A source close to MIC leadership suggests joining PN could be a win-win, offering the coalition non-Malay support and the party a new political platform ahead of GE16.
PETALING JAYA: If MIC leaves Barisan Nasional (BN), the decision would be largely driven by political survival, analysts said, amid growing uncertainty over the party’s position and relevance within the coalition.
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said MIC has limited options, especially after the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was accepted back into BN.
“PPP is considered a rival to MIC. If they are in the same coalition, it creates tension, similar to how MCA views DAP as its political adversary. From a survival perspective, MIC has little choice but to leave,” he told theSun.
He also said MIC currently holds only one parliamentary seat, adding that the party’s victory in the 15th general election (GE15) was largely due to Umno voters rather than strong grassroots support from MIC.
“The reality is that MIC was disappointed because it did not even receive a senate appointment, making it feel sidelined.
“MIC (may decide) to leave BN for political survival. Whether this decision is correct or not would only be determined in the lead-up to GE16.”
He added that the real test would be whether MIC could retain its sole parliamentary seat outside BN and, more importantly, whether it would be allocated winnable seats rather than constituencies deemed unwinnable by its new partners.
“This would determine whether (such a decision by MIC could be) justified and how it explains its cooperation with PAS or an alliance that includes PAS, which some perceive as extreme.”
He drew parallels with Umno’s justification for working with Pakatan Harapan (PH) while rejecting DAP, adding that MIC may employ similar reasoning to defend its stance to supporters.
However, Azmi emphasised that MIC’s supposed position differs from MCA’s, adding that MCA appears to be adopting a “wait-and-see” approach while remaining within BN.
Meanwhile, International Islamic University Malaysia political science associate professor Dr Syaza Shukri said Malaysia’s political landscape has shifted significantly since 2020, with coalitions increasingly formed after elections rather than before.
“We used to practise pre-election coalitions, which were more stable and structured, such as BN, Barisan Alternatif, Pakatan Rakyat and PH. Pre-election negotiations are strategic to avoid multi-cornered fights and are more suitable for our electoral system.”
She added that post-election politics now revolve more around inter-coalition negotiations, which could create uncertainty for smaller parties.
She questioned the strategic advantage of MIC joining PN, particularly in terms of seat allocations.
“If the issue is contesting seats, I don’t think this would have been a major problem within BN, as MIC would likely still be given suitable seats.
“In PN, MIC may have to negotiate with parties such as MIPP or even Gerakan for non-Malay seats.”
She suggested MIC’s alleged move is more about distancing itself from PH and the Madani government, which the party believes has marginalised the Indian community.
In November 2025, during the MIC 79th Annual General Assembly, delegates passed a resolution for the party to leave BN, authorising party president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran and the Central Working Committee to determine MIC’s future direction.
