Perikatan Nasional (PN) has approved the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC)’s application to join the coalition. The final decision now lies with MIC’s leadership, former PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin confirmed.
PN agreed to accept MIC as early as last year. The coalition now waits for the party to proceed.
Discussions Underway
“It’s not a secret—they have applied, and we considered it,” Muhyiddin said in an interview with selected press last night. “In fact, last year we decided to accept MIC.”
The former prime minister, who stepped down as PN chairman on January 1, noted that MIC president SA Vigneswaran holds the mandate to set the party’s political direction and timing.
Ongoing Communications
Muhyiddin stayed in touch with Vigneswaran and deputy president M Saravanan during their discussions. PN clearly stated its expectations and hopes for a positive outcome.
MIC’s entry would transform Indian political representation in or around PN. It would offer voters clearer choices.
“Interestingly, if MIC joins, nearly all Indian political parties would be in or linked to PN,” he said. Indian voters deserve the freedom to choose their alignments.
Supreme Council Approval
Malaysiakini reported yesterday that PN’s Supreme Council approved MIC’s bid on December 9 last year. Sources from Bersatu and PN confirmed this.
Muhyiddin briefed the council on MIC’s letter and his talks with its leaders. The addition aims to bolster PN’s election machinery and draw non-Malay support, especially Indian voters in urban areas.
Objections and BN Stance
The Malaysian Indian People’s Party, a PN component, objected. It called for deferring MIC’s entry since the party still belongs to Barisan Nasional (BN).
Rumours of MIC exiting BN have swirled, particularly after the party’s 79th annual general meeting last November. Delegates there approved a motion empowering leaders to explore options amid frustration over MIC’s role.
BN secretary-general Zambry Abd Kadir dismissed the talk last night. He said BN received no official notice from MIC and views it as a steadfast member.
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