MCA, MIC may leave Barisan Nasional – Could Perikatan Nasional be their new home?
Such a shift could not only preserve the future of both MCA and MIC but also provide a strategic edge for PN to attract non-Malay support and rebrand itself as a credible alternative to BN.
SHAH ALAM - The potential move by MCA and MIC to exit Barisan Nasional (BN) and join Perikatan Nasional (PN) is seen as a realistic option, particularly if BN fails to offer space and political relevance to its component parties.
Ilham Centre Executive Director Hisommudin Bakar said such a shift could not only preserve the future of both MCA and MIC but also provide a strategic edge for PN to attract non-Malay support and rebrand itself as a credible alternative to BN.
“That is an example if they exit BN and operate separately like splinter parties, such as the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM). But, I do not see them being able to sustain that.
“The way voters think, they will refer to a strong bloc, so the highest and most reasonable probability is to join PN. So, in this context as well, PN will gain a new boost, even though it is not certain.
“But at the very least, PN can project itself as the new face replacing BN and indirectly pose a challenge to both Pakatan Harapan (PH) and BN in gaining non-Malay votes,” he said.
Hisommudin also advised that internal disputes within BN should be resolved tactfully through internal meetings, especially considering the coalition's history as a long-standing ruling party.
The response from Umno, in Hisommudin’s view, was harsh.
“Matters like these should be resolved through internal BN meetings because they are an old and experienced ruling party. In situations like this, their experience should be used to reach a proper consensus. Otherwise, we might witness the emergence of a new political alignment.
“If there is no space or position of importance for them within the political struggle, then what is the point of their existence (MCA and MIC)? To me, the survival of MCA and MIC should be prioritised,” he mentioned.
Hisommudin added that unless BN can offer meaningful representation and candidacy for elections, it is not unlikely for MCA and MIC to move on.
He said the coalition’s internal cracks could be healed if BN rebrands with fresh leadership and renewed strategy.
“They need to plan a new strategy, a rebranding. MCA and MIC still have the same old faces. That strategy does not align with the changes of today.
“Take DAP for example, they are very dynamic because they have a fresh line-up of young leaders after their senior figures stepped aside.
“So, there needs to be a renewed spirit brought in by the current leadership to win over the people in the General Election (GE),” he highlighted.
Recently, former MCA Vice President Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker claimed that grassroots dissatisfaction was growing due to MCA being 'trapped' in Umno’s politics for too long.
He said many believe Umno has abandoned the founding principles of BN to remain in power through cooperation with DAP.
MCA Secretary-General Datuk Chong Sin Woon later urged the party to chart its own course if BN remains indecisive.
He said that MCA had already given BN more than two years since the 15th General Election (GE15) to reorganise itself, but ongoing uncertainty has left MCA members feeling disillusioned.
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