MIC central working committee member P. Kamalanathan has expressed his intention to contest in the party election next month.

Kamalanathan who is also Education deputy minister said he will contest for a post in the MIC central working committee (CWC).

“I am encouraged by many friends and well wishers within the party and outside who have openly supported me to take up a higher position in the party.

“I am convinced that all these people have my best interest in their hearts and would see me in a better position in the party.

“After much consultation with friends and members from the grassroots and the senior leaders of the party, and much thinking, discussions after discussions I have decided.

“In order to preserve unity and preserve solidarity, I will focus my attention in contesting as a member in the central working committee, CWC.

“This decision was not easy to make. It was the toughest decision that I have to make,” he said in a press conference held at the MIC headquarters, here today.

Before this, MIC vice-president Datuk M. Saravanan had said he will contest the post of deputy president at the party elections.

Former party President, Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu’s son, Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari, and two former youth chiefs Datuk T.Mohan and Datuk S. A Vigneswaran are in the forefront for the vice-president's race.

The party has set Oct 25 for nomination for the post of deputy president, three posts of vice-president and 23 Central Working Committee posts.