MIC president S Samy Vellu, in supporting Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's call on the opposition parties to join Barisan Nasional, should also back the Indian Progressive Front's (IPF) application to join the ruling coalition, its president MG Pandithan said today.

"If Samy Vellu is genuine in supporting the prime minister's call, he should not oppose IPF's entry into BN," Pandithan said when contacted.

Samy Vellu (photo, left) was reported in English-language daily The Star today as saying that the ruling front was willing to accept the opposition into its fold to unite the nation and facilitate implementation of development projects.

He added that, "if the opposition reject Mahathir's offer, it means they are thinking more of their political future than the good of the country".

In response to Samy Vellu's remarks, Pandithan said it is only 'rational' that IPF gets the same treatment if opposition parties are being welcomed into the BN fold.