FORMER Cameron Highlands lawmaker Sivaraj Chandran, who is without a political party after quitting MIC recently, is said to be considering his options on his next move.

Amid speculations that the former MIC youth chief might may join Perikatan Nasional (PN), a source close to the senator said that the latter is mulling over the possibility of joining a multi-ethnic party.

“While there are many offers on the table, he is actually considering to join a multiracial party,” the source told The Malaysian Insight.

The source said that Sivaraj has been meeting leaders from certain parties before making a decision that will determine his future in politics.

“He wants to be in a party where he feels he can do work there,” the source added. 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim-led PKR and Pakatan Harapan (PH) component party, DAP, are touted to be the likely destination for the senator. 

However, the source did not divulge further, claiming discussions are still ongoing and no final decision has been made.

Last month, Sivaraj quit Barisan Nasional’s Indian component party MIC after serving for nearly 20 years, citing differences with its leadership.  

Two weeks prior to that, MIC president S.A. Vigneswaran removed Sivaraj from the party’s central working committee (CWC). MIC did not give a reason for the removal.

It was then reported that Sivaraj had met Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainuddin following his removal from the CWC. 

Sivaraj in a Facebook had said his meeting his Hamzah did not mean he was joining PN, claiming that a “certain few” were using the meeting to tarnish his reputation. 

Earlier today, news portal Free Malaysia Today reported that PN was looking to form an all-Indian chapter, fronted by former MIC leaders, with a view to set up a new single-race party within the opposition coalition. 

Days after Sivaraj disassociated himself from MIC, Selangor MIC youth chief P. Punithan also sent his resignation letter to the party’s leadership.

Vigneswaran confirmed receiving Punithan’s letter and said the latter was keen on joining PN. – July 6, 2023.