Did MIC bid 'sayonara' to BN during meet-up with Najib?

 

With MIC mulling its political future, a source claimed that top leaders from the party had paid former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak a visit, triggering speculation that the Indian-based party had made a decision.

According to the source who was privy to the meeting, MIC had decided to bid adieu to BN.

“The meeting happened in court yesterday. MIC wanted to tell him (Najib) about the party’s direction.

“Simply put, MIC (leaders) met Najib to say ‘sayonara’ (goodbye) to BN,” the source told Malaysiakini today.

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However, the source did not divulge details on Najib’s reply to MIC.

Malaysiakini understood that apart from MIC president SA Vigneswaran, deputy president M Saravanan, vice-president M Asojan, and secretary-general S Ananthan were present during the hour-long meeting.

MIC president SA Vigneswaran (left) and deputy president M Saravanan

Malaysiakini has contacted Vigneswaran and Saravanan for comments.

Frustrated with Zahid

MIC has been vocal about its frustration with BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s leadership.

Recently, four of the MIC’s state chapters passed resolutions for the party to leave BN.

Amid mounting resentment, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had invited MCA and MIC to join forces with Perikatan Nasional.

On Sept 2, PN secretary-general Azmin Ali described the offer to MCA and MIC as a “positive development” towards the 16th general election.

Azmin said PN welcomes any political party or individual who embraces the coalition’s ideals and struggles “to correct the worsening situation in the country.”

On Sept 6, BN deputy chairperson Mohamad Hasan chided MIC and urged its leaders to air their grievances during coalition meetings.

However, Saravanan shot back, saying Umno often left its allies in the dark on crucial decisions, accusing the nationalist party of making unilateral decisions.

Respect for Najib

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Elaborating on the meeting, a source from MIC said the meeting was held out of respect for the former Umno president.

“The fact is, Najib was the best prime minister for Indian Malaysians.

“And MIC still holds him in high regard for his contributions to the Indian community. So, the party felt it was important to let him know about our direction.

“Najib understands the current political dynamics and the need for MIC to make important decisions,” the source added. - Mkini