The question of whether MIC will remain in BN and its relationship with PAS is set to be the hottest issue tomorrow at the party's annual general meeting (AGM).

The 72nd since its establishment, it will also go down in history as the first time it is holding an AGM as an opposition party since the nation's independence in 1957.

MIC, the third largest party in the BN coalition after Umno and MCA, is likely to set its future direction as well at this meeting.

BN chairperson, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Umno president, will be officiating the AGM. Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak will also be present.

Under the leadership of new president SA Vigneswaran who is seen as loyal to BN, it cannot be denied that there are voices from the grassroots who want to see a change within the party for it to remain relevant.

Many MIC members believe that the "racist and egoistic" behaviour of several Umno leaders were the main cause for MIC's fall in the previous general election. MIC only won two parliamentary seats and three state seats out of a total of 27 seats contested.

There are also party leaders who would like the party to distance itself from Umno or form a new coalition without Umno to regain the confidence of Indian voters in MIC.

Apart from this, the friction between Umno and MIC over the placing of a candidate in the recent Port Dickson by-election is also expected to be raised by the delegates in this AGM.

MIC has historically contested Port Dickson (formerly known as Teluk Kemang) since 1974 but they did not contest the latest by-election following a falling out with Umno which wanted field their own candidate without consulting MIC.

Alliance with PAS?

MIC now also appears to be ready to cooperate with PAS, an Islamist Malay party.

Vigneswaran in a recent statement had said that his party was ready to work with PAS in the future and they had also sent party representatives to attend the PAS muktamar last month.

During his speech at the muktamar, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang had openly invited MIC and Umno to form a new coalition with PAS.

However, there are those who still believe that a cooperation between MIC and PAS will cause more anger among the Indian voters towards MIC.

Aside from the issue of Umno, PAS, current politics and the migration of party members to Pakatan Harapan, claims of chaotic party elections to be held next week is also expected to be on the agenda.

The AGM which will be held at Dewan Merdeka at the Putra World Trade Centre tomorrow will be attended by more than 2,000 delegates and observers from around the country.