WITH the tussle between Umno and its splinter party Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) escalating, a MIC leader urged the former to make up its mind on its political affiliation.
“Sometimes, I just don’t understand Umno. If you don’t support the Perikatan Nasional Government, then don’t be part of it. Simple as that.
“As for MIC, our stand is very clear. We support Perikatan because MIC is part of the Government. At the same time, we’re part of Barisan Nasional (BN).
“If BN decides to leave Perikatan, we will follow the decision accordingly,” MIC vice president Datuk T Mohan told FocusM.
In the recently concluded MIC annual general meeting (AGM), party president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran had announced that the party will continue supporting Perikatan, pending a decision from the BN supreme council.
While MIC respect Umno’s decision to cut ties with Bersatu in the next general election, Vigneswaran urged the BN leadership to announce its prime ministerial candidate to ease the campaign process.
Political maturity needed
On how MIC is juggling its alliance with BN and Perikatan, Mohan said that the party and its members had no issues, adding it all boils down to political maturity.
“Our political climate has changed. Umno teamed up with PAS under the Muafakat Nasional banner. Bersatu is also planning to join the same group and we respect that.
“In fact, when MIC had a tiff with the Indian Progressive Party (IPF) and other smaller Indian-based parties, the BN leadership embraced them as allies and we respected that.
“But when it comes to Bersatu, it’s a different story for Umno. All I see is just unnecessary politicking which benefits no one,” said the Dewan Negara Senator.
Mohan then urged everyone not to get sidetracked by the political drama and focus on running the country.
“Besides, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin knows MIC and BN well because he was with us before.
“And in politics, anything is possible. So, don’t get surprised if you see Umno and Bersatu becoming good friends again nearing the general election,” he remarked. – April 5, 2021
