BARISAN Nasional (BN) is later today expected to announce it is withdrawing its candidate from the Padang Serai parliamentary seat election.

MIC’s C. Sivarraajh had been intending to run on behalf of BN in the December 7 poll.

MIC leaders said the decision was made by BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi after discussions with Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim.

BN is a partner in the federal government formed by PH with Anwar as the prime minister.

“The pull-out will allow PH candidate a stronger chance of winning this seat,” an MIC leader said, speaking upon condition of anonymity.

However, Sivarraajh is said to be unhappy with the decision.

He had previously said he should not be asked to withdraw as he has been working in the constituency for three years.

“Yet, MIC is left with no choice. Following the understanding with PH and Anwar, we have to give way,” the MIC leader said.

Meanwhile, a Kedah MIC leader said the party was told last night to give way and work to ensure a PH win.

“We are disappointed, but we will work for the sake of BN,” he said.

Previously, Warisan – also part of Anwar’s unity government – pulled out.

While BN gives way to PH in Padang Serai, the reverse has taken place in Tioman, where PH dropped out in favour of BN.

The respective elections on December 7 were postponed from national polling day on November 19 following the death of candidates in each seat.

PH’s Padang serai candidate, M. Karupaiya died a few days before polling, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate for Tioman, Md Yunus Ramli, 61, died from heart failure on the morning of the election.

As it stands, PH’s Mohamad Sofee Razak will now face PN’s Azman Nasruddin, Pejuang’s Hamzah Abd Rahman, and independent Sreanandha Rao.

On Tuesday, Amanah secretary-general Hatta Ramli said the decision to withdraw from the Tioman election was in line with co-operation between PH and BN at federal and state level.

Previously, PH’s Fadzli Ramly had stated his willingness to make way for BN’s Johari Hussain, who will face PN’s Nor Idayu Hashim, Pejuang’s Osman A. Bakar and independent candidate Sulaiman Bakar clashing for the state seat. – December 2, 2022.