Zahid Met Mic Mca Two Or Three Times Last Week Amid Pn S Overtures

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Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said representatives from Bersatu want to meet MIC representatives for discussions. Pic Credit: BernamaKUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he met with MIC and MCA leaders "two or three times" last week, as questions linger over the two parties' future in Barisan Nasional (BN).
Zahid said representatives from Bersatu want to meet MIC representatives for discussions.
"We remain open, they can meet, they can discuss, but when it comes to making decisions, they must inform the BN supreme council," Zahid said in an interview with Mingguan Malaysia.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders, including those from Bersatu and Pas, have urged MIC and MCA to quit BN and join them amid their unhappiness over their role in BN.
"We also conducted a study, and the grassroots members do not wish to leave BN," he said.
He said certain leaders were perhaps in need of "toys".
"When they do not get their 'toys', they start stomping their feet," he said, adding that the voice of certain leaders does not reflect the grassroots' voice.
Asked if he felt the unity government had sidelined MIC and MCA, Zahid said that when the government was formed, both parties did not want positions in the administration.
"But if they want it now, they have to wait until the next general election. When we perform, then certainly we will work towards placing all our partners in the Cabinet. However, what is important is that we win first."
Still, Zahid said that MIC and MCA members of parliament continue to attend BN meetings and events.
The deputy prime minister added that both parties were Umno's "core partners" in BN.
"Our uniqueness lies in the fact that we can differ in opinion, but when it comes to making decisions, we decide together."
Meanwhile, regarding the Sabah state election, Zahid said BN was the "underdog party" in the Borneo state.
He added that BN has finalised cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and that there are no overlapping seats.
"We also will not object to PH cooperating with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
"Our stance is clear. No single party or coalition is dominant, so cooperation among various parties is crucial," he said.
Zahid said BN understood that Sabah politics was very volatile and dynamic and that all situations should be seen in the context of the situation there. - NST

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