MIC no different from Umno in fight for survival, says analyst

2026-03-26 - 01:50

MIC said it would remain with Barisan Nasional for the time being, without ruling out a future with Perikatan Nasional. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: An analyst says there is no difference between MIC and Umno when it comes to ensuring survival, following the Indian-based party’s decision to remain with Barisan Nasional (BN) for now. Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said while Umno was open to collaborating with other Malay parties, including those outside the unity government, MIC remained coy about its future with Perikatan Nasional (PN). She said the current Malaysian political landscape favoured post-election collaborations, meaning parties were less likely to commit to a pact from the outset. Speaking to FMT, she said political parties were hesitant to forge alliances in advance as they wanted to ensure that they would have options after an election. Syaza Shukri. “Nor do these parties want to come off as unprincipled should they forge a pact with other parties right after an election. “So it would not be surprising for MIC, or any other party for that matter, to switch allegiances and work with the party that secures the most seats,” she said. Yesterday, MIC said it would remain in BN for the time being. When asked if this meant that it had ruled out joining PN, MIC deputy president M Saravanan said: “No, I’m not saying that.” He added that developments in PN required the party to reassess its position, referring to PAS taking over the chairmanship of the coalition from Bersatu. Analyst Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri said MIC’s stance was a desperate attempt to ensure continuity. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri. He said that by not closing the door on PN, and by stating that it would remain with BN “for now”, MIC had inadvertently admitted that BN was a sinking ship. “This isn’t about loyalty or a matter of principle. MIC is clearly thinking about political survival. “It is aware that under BN, it will only be given one parliamentary seat to contest in the next general election, and this is an insult to a party that has been a pillar of the government.” Zaharuddin, of Global Asia Consulting, added that MIC having a foot in both camps showed its fear of being forgotten altogether. He said MIC was bound to be taken to task for trying to ensure its relevance. “They will be seen as opportunistic,” he added.