader.

"Actually Ramakrishnan was also not born in Selangor, so the reason to drop Ganabatirao, who has been living in the state for 18 years, is not true.

"But the sultan was adamant in (putting him out of the recommendation list) because this has something to do with him being a Hindraf leader once," said the sources.

According to the sources, the decision to drop him has created widespread discontentment among party leaders who wanted to "recognise the fighters in Hindraf".

"The sultan has no business in interfering in the appointment of senator. We should have done something to recognise (the movement). But now the plan has been disturbed," said the sources.

Four names nominated

Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that there were four names recommended to the sultan.

When asked whether this included Ganabathirao's name, he replied: "It would not be nice for me to name all the candidates...it would not be fair to them".

He also said that there was too much speculation surrounding those names that were dropped.

"That is why I don't want to reveal these names. All I can tell you is that, all the names were discussed and considered for nomination," said Abdul Khalid.