MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran has left the party’s future in BN squarely in the hands of delegates at its annual general meeting today, while sharply criticising UMNO for its hypocritical attacks on MIC’s potential pact with PAS.
In his opening address at the one-day convention in IDCC Shah Alam, Vigneswaran highlighted the double standards in political alliances. “When Pakatan Rakyat collaborated with PAS, it was hailed as reform,” he said.
“When UMNO partnered with PAS under Muafakat Nasional, it was the unification of the ummah. But when MIC explores links with PAS, it is unacceptable, and we’re told to stay silent within boundaries set by others,” he said.
The Muafakat Nasional charter, signed in 2019 between UMNO and PAS, collapsed after PAS formed PN with Bersatu.
Recent talks, confirmed by PN secretary-general Azmin Ali on Sept 5, involve possible electoral cooperation with MIC and MCA for GE16. UMNO Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi dismissed these as desperate survival moves.
Amid speculation of MIC quitting BN after decades as a founding partner, Vigneswaran emphasised delegates will debate and decide.
In this political turbulence, there are risks to MIC’s three Johor state seats, one exco post, 35 councillors, village headmen, a special officer to the mentri besar, plus positions in Melaka and Perak. Leaving BN would displace holders and risk sparking discontent.
On the other hand, Grassroots members accuse UMNO of sidelining MIC in the unity government. —Nov 16, 2025
Main image: The Star
