MIC delegates want to quit BN, join PN; president says it's a matter of time

(Editor’s note: An earlier copy of this article reported that MIC had agreed to leave BN. The error is regretted.)

The MIC annual general meeting has decided to defer its decision on whether to remain in BN to the party president SA Vigneswaran and its central working committee.

MIC deputy president M Saravanan had earlier tabled a resolution on whether to quit BN and join Perikatan Nasional, which was debated by delegates.

However, the convention had agreed to ultimately leave the decision to the party leadership.

In a press conference later to clarify confusion over MIC's decision, Vigneswaran said delegates had voted to support the motion for the party to leave BN and join PN.

However, as in the rectified reports, he said that it was up to him and the party leadership whether or not to pull the trigger - and they likely would.

"If you heard my policy speech, I am sure about leaving BN. But that is my personal position.

"But MIC does not act on the president's whims like other parties. We follow the collective mandate of the grassroots.

"I think exiting BN is just a matter of who and when. As such, we are thankful to delegates who have given us space to make a decision," he added.

PN maybe, Harapan ‘hopefully’?

As for the party's new direction, Vigneswaran said there is no decision yet.

This is as MIC needs to consider whether the coalition it wishes to join fulfils its aspirations on all aspects, including seat allocations, he explained.

"We have many questions that need answers. So give us some time to decide on the new direction," he added.

On the anti-hopping law, Vigneswaran said it should not apply if MIC leaves BN as its sole MP - Saravanan - and five assemblypersons in Johor and Malacca have not quit the party.

Separately, the MIC president revealed that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had asked the party to reconsider their decision.

He said he had met Anwar last Friday, and that they had a frank conversation about MIC's issues.

"He (Anwar) understands MIC's reasons, and we have indicated that our problems don't stem from the prime minister or Pakatan Harapan. Our problems stem from BN," Vigneswaran added.

Asked whether MIC would consider joining Harapan, Vigneswaran replied: "Mudah-mudahan" (hopefully).

Anwar had earlier sent flowers to MIC and wished the party a smooth AGM.

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