Political analysts predict MIC will remain loyal to Barisan Nasional for GE16, despite swirling rumours of a potential defection to Perikatan Nasional.
PETALING JAYA: Rumours that the MIC might jump ship to Perikatan Nasional (PN) have intensified but analysts say the party is likely to stay with Barisan Nasional (BN).
This follows media reports claiming that PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan had approved MIC as a component party, potentially making it PN’s fifth member.
MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan dismissed the claims, stressing that the party has not officially joined PN.
He said MIC’s central working committee has yet to make a decision.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali said while MIC has expressed dissatisfaction with Umno in the past, the party appears hesitant to abandon BN.
“It seems MIC is somewhat reluctant about joining PN. Although the party has been vocal previously, there appears to be dissatisfaction with Umno for not showing what MIC perceives as a strong commitment after joining. This has left MIC appearing a bit sulky or hesitant.”
He said Saravanan’s statement underscores MIC’s uncertainty.
“I predict that even if PN officially extends an invitation to MIC, the party is unlikely to accept. There is already new momentum within BN.”
Recently, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that BN plans to contest 115 parliamentary seats, signalling that the coalition has regained confidence and is recovering from past challenges.
“This renewed image of BN may appeal to MIC. By contesting 115 seats, BN seems revitalised, returning to its role as the backbone of government. I am confident that MIC will remain, for now, with BN as the coalition now has a clear plan and strategy,” said Mazlan.
Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan offered a different perspective, noting that MIC’s influence within BN has waned and the party faces challenges in maintaining voter confidence.
“As far as BN is concerned, they want to keep MIC in BN. But there is not much value added, just that BN wants to retain the nostalgia.”
Azmi pointed out that the Indian community’s support for MIC has traditionally hinged on Umno’s dominance, rather than the party’s independent strength.
“Right now, Umno is far more dominant. Supporters have drifted from MIC to others. The same applies to PN as PAS and Bersatu are not dominant players politically. This situation is unlikely to inspire confidence in MIC among Indian voters,” he noted.
Despite the speculation, analysts agree that MIC’s strategic calculations, combined with BN’s revived image, suggest that the party is likely to maintain its long-standing coalition loyalty, at least for the 16th General Election.
As of press time, MIC’s status regarding PN membership remained uncertain.
