'Reformasi' chants resound at MIC-Anwar meeting

KUALA LUMPUR - Chants of 'Reformasi' reverberated during a meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran, and the MIC leadership today, leaving some delegates puzzled.

The unexpected 'Reformasi' chants during the meeting added further intrigue to the already complex political situation.

Prior to the chants, Vigneswaran had assured the MIC leaders that the party's entire leadership would work as a united team with the coalition's machinery to achieve their goals in the upcoming state election.

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

“But as a sign of respect to Prime Minister 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 here today.

Also present was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Barisan Nasional chief and MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M Saravanan.

It was reported that MIC expressed discontent with the treatment it received from Umno, its partner in Barisan Nasional, during seat negotiations for the state elections.

This dissatisfaction led to MIC's earlier announcement that it would sit out the polls on Aug 12.

In a related matter, Anwar has assured that he would discuss MIC’s representation in the government with other party leaders.

“As much as I trust Vicky (MIC president), you need to trust me," said Anwar.