Kuala lumpur: MIC has decided to maintain its current alliance with Barisan Nasional (BN) following the leadership transition within Perikatan Nasional (PN), as stated by deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the decision to explore a potential coalition with PN was initially made during the party's annual general assembly last year when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was the PN chairman. However, with the recent appointment of PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as the new PN chairman, MIC is reassessing the situation to gauge the sentiments of the Indian community before making any definitive moves.

Saravanan highlighted that the decision taken at the time was heavily influenced by MIC's longstanding relationship with Tan Sri Muhyiddin. This relationship spanned his various roles, from Johor Menteri Besar to Prime Minister. As a party serving the Indian community, Saravanan emphasized the importance of understanding whether the community is open to a leadership under PAS.

During a press interaction after the MIC Central Working Committee meeting, Saravanan stated, "At that time, our members made the decision based on MIC's long working relationship with Tan Sri Muhyiddin." While there are no inherent issues with the PAS leadership, he noted that matters affecting the Indian community, such as temple-related concerns, need careful deliberation.

He further expressed that MIC is open to discussions with all political parties if opportunities for collaboration arise. Addressing rumors about MIC's application to join PN, Saravanan clarified that it was merely an enquiry following an invitation from PAS leaders, including deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, rather than a formal application.

"We wanted to know that if we (MIC) joined, then how would it be...as we are an Indian party and it already had an Indian party with them," Saravanan explained. He added that clarity was sought on whether MIC would become a new or permanent member, expecting a response rather than outright acceptance.

This statement comes after PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan's announcement last week that MIC had been officially accepted as a component party of the coalition during a meeting held last Saturday.