MIC pledges to campaign for Harapan

MIC president SA Vigneswaran today ordered the party’s machinery nationwide to go down and campaign for Pakatan Harapan in the six state elections.

Previously, the party said it would only campaign for BN in the polls.

“It’s true that previously we took a stand to not campaign for Harapan candidates.

“But as a sign of respect to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim who came to our headquarters today, I want all MIC members to support Harapan candidates in the state elections,” he said.

Vigneswaran was speaking at a meeting between Anwar and MIC members at the party’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today.

Also present was Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi - who is also the BN chief - and MIC deputy president M Saravanan.

MIC and MCA are sitting out the polls, after being sidelined by Umno in seat negotiations with Harapan.

The meeting with Anwar today was allegedly to discuss MIC being mistreated by Umno.

Earlier in his speech, Vigneswaran shared about his party’s “anxiety” in the seven months it has been part of the coalition government.

“We only won one (parliamentary) seat, but in the name of unity, (government positions) should have prioritized MIC and MCA, and not individuals who lost in elections.

“This (exclusion from positions) shows we are being treated like a stepchild,” he said.

Elaborating, Vigneswaran said cabinet positions would have been a symbol of respect for MIC and MCA, who are long-standing partners in BN.

“It is alright if there are no positions. Dignity is important.

“As MIC president, I can guarantee that under my leadership, none of my people will go against the leadership.”

YOURSAY | MIC must start from scratch, like Muda

50 Selangor MIC members join former rep in supporting PN

COMMENT | Is the end nigh for MIC?

MIC leader suspended after appearing on PN stage