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A SENIOR aide to UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has criticised Malaysian Indian Congress’s (MIC) invocation of decades-old political history as a justification for leaving Barisan Nasional, describing the reference to pre-1973 Perikatan sentiment as unnecessary.
In a pointed statement, Zahid’s diplomatic officer Datuk Jailani Harun said the former BN ally is free to explore new political partnerships.
“Go ahead and seek new alliances. We will never stop you,” he said. “But stop using Perikatan spirit (‘semangat Perikatan’) to validate your decision.”
In Malaysian history, ‘semangat Perikatan’ refers to the spirit or ethos of the original Perikatan coalition, which was the predecessor of Barisan Nasional (BN). Historically, this spirit was invoked to stress loyalty, cooperation, and shared responsibility among coalition parties, which later evolved into the formal Barisan Nasional alliance in 1973.
Jailani argued that the Perikatan-era pledge to stand “together in thick and thin” had been abandoned by MIC, and accused the party of failing to adapt following BN’s defeat in the 14th general election.
He said MIC, along with MCA, had remained complacent while UMNO pivoted to maintain political relevance. “All this damage didn’t come overnight. But now both of you put all the blame on Umno and its president,” he added.
Defending Zahid’s decision to form the Unity Government, Jailani insisted the move was vital for BN’s survival. “Where would BN be today if Zahid rejected working with 18 other parties? What would happen to our members?” he asked.
Addressing MIC’s complaints over Cabinet representation, he suggested the matter lies within the party itself.
He emphasised that BN’s seven full ministerial posts, all held by Umno members, serve the entire coalition.
“And suddenly you accuse Umno of sidelining you? Why? BN holds meetings with MCA and MIC regularly. You never raised these issues there — but you go out and say it in public,” he said.
MIC’s decision to leave BN followed the party’s 79th Annual General Meeting in Shah Alam, where delegates at all levels endorsed a resolution stating that the coalition no longer allows the party to effectively champion the interests of the Indian community or contribute meaningfully to national development.
The resolution also noted that MIC’s exit would follow the party’s constitutional procedures.
Geostrategist Dr Azmi Hassan said MIC’s impending departure reflects frustration over unequal representation.
“MIC has no choice but to leave. They’re frustrated because MCA got one seat, Sabah BN got seats, but MIC got none,” he said. He added that the party has been losing support among its own base, with previous parliamentary successes relying heavily on Umno voters.
“Once they move out, they can’t go back. Right now, MIC is stuck in a very confusing position — whether to move or not,” Azmi noted.
Dr Velan Kunjumaran of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia said MIC’s credibility would be at risk if it reverses its decision, making a clean exit the most logical step.
He suggested that Pakatan Harapan could be a more suitable political partner than Perikatan Nasional, given the Indian community’s general discomfort with PAS.
“If they do leave BN soon, PH is a better option for them,” he said, recalling that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously advised MIC to remain in BN and collaborate within the coalition.
With MIC at a crossroads, its next moves could reshape both the party’s fortunes and the broader Malaysian political landscape. - November 17, 2025