Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has issued a firm warning to the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), saying the coalition will determine the party’s future if it continues to delay a clear decision on whether it intends to remain within BN. The statement comes amid growing uncertainty following MIC’s recent annual general meeting, where delegates opted to defer any definitive move on their long-standing membership in the coalition.
Speaking at the 17th annual general assembly of Makkal Sakti in Perai, Zahid conveyed his frustration with what he described as indecision from one of BN’s founding members. He indicated that prolonged ambiguity was unacceptable for a coalition that values clarity and loyalty, adding that BN’s leadership would step in if MIC failed to settle the matter internally.
Zahid later confirmed that his remarks were directed at MIC, noting that a letter linked to the party, which reportedly explored engagement with Perikatan Nasional, had been circulating. He interpreted this as a potential signal of shifting political alignment, raising concerns within BN about MIC’s commitment. According to him, BN could not allow a situation where positions appeared to change from day to day, as such uncertainty risked undermining the coalition’s stability.
The BN chairman also revealed that MIC’s status within the coalition is expected to be discussed at an upcoming BN Supreme Council meeting scheduled for next year. This follows MIC’s AGM resolution last month to postpone a final decision on its membership. MIC president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran later clarified that all related motions, including the proposal to exit BN, had been referred to the party’s central working committee for further deliberation.
Beyond the MIC issue, Zahid highlighted broader structural challenges within BN, particularly concerning the admission of new parties. He explained that the coalition’s current constitution requires unanimous consent from Umno, MCA, MIC and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah for any new core party to be admitted. This requirement, he said, has prevented allied groups such as Makkal Sakti from obtaining full membership status.
Zahid suggested that BN’s leadership would soon consider whether constitutional amendments, restructuring, or even rebranding were necessary to address these limitations. He acknowledged the patience shown by parties aligned as “Friends of BN,” a category for allies that support the coalition without full membership rights. While stopping short of naming specific objections, he hinted that resistance from within the coalition had stalled the admission of at least one such party.
The developments underscore a period of internal reassessment for BN, as it seeks to balance historical alliances with the need for coherence and renewal in an evolving political landscape.
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