A well-placed source said the party’s central working committee would be meeting on Sept 5 where the matter is expected to be discussed.

“He had submitted his application to rejoin MIC to party president SA Vigneswaran a couple of weeks ago,” the source, who did not wish to be named, told FMT.

Sivaraj resigned from the Barisan Nasional component party in June last year, stating he wanted to carry out his responsibilities as a senator and leader of the Indian community without any hindrance, “especially from the MIC leadership”.

He also said several “incidents” had occurred under Vigneswaran’s leadership that forced him to relinquish his membership.

The following month, The Malaysian Insight, quoting sources, reported that the former Cameron Highlands MP was considering joining a multi-ethnic party, amid speculation he might sign up with Perikatan Nasional.

Earlier this month, however, Vigneswaran was reported as saying that the independent senator wanted to rejoin MIC.

Vigneswaran was quoted as saying it “should not be a problem” and that former members only had to hand in a written request to express their intent to rejoin the party.

According to the source, Sivaraj had not planned to join any other party apart from making a return to MIC, a move which would also bode well for the party.

“He realised that MIC is still relevant to the Indian community, especially when it comes to policies, which is why he decided to come back.

“And as a former MP and youth leader, he can use his experience to strengthen the party.”

FMT has reached out to Sivaraj for comment.