KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — Barisan Nasional has yet to decide on its Hulu Selangor candidate, with just hours to go before making its announcement today, as MIC reviews its stand that its deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel should be the coalition’s choice.

The Malaysian Insider has learnt that Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has asked MIC president, Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu, at their morning meeting to consider other names if the party is against its Youth deputy leader, V. Mugilan, contesting the April 25 by-election.

Both leaders are due to meet again at noon.

“Frankly speaking, the situation is still fluid, it’s still being sorted out,” party vice-president Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam told The Malaysian Insider.

“Of course, we are concerned, [but] there’s going to be another meeting with DPM. Let’s wait and see,” the Human Resources Minister added after the first round meeting.

Meanwhile, Palanivel declined comment, while party treasurer Datuk SK Devamany said MIC remained strong in the crisis

“Don’t worry, MIC is rock steady,” he said, adding “You can [see] we are all here.”

“BN is a coalition and I know the problem will be solved,” party information chief, Datuk M. Saravanan, added.

The MIC central working committee (CWC) met last night and resolved to stick to Palanivel as the candidate for Hulu Selangor, which he represented between 1990 and 2008.

The CWC also decided that Umno can take the seat if they refuse to allow Palanivel to contest. It is understood that Umno is in favour of Mugilan, as they want a fresh face for the parliamentary constituency that was lost narrowly by 198 votes to PKR in Election 2008.

It is understood that Hulu Selangor Umno officials are buying up several sets of nomination forms in case MIC is stubborn about its choice. The Election Commission (EC) said 14 sets of nomination papers have been sold ahead of nomination day this Saturday.