A rift within Barisan Nasional (BN) has surfaced following the resignation of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz from Umno, with the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) cautioning against the perception that Cabinet positions under the unity government belong solely to Umno.
MIC’s National Strategic Director, Datuk R. Thinalan, voiced discontent over remarks made by BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who recently suggested that Umno should retain its seven ministerial posts in the Cabinet, despite Zafrul's departure. Thinalan argued that such a stance disregards the coalition nature of BN, where decisions should reflect consensus among all component parties.
According to Thinalan, the ministry helmed by Zafrul should be viewed as a BN-held post rather than one solely associated with Umno. He asserted that any changes or replacements to Cabinet positions must involve discussions among all coalition members, including MCA and MIC, not just Umno.
The tension was triggered after Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, publicly expressed that Umno should be compensated with another Cabinet post to maintain its original quota of seven ministers. This assumption, however, is now under scrutiny, as it remains unclear whether Zafrul’s appointment was even made under Umno’s recommendation in the first place.
Thinalan pointed out the ambiguity surrounding Zafrul’s ministerial appointment, suggesting it might have been decided at the prime minister’s discretion rather than through Umno’s nomination. He questioned whether Umno had exclusive rights over such positions and challenged the notion that leadership roles should only benefit one party within BN.
He further emphasized that if the position once held by Zafrul is now vacant, there’s no reason why other BN components such as MCA — the second largest party in the coalition — shouldn't be considered as potential replacements.
Tengku Zafrul recently confirmed his resignation from all Umno-related positions, including his role in the party's Supreme Council and as the head of Umno Kota Raja. He also disclosed that he had communicated his interest in joining PKR to both party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and secretary-general Fuziah Salleh.
In the last general election, BN secured 30 parliamentary seats: 26 through Umno, two via MCA, and one each from MIC and PBRS. Presently, Umno holds seven full ministerial roles and six deputy minister posts, while MIC and MCA have yet to receive any Cabinet representation — an issue that continues to stir internal friction within the coalition.
Information Source: The Vibes
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