MIC President Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran conveyed that the party remains open to discussions with Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders as it evaluates its political future, stressing that MIC has never viewed BN or UMNO as adversaries despite recent internal decisions pointing toward a possible withdrawal from the decades-old coalition.
Speaking in Shah Alam, Vigneswaran shared that MIC had yet to receive any official invitation for talks, but made clear that the party was willing to engage at any time. He reminded that MIC and UMNO had stood side by side for more than six decades, and that recent decisions made by party delegates were rooted in safeguarding MIC’s relevance rather than expressing dissatisfaction or hostility.
The discussion follows the MIC’s 79th annual general meeting, where delegates unanimously backed a motion empowering the leadership to consider leaving BN and determine the appropriate timing for such a move. The decision was framed as a forward-looking reassessment rather than a reaction to conflict. The party’s Central Working Committee is expected to convene soon to deliberate the next phase, though Vigneswaran shared that the specific date for the meeting had not yet been finalised.
BN Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had earlier stated that BN Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan’s efforts to arrange a meeting with MIC’s senior leadership were viewed as the best approach to addressing the matter. Zahid had also expressed readiness to accept any decision MIC ultimately makes, indicating that BN would not pressure the party to remain if it felt compelled to chart a new course.
Vigneswaran acknowledged Zahid’s receptive stance and said MIC appreciated the respectful and open attitude shown by BN’s top leadership. At the same time, he advised MIC leaders to refrain from issuing public comments while decisions were still under internal review, emphasising the importance of preventing unnecessary tension during a sensitive period.
He also likened the situation to a longstanding family relationship facing space constraints, suggesting that MIC’s reconsideration of its place in BN stemmed from the feeling that the party was no longer afforded adequate room to play a significant role. Despite this, he reiterated that MIC’s intentions were neither confrontational nor disruptive but centred on securing the party’s long-term viability.
The coming weeks are expected to determine whether MIC proceeds toward a formal exit or negotiates renewed terms within the coalition as BN prepares for shifting political dynamics ahead of future elections.
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