The True Meaning Of Friendship Mic S Loyalty In Changing Times

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IN THE fast changing world of Malaysian politics, loyalty is often tested and rarely guaranteed. Yet, the MIC has consistently stood by BN, even during the coalition’s most difficult and uncertain moments.

Following MIC’s 79th Annual General Assembly, there are signs that the party is reassessing its role within BN. While no final decision has been made, MIC has expressed its openness to engage in discussions with BN’s top leadership, if such an invitation is extended.
This willingness to talk should not be seen as a betrayal. Rather, it reflects political maturity and a desire for honest dialogue in a time of shifting alliances.
The GE14 marked a turning point in Malaysian political history. BN suffered a crushing defeat, losing not only its grip on power but also its long held reputation and public trust.
In the aftermath, many parties chose to abandon the coalition. MIC, however, remained. It chose to stay the course, upholding the principle of “susah senang bersama”—standing together through thick and thin.
That decision set MIC apart from others who quickly distanced themselves when the going got tough.
This is not the first time MIC has demonstrated such steadfastness. In 1988, when UMNO was declared illegal and Semangat 46 emerged as a rival force, MIC did not flinch.
Again in 1998, during the political crisis sparked by the dismissal of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the rise of the Reformasi movement, MIC chose to remain loyal to BN.
These were not easy times, but MIC stood firm, guided by principle rather than political convenience.
Today, the political landscape has shifted once more. UMNO now relies heavily on DAP and the PH bloc to maintain power at the federal level.
Understandably, UMNO must prioritise its new partners to ensure the stability of the Unity Government. However, this realignment has come at a cost. MIC and MCA, once central pillars of BN, now find themselves increasingly sidelined.
The perception that MIC and MCA are being overlooked is not without basis. When political attention and resources are directed elsewhere, long-standing allies begin to feel neglected.
MIC’s current position is not a rejection of BN, but a call for recognition. It is a reminder that loyalty must be mutual. A relationship built on decades of trust and cooperation deserves more than silence, it deserves respect and inclusion.
As Malaysia continues to navigate a complex and evolving political environment, the true test of friendship will not be measured in moments of victory, but in times of transition.
MIC has proven its loyalty time and again, even when it was not the easy choice. The question now is whether that loyalty will be acknowledged or quietly set aside in the pursuit of new alliances. 
M. Vivekananthan is the Aide to Deputy President of MIC and Tapah MP
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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