MIC has to ‘sink or swim’ with Umno, say party insiders

 

The next MIC general assembly, to be held on Sunday, is not expected to have much to discuss. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The MIC’s leadership elections for the 2021-2024 term has been done and dusted with barely a whimper, unlike elections in the past. The process was admirably smooth, with about 70% turnout from the 24,000 delegates eligible to vote in the 4,000 branches, the largest number of any political party.

Some party insiders say the uneventful elections reflect the total control of the party by president SA Vigneswaran and his deputy M Saravanan, but others reckon the unusual calm is related to the MIC’s growing “insignificance” and the limited number of seats it is expected to be given at the next general election (GE15).

The party’s general assembly, to be held on Sunday (Dec 12) may not have anything significant to discuss.

“The leadership capitalised on the unusually smooth polls to call for the annual assembly and start preparing for GE15 which will see a much reduced number of MIC candidates compared to the past,” said one leader.

“There was no open show of defiance at the elections and it appears that whatever little opposition is now under total control of the president and deputy president. Especially now that most of their men were voted in.”

The question on everyone’s lips is what tone of language the president will use in his policy address, given his strong words in April at last year’s postponed assembly, when Muhyiddin Yassin, the Perikatan Nasional chairman, was the prime minister.

Vigneswaran had paid a glowing tribute to Muhyiddin for granting MIC a ministerial position despite not being recommended by BN and also having a single MP in its ranks. Some leaders were shocked when he said MIC will continue backing Muhyiddin, although Umno had broken ranks with PN just a week before.

“The scenario was different then. What do you expect him to say next week? Of course, he is going to wax lyrical about Umno and BN. The Melaka elections showed MIC that it would have lost the one seat given if it had stood under PN,” he said.

Another source said Vigneswaran has been bitter with Umno in the past for legitimising its rival Indian-based parties such as the Indian Progressive Front and Makkal Sakthi at the expense of MIC which he felt has made much sacrifice for so long.

“But under the current political scenario, MIC has no choice but to declare its support for Umno to ensure it is not wiped out in GE15,” he said.

However, party vice-president T. Mohan, who polled the most number of votes among the three elected vice-presidents, denied that the party will have to grovel to Umno leaders to get as many seats as possible.

He said there are about 40 seats in the country whose electorate comprises more than 15% Indian voters, making MIC relevant for the coalition.

“This is especially so if PN and BN go their separate ways in GE15. We can help tip the balance in BN’s favour in many of these seats. So, MIC’s survival is vital for BN to remain in power,” he told FMT, although the party is not expecting to be given as many seats as the last time.

He said in terms of party machinery at the grassroots, none can beat Umno, MIC and PAS who can help sway the campaign towards them.

Mohan said he expects MIC to stage a recovery in GE15 to some extent saying many young Indian professionals have started joining the party.

“Some of them are thinking differently these days. Instead of fighting from the outside making demands, they feel it is better to be part of MIC which has the ears of the ruling government.” - FMT