The decision of state MIC chief Datuk K.S. Balakrishnan not to contest the Permas state seat has left a vacuum which many are jostling to fill.

One of the first divisions to voice support for a candidate for the seat was the Pasir Gudang MIC division.

Some 100 youth members from the division gathered at a local restaurant on Sunday night to rally support for their chief M. Pancacheram.

Led by division youth chief S. Anantha Rajah, the youth members said Pancacheram was the ideal choice as he was born and bred in Permas.

"He has been serving the community here for over 30 years and knows the people here best," said Anantha Rajah.
Several youth members said state MIC deputy secretary and Tebrau MIC chief M. Soorianarayanan had begun canvassing for votes in the area, claiming to have already been chosen to stand there.