Jerai PKR division leader B Kalaivanar from Kedah is keen to contest in the Bukit Selambau by-election.

The state constituency, under the Merbok parliamentary constituency, became vacant following the sudden resignation of its elected representative V Arumugam, 54, yesterday.

pkr keadilan indian faction pc 230507 kalaivanar Kalaivanar, 45, claimed that his candidature interest was moved by strong grassroot support shown to him by PKR members in Kedah, especially the party's Indian leaders and members.

"The party must field a grassroots leader who can deliver and remain loyal to PKR. I believe I fit the bill," he told Malaysiakini .

Kalaivanar contested and lost in the Gurun state seat, under the Jerai parliamentary constituency, in the last general election.

At present he is also upset that he was not appointed as a PKR senator by the party leadership.

"It was an Indian quota senatorship and I should have been given a chance to serve in the capacity after losing in Gurun.

"Until today, no Indian from Kedah has been appointed to a position," lamented the Ipoh-born social activist, who recently launched nationwide anti-samsu, anti-gangsterism and community integration campaigns.

Arumugam won the Bukit Selambau state seat in last year's general election as an independent candidate when he defeated Barisan Nasional candidate from MIC, S Krishnan.

Hindraf against his candidacy

Although Kalaivanar is keen to prove his mettle, PKR sources said his aspiration could fall short due to competition from several credible candidates.

The outlawed Hindu Rights Action Force supporters are also believed not to be in favour of Kalaivanar's candidacy.

However, Kalaivanar is determined to wrest the seat and has already sent his agents to meet PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim to lobby for him.

"My supporters have lobbied for me with PKR leadership on the grounds that I am a loyal PKR grassroots leader," he said.

Even if he was not chosen, Kalaivanar said PKR leadership should choose a grassroots leader who would be a dedicated field worker and not a party hopper.

"Under the current political climate and after what had happened in Perak, these are the main criteria to choose a candidate," he said.