ASOJAN'S APPOINTMENT RAISES EYEBROWS IN MIC

JOHOR BARU: The appointment of Gambir assemblyman M. Asojan as an exco member has raised eyebrows in the federal and state MIC leadership.

Political sources said many quarters had been lobbying for the position to be given to Johor MIC secretary M.M. Samy, 59, who is the most senior party leader in the state.

The line up: The members of the Johor exco (from left) Asojan, Jais, Ahmad Zahri, Asiah, Dr Robia, Abdul Ghani, Zainal Abidin, Maulizan, Abd Aziz, Tan and Hoo posing for photograph at the Mentri Besar's official residence in Saujana, Johor Baru Saturday.

Asojan was sworn in as Unity, Human Resources, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman yesterday.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said Asojan, 42, was appointed based on the decision and consent of both the Prime Minister and the Sultan of Johor.

“I have sorted out the matter with MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu,” he said.

Asked whether the decision was based on the fact that Asojan was younger and the only two-term assemblyman among the four MIC candidates, Abdul Ghani said a lot of factors were taken into account.

In the previous state government, the party's only exco position was held by state MIC chief Datuk K.S. Balakrishnan.

He, however, did not seek re-election.

Asojan stressed that he did not lobby for the position.

“I thank the party and state leadership for having the confidence in me to take on the post,” the state MIC Youth chief said, adding that he would use his manpower portfolio to lure more non-Malays, especially Indians, into government service.

SOURCE: THE STAR, Sunday March 16, 2008