GE15: Deepavali and GE15 not a double whammy -- Saravanan

KUALA LUMPUR - While admitting that it is regrettable if the 15th General Election coincides with the Deepavali season, MIC urged its members to leverage on such concurrence and serve the people even better.

That was the call made by party deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan who encouraged his part members to continue helping and serving the people throughout such festive season instead of lamenting about not being able to celebrate Deepavali.

"Holding the general election during the Deepavali festival season is a bit worrying for some, even though we are not sure on the election date yet.

"However, if there is an election this season, please take this as an opportunity to help the poor more than before and strengthen relationships through Deepavali open houses," he reasoned.

When asked on the readiness of MIC in the upcoming election, Saravanan claims that the party is all-set to face GE15.

"We have been ready for a very long time and the candidates will be announced in the near future," he said.

Saravanan also urged Malaysians to not make decisions based on emotions but to choose wisely.

"In the previous GE, we held a slogan where we gave opportunities to all parties including DAP, Muda and Bersatu.

"Now, I hope that people can judge and conclude which party they should vote for.

"Most importantly, we need a stable politics and only Barisan Nasional has that.

"Even though we lost [GE14]; MIC, MCA and Umno are still united and we can win," he said to the media at the party's 76th general assembly officiated by Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, here today.

The dissolution of parliament was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a special address today at 3PM; the announcement meant that GE15 will be done within 60 days.

However, the Election Commission has yet to announce on the actual date for nomination and polling day.