Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi warned that BN would decide the fate of MIC if the party continues to waver over whether it wants to remain in the coalition it co-founded more than seven decades ago.
In his opening address at Makkal Sakti’s 17th annual general assembly today, Zahid said a component party had left it to its leadership to decide whether to remain in BN, but still had no decision.
“If they do not have a decision, we will decide for them,” he said.
At a later press conference, Zahid confirmed he was referring to MIC.
He also noted that a letter from MIC seeking inquiries about Perikatan Nasional had been circulating, which he interpreted as a sign that the party had shifted loyalty.
Zahid again said that if MIC remained undecided, the BN leadership would decide its fate.
“We don’t want a situation where one thing is said in the morning, then something else in the afternoon, and another thing tomorrow,” he said.
Yesterday, Zahid said MIC’s status in BN will be discussed at the coalition’s Supreme Council meeting next year.
MIC delegates resolved at their annual general meeting last month to defer a decision on whether to leave or remain in BN.
MIC president SA Vigneswaran later clarified that all motions, including one on exiting BN, would be referred to the central working committee for consideration.
Separately, Zahid said BN’s leadership will soon meet to consider whether the coalition should be rebranded or restructured, citing constitutional hurdles that prevent new “core” parties from joining.
He said the current constitution requires unanimous approval from Umno, MCA, MIC and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah for admission.
He said this was why “Friends of BN” parties remain associate members due to constitutional constraints.
“So, until amendments are made, I appreciate the loyalty and patience of those in the Friends of BN leadership,” he said, hinting that one party did not approve of Makkal Sakti’s admission.
Friends of BN are allied parties that support the coalition without being full members. It is not known when Makkal Sakti applied to join BN.
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