'We need a real voice': PN leader calls for MIC to join coalition

SHAH ALAM – Bersatu Vice President and Bersatu Supreme Council member Sri Sanjeevan Ramkrishnan has openly welcomed the possibility of MIC aligning itself with Perikatan Nasional (PN), stating that the decades-old party’s contributions to the Indian community cannot be overlooked.

The remarks come amid growing speculation that MIC, one of the oldest Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties, may be rethinking its political alignment after years of diminishing influence within the ruling government.

"Personally, I welcome MIC. Even if MCA wants to be with us, I would also welcome them. You cannot deny the contribution MIC has made for society over the decades,” Sanjeevan told Sinar Daily.

He stressed that despite criticisms, the party has played a pivotal role in uplifting the Indian community through various initiatives.

“MIC has been there for decades and they have done so much for the community. Through the Maju Institute of Educational Development (MIED), they have supported so many Indian students to become graduates, produced doctors and professionals, and helped their community through university aid. You cannot just brush it away entirely as though MIC has had no contribution to society,” he said.

Sanjeevan added that MIC’s grassroots machinery, if aligned with PN, could significantly increase the coalition’s outreach to Indian voters ahead of the next general election.

“MIC still has their support, and by them being with us, I believe that will strengthen Bersatu as well as PN because their grassroots will eventually support us in the next election. I don’t see them as a threat, I see them as a friend who can complement each other,” he said.

He also acknowledged the significant challenge MIC would face in leaving BN, a coalition it has been part of since independence.

“It’s not going to be an easy decision for MIC if they ever decide to quit BN. They have been there for decades, but getting a divorce from BN is not that easy. So if that ever happens, hats off to the leadership of MIC,” Sanjeevan said.

At the same time, he questioned MIC’s political future if the party continues to remain in Barisan Nasional and within the current government bloc.

“Today, under the Madani government, MIC is one of the parties in the government of the day, but they have not been given a significant role. Can’t you see that the government is not really appreciating them?” he said.

He pointed out that while Indians are represented in other Pakatan Harapan parties such as DAP, PKR and Amanah, long-term Indian support for PKR is beginning to shift.

"For the last 20 years, the support of the Indian community for PKR has consistently increased. But I strongly believe this support will decrease tremendously in the next generation.

"For that reason, I want MIC to be with us, to make that happen and to ensure the community has a real voice in shaping its political future,” he added.