MIC is prepared to engage in discussions with any political party to ensure its survival and better serve the Indian community, says party president SA Vigneswaran.
He said the decision was made in the interest of the party and not because of pressure from any side, Sinar Harian reported.
“We have decided that a leader must act in the interest of the party. So, I have decided to open the door to discussions with other parties,” he was quoted as saying after officiating the 79th Perak MIC convention at the Tun Samy Vellu Convention Centre in Sungai Siput today.
“If it benefits the party, I will do whatever is necessary … for the sake of the Indian community as well.”
Vigneswaran said no formal invitations for cooperation have been received yet, but MIC remains open to negotiations for its survival.
He acknowledged the party’s weakened position and said it must take “reasonable steps” to rebuild.
“I don’t blame others. Everyone is struggling, but they also cannot blame us. If we are weak, we acknowledge it. But we will make rational decisions to strengthen the party,” he said.
In a likely reference to M Thulsi’s suggestion for MIC to leave the unity government, Vigneswaran also expressed regret over remarks by a Perak DAP assemblyman that he said had offended the party.
Despite having no Cabinet representation, Vigneswaran said, MIC continues to honour its commitment to support Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for this parliamentary term.
MIC’s future has been under scrutiny after deputy president M Saravanan said the party’s direction would be decided at its annual general meeting in October.
In an interview with Utusan Malaysia, Saravanan said MIC felt like an “unwanted guest” in the unity government with no posts in the government despite having senior political figures like himself as party leaders.
Barisan Nasional chairman and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said, however, that MIC is guaranteed a better future by remaining with BN.
