State Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Siamese Community Affairs, Unity, and Estate Workers and Indian Community Affairs Committee chairman V. Arumugam said that there was no basis for such fears.

'People are still in a state of shock and they might take some time to adjust to the new administration. But there is nothing to be confused or worried about as there will be no drastic changes in the way the state will be run,' he said.

'We urge the people to carry on with their activities as usual,' he told reporters after announcing his move to PKR here on Sunday.

Mr Arumugam, 54, the only Indian assemblyman in the PAS-led Kedah Government, submitted his membership form to PKR's Merbok division chief Mokhtar Mansor.

The former trainer at the RMAF college in Alor Star, who won the Bukit Selambau state seat after contesting as an independent candidate, had earlier announced that he would join PKR.

Mr Arumugam said that he would, among others, focus on poverty eradication especially those in rural areas.

On whether he would push for Thaipusam to be declared a public holiday in Kedah, he said: 'We are still new. When the time comes, we will approach the relevant authorities. I do not think there is any reason for such a request to be rejected.'

Also present was Merbok MP Rashid Din from PKR. --The Star/ANN.