MIC secretary-general RT Rajasekaran said this followed a four-hour meeting by the party’s central working committee.

“MIC will carry out its role as a component of Barisan Nasional.

“MIC has also informed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of its decision,” he said in a statement.

Rajasekaran also denied BN deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan’s claim that a final decision had been made on seat allocation for the state polls.

“This was not discussed or agreed upon by the BN Supreme Council or MIC.

“MIC’s decision not to contest in the state elections is purely to protect the party’s interests.

“At the same time, MIC will focus on strengthening the party to face the 16th general election (GE16).”

Earlier, fellow BN component, MCA, announced that it will not contest in the state elections, following “in-depth discussions and analysis” and in view of the current political situation.

MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon said the party will implement internal reforms and focus on preparing for GE16.

Chong also said MCA will only help campaign for BN’s candidates during the state polls, since it is a component of the coalition.

MCA and MIC’s announcements are despite BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi saying last week that the two parties would be given seats to contest in all six states where elections are to be held.

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