BUTTERWORTH: The Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party has no intention of replacing MIC in Barisan Nasional, said its president, Datuk Seri RS Thanenthiran.
He said the 17-year-old party would not capitalise on internal issues between MIC and BN by positioning itself as an alternative for the Indian community.
Instead, he said Makkal Sakti would continue to work alongside MIC to champion the development and progress of the community.
“MIC’s struggle to champion the interests of the Indian community has spanned more than 70 years, and that legacy must be respected. We will never oppose MIC; that is our principle.
“Makkal Sakti is not an alternative to MIC. We are working together with MIC to strengthen our collective voice for the betterment of the Indian community,” he told reporters after Makkal Sakti’s 17th General Assembly, which was opened by BN chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamid.
Also present was BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
Thanenthiran described his relationship with MIC and its president, Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran, as very close, likening it to a bond between siblings.
Earlier, Zahid said no decision had been made regarding MIC’s position in BN, despite the circulation of letters purportedly related to the party’s application to join Perikatan Nasional (PN).
At the 79th MIC General Assembly last November, the party postponed a decision on whether to remain in BN.
Vigneswaran previously said three motions, including the possibility of leaving the coalition, had been accepted and submitted to the leadership.
Meanwhile, in his policy speech, Thanenthiran requested the implementation of the Malaysian Indian Blueprint, which was launched in 2017.
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