Party convention hands final decision on BN membership to SA Vigneswaran and central working committee.
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) has postponed its final decision on remaining within Barisan Nasional, entrusting the matter to party president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran and the central working committee (CWC).
Following extensive deliberations at the party’s 79th annual convention, delegates agreed to empower the top leadership to determine MIC’s political direction rather than voting on the resolutions immediately.
Sources indicate that a definitive announcement will not be made today, despite earlier indications that the convention might produce a conclusive outcome on the party’s coalition alignment.
The decision marks a measured approach to what represents potentially the most significant political repositioning in MIC’s history.
MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M Saravanan presented three resolutions to convention delegates, including proposals to withdraw from Barisan Nasional and submit a formal application for membership in the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional.
While delegates engaged in robust debate regarding the resolutions, the convention ultimately determined that such a consequential decision should rest with Vigneswaran and the party’s senior leadership rather than being subject to a floor vote.
This approach allows for more comprehensive consultations and consideration of the constitutional, legal, and political implications of changing coalition allegiance.
Earlier in the convention, Vigneswaran acknowledged the gravity of the situation facing MIC, describing it as a pivotal moment in the party’s relationship with Barisan Nasional.
“MIC had reached a crossroads in its journey with BN and it was up to delegates to determine its direction and future,” the president told attendees, framing the discussion as fundamental to the party’s long-term viability and effectiveness.
The convention debate follows months of speculation regarding MIC’s position within the coalition framework. Party figures have increasingly voiced concerns about their treatment within BN, particularly in relation to the coalition’s dominant party, Umno.
These grievances appear to center on issues of representation, influence in coalition decision-making, and the party’s ability to advocate effectively for the Indian Malaysian community’s interests.
Addressing the possibility of component parties departing, BN chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had previously stated that the coalition would not obstruct MIC or any other member party from leaving if they chose to do so.
Editor’s note: An earlier copy of this article reported that MIC had agreed to leave BN. The error is regretted.
