MCA and MIC risk being perceived as conservative parties if they decide to join or cooperate with Perikatan Nasional (PN), a coalition dominated by PAS lawmakers, according to a political analyst.
Addressing speculation about a potential realignment involving MCA and MIC — amid PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin’s indication of openness to collaboration — analyst Lau Zhe Wei said the greatest challenge lies in reconciling their ideological differences.
Lau, from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), cautioned that both Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties could be accused of compromising their core principles and political orientation.
“They could ultimately be labelled as conservative parties — and would that be beneficial? Certainly not.
“That is why, if MCA and MIC are considering joining PN, they must carefully assess the potential repercussions,” he told FMT.
On Sunday, MIC president SA Vigneswaran signaled that the party was open to discussions with other political groups to ensure its survival.
His remarks followed those of deputy president M Saravanan, who said MIC felt like an “unwanted guest” after being sidelined from government and GLC appointments despite having senior leaders.
In June, MCA president Wee Ka Siong stated that the party would not rush to decide its role within the unity government, adding that any decision would be made during its general assembly.
His comments came amid speculation that grassroots dissatisfaction — stemming from MCA’s lack of representation in the current administration — was driving calls for the party to leave BN.
Yesterday, Hashim reaffirmed PAS’s willingness to work with MCA and MIC under the PN banner but stressed that the matter would require further deliberation by PN’s top leadership.
Currently, MCA and MIC contribute three seats to BN’s total of 30 MPs, with 26 seats held by Umno and one by Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).
Another IIUM analyst, Syaza Shukri, also underscored ideological differences as a significant obstacle to collaboration, noting that all parties involved might have to undergo internal restructuring.
“Would PAS be willing to moderate its rhetoric, and could MCA and MIC accept such changes?
“If these issues are not carefully managed, they could spark internal divisions within both MCA and MIC,” she observed.
