Mic S Silence Umno S Arrogance And Bn Unity S Death

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Despite being one of the oldest political parties in the country, MIC remains shackled under the dominance of Umno within the BN coalition.
Recently, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi pushed for the reinstatement of all seven ministerial posts to Umno, following the resignation of Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz from the party, reducing it to six.
Zahid’s demand that the vacant seat be filled by another Umno leader has drawn criticism, particularly from MIC strategic director R Thinalan.
Thinalan slammed Zahid’s approach, saying Umno was acting as if it were the sole representative of BN, sidelining MCA and MIC in the process.
ADSHe called for either MIC or MCA to be given the vacant ministerial seat, especially if Zafrul has to step down as the international trade and industry minister.
Umno president Ahmad Zahid HamidiWhat’s more telling, however, is the silence of the MIC’s top leadership.
Instead of voicing discontent themselves, the party’s president and deputy president chose to let Thinalan carry the burden of articulating MIC’s dissatisfaction.
MIC and MCA have long felt marginalised, not just by Umno’s overbearing dominance, but also by the Madani government’s selective inclusivity.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s seemingly close alignment with Zahid has led to growing frustration.
Not even token post
In the name of unity, the government should have at least appointed a minister from either MIC or MCA as a symbolic gesture of representation.
The denial of even a token cabinet post to the Indian community speaks volumes.
Publicly, things may appear stable, but privately, both MIC and MCA are growing increasingly disillusioned.
Time to part ways…
Rumours suggest that, under the right circumstances, both parties may consider switching allegiances - a move seen as preferable to playing subservient roles in a coalition that no longer values them.
The core issue lies with MIC’s leadership. It lacks the courage and commitment to stand up for the community it claims to represent.
ADSIf MIC couldn’t deliver during its political heyday, it is even less likely to do so now amid growing irrelevance and internal decay.
The truth is stark: Umno no longer needs MCA or MIC to project inclusiveness, especially with DAP playing its role to retain a sliver of non-Malay support.
But this political calculation may backfire. As DAP continues its passive stance within the government, it risks alienating its base, just as MIC and MCA already have.
BN unity, once a formidable political brand, now looks like a relic - held together more by nostalgia than mutual respect. - Mkini
P RAMASAMY is Urimai chairperson and former deputy Penang chief minister II.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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