MIC will remain with Barisan Nasional, says deputy president, as party studies Indian community’s pulse under new PAS-led Perikatan Nasional.
KUALA LUMPUR: MIC has decided to maintain its position within Barisan Nasional for the time being.
Deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said the party needs to gauge the Indian community’s sentiment following the leadership change in Perikatan Nasional.
The decision to explore a coalition with PN was made last year when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was still chairman.
With PAS now leading PN, Saravanan said the party must check if the community can accept PAS leadership as an option.
“As a party representing the Indian community, we must check the pulse of the community to determine whether they can accept the PAS leadership as an option,” he told reporters after chairing a MIC Central Working Committee meeting.
He clarified that MIC’s previous engagement with PN was an enquiry, not an application to join.
This followed an invitation from PAS leaders, including its deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
Saravanan said they wanted to understand the terms of membership, given PN already has an Indian-based component party.
“They should have replied to us instead of accepting us,” he added.
Last week, PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan announced MIC had been officially accepted as a component party.
Saravanan said while MIC has no issues with PAS leadership, community matters like temple issues must be carefully considered.
The Tapah MP added that MIC remains open to engaging with all parties should opportunities arise.
