BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s sharp remarks about MCA and MIC have renewed scrutiny of strains within Barisan Nasional.
Political observers told The Vibes that Zahid’s displeasure stems partly from the parties’ perceived closeness to leaders in Perikatan Nasional, a move seen as undermining BN’s unity and credibility.
Independent commentator Mohd Sayuti Omar said MCA and MIC should prioritise strengthening the coalition rather than positioning themselves amid internal turbulence.
“Zahid wants MCA and MIC in BN, but he spoke out of frustration. He is fed up because both appear closer to PN,” he said.
He added, “MCA and MIC should recognise BN is no longer as strong as before; they should work to rebuild it.”
Sayuti also argued that even if either party were to leave BN, the unity government or its outreach to non-Malay voters would not be compromised.
He said, “Umno knows DAP can help secure non-Malay votes. Umno can focus on regaining Malay support,” adding that MCA and MIC are unlikely to gain significant posts even if accepted into PN.
Zahid recently claimed a study showed most MCA and MIC grassroots want to remain in BN, but some leaders were “merajuk” over not being given positions, likening them to lacking “playthings.”
Former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker rebuked Zahid as “ungrateful” and morally blind for implying the parties were sulking after being sidelined.
In July, MIC said it felt like an “unwanted guest”, with deputy president M Saravanan stating the party had been “cheated” of a promised Cabinet post after GE15.
Zahid said he had met MIC and MCA leaders several times in recent weeks, though MIC president SA Vigneswaran later said he was unaware of such meetings.
Earlier this week, Zahid said BN would not stop MIC or any component party from leaving. The Umno president said he believed MIC would make a “wise decision” at its upcoming AGM and hoped it would not make a move it would regret, according to Bernama.
Dr Velan Kunjumaran of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia said MIC must uphold its political integrity and decide clearly on its future.
“MIC has to be firm if it wants to stay relevant,” he said.
“It was an open rejection by the chairman. We must accept any party can leave or stay; MCA or MIC is not controlled,” he added.
He said MIC should be practical and state plainly whether it will remain in BN.
BN ruled Malaysia for 61 years from independence in 1957 until its 2018 defeat in GE14. After GE15, BN returned to government in a coalition with Pakatan Harapan and parties outside PN.
