MCA and MIC risk being seen as conservative parties if they choose to join or work with Perikatan Nasional (PN), which is dominated by PAS MPs, says a political analyst.
Commenting on speculations around the potential realignment of MCA and MIC, including PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin’s expression of openness to collaboration, analyst Lau Zhe Wei said the biggest challenge lies in reconciling ideological differences.
The analyst from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) warned that the two Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties could be accused of compromising their core ideology and political direction.
“They might end up being labelled as conservative parties. Would that help? Certainly not.
“That is why if MCA and MIC are considering joining PN, they must carefully weigh the consequences,” he told FMT.
On Sunday, MIC president SA Vigneswaran said the party was open to discussions with other parties to ensure its survival.
His remarks followed a statement by his deputy, M Saravanan, who said MIC felt like an “unwanted guest” after being left out of government and GLC appointments, despite having senior leaders.
In June, MCA president Wee Ka Siong said the party would not rush to decide its future in the unity government, adding that any such decision would only be made during its general assembly.
His statement came amid speculation of grassroots pressure for MCA to leave BN, due to dissatisfaction with the party having no role in the current administration.
Yesterday, Hashim reiterated the party’s willingness to work with MIC and MCA under the PN banner, but said the matter would need further discussion among PN’s top leadership.
MCA and MIC currently contribute three seats to BN, which has 30 MPs in total, with 26 from Umno and one from Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).
Another analyst from IIUM, Syaza Shukri, also highlighted ideological hurdles as a key barrier to collaboration. She said all parties involved would likely need to undergo internal restructuring due to their ideological differences.
“Would PAS be willing to tone down its rhetoric, and would MCA and MIC be able to accept that?
“If these issues aren’t managed well, it could lead to internal divisions within both MCA and MIC,” she said.
