MIC not keen on cabinet posts, says 'no one is scolding us'

Summary

• MIC chief Vigneswaran says “no one is scolding us” as the party is not part of the Madani government’s cabinet and will not lobby for positions if a reshuffle occurs.

• Vigneswaran says MIC is focusing on the 13th Malaysia Plan, having submitted many proposals.

MIC president SA Vigneswaran is relieved that the party is not part of the Madani government’s cabinet, saying that “no one is scolding us”.

He said MIC will not lobby for cabinet posts if a reshuffle takes place, adding that it was already too late for the party to accept any cabinet position.

“Everyone must understand that MIC no longer wants ministerial posts. It’s too late. There is no meaning in accepting such positions now.

“Moreover, we feel at ease now. No one is scolding us.

“Let the government give those positions to those who deserve them,” he said after attending a MIC women’s wing programme at the party headquarters yesterday.

Vigneswaran was asked to comment on whether he would be ready to accept a cabinet post following the resignation of two ministers in the federal government.

Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli and former vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad resigned as ministers after failing to retain their party positions in the May party election.

Rafizi, who previously held the post of economy minister, has been replaced in an acting capacity by Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan.

Nik Nazmi, who is also the Setiawangsa MP, vacated his office as natural resources and environmental sustainability minister effective July 5 and has yet to be replaced.

Focus on 13MP

Vigneswaran said MIC is focusing more on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

“MIC has submitted many proposals for 13MP. We believe the government will accept these proposals and take appropriate action.

“Various quarters have submitted proposals for the development of the Indian community.

“Anyone can make proposals, but the question is, will the government accept them? More importantly, will these proposals be implemented? We shall wait and see,” he said.

In the 15th general election, BN won 30 parliamentary seats - Umno with 26, MCA with two, and MIC and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) with one each.

Apart from holding six ministerial positions, Umno also has five deputy minister posts. PBRS has one deputy minister, while MCA and MIC have no cabinet representation.

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