MIC has a promising future within Barisan Nasional (BN) and should remain in the coalition to face future challenges collectively, said BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Rejecting claims that MIC has been sidelined in BN, Zahid described the party as influential and dedicated to championing the interests of the Indian community, adding that it should not withdraw from BN or the unity government.
“MIC is a party with a solid structure and a consistent focus on safeguarding the needs of the Indian community.
It wields considerable influence. I believe that if Indian voters return to support MIC, the party could secure greater representation at both parliamentary and state assembly levels.
MIC should continue its partnership with BN. This alliance has remained intact since the era of the Alliance Party. We are like ‘tiga serangkai’ — three inseparable partners referring to Umno, MCA, and MIC — and this bond must be preserved,” he told reporters after officiating at the Raub Umno Division delegates’ meeting at the Raub Silver Jubilee Hall.
Zahid’s remarks came in response to statements made by MIC deputy president M. Saravanan, who in an interview with a Malay daily said the party felt marginalized due to its limited role in the unity government.
Saravanan, who also serves as the Tapah member of parliament, stated that MIC members had voiced dissatisfaction with the unity government and that the party would determine its future direction following its annual general meeting in October.
Meanwhile, Zahid, who is also Umno president, reaffirmed that MIC continues to have a bright future within the BN coalition, as it has historically enjoyed.
“They should remain united to confront future challenges. That is the best course of action — the party undoubtedly has a role and future within BN,” he said.
Earlier this month, Zahid assured that Umno would not abandon its component parties within BN — including MCA, MIC, and Friends of BN — regardless of the prevailing political circumstances.
