The MIC will discuss with political parties representing the Indian community or having many members from the community such as the People's Progressive Party (PPP), the Indian Progressive Front Malaysia (IPF) and Makkal Sakthi in the near future on the possibility of merging all the parties concerned.

MIC president Datuk Seri G.Palanivel said the merger aimed to forge cooperation between all the political parties concerned in the interest of the Indian community in Malaysia for the 14th general election (GE14).

"The proposal for the merger of these parties was raised at the meeting of the MIC Central Working Committee on Friday.

"I will share the proposal with the other political parties representing the Indian community in the near future," he told reporters after opening the 51st General Meeting of the Malaysia Tamil Writers Association, here today.

Palanivel, who is also the Natural Resource and Environment Minister, explained that the proposal must first be discussed with leaders of the political parties concerned before any decision could be made.

On the Malaysian Tamil Writers Association, Palanivel said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had agreed to provide an allocation of RM100,000 for the association.

"Currently, the assocation is merely waiting for the allocation to be approved," he said.

Meanwhile, association secretary, A.Gunanathan, when met, said the association would hold its golden jubilee celebration this year.

The Malaysian Tamil Writers Association has 1,500 members throughout the country.