MIC letter to PN supports party's version of events, but suggests it strongly considered joining

Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan yesterday showed the press a letter from MIC president SA Vigneswaran, which he believed proved that the party did apply to join the coalition.

This was despite MIC denying doing so and saying it had only sought clarifications on terms and conditions should the party become a PN member.

A review of the letter shared by Takiyuddin appeared to support MIC’s version of events, but with wording that suggested the party was seriously considering joining the opposition pact.

“First and foremost, we wish to express our gratitude for the opportunity to be considered for readmission to PN.

“Prior to taking any affirmative steps toward such readmission, we seek certain clarifications to enable us to make an informed and deliberate decision, taking into account all benefits and rights to which we are entitled as one of the co-founders of the party,” Vigneswaran wrote in the letter.

Takiyuddin said the letter was hand-delivered to the then-PN chief Muhyiddin Yassin on Nov 15 last year.

Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan

The use of the term “readmission” and calling MIC as PN’s “co-founder” likely refers to when MIC was one of four parties that formally filed to join PN when the coalition was being registered in August 2020.

However, MIC withdrew its application that same month, after Umno declined to join the new coalition.

Four questions

In his letter, Vigneswaran outlined four questions that MIC wanted satisfied before it decided to join PN “again”.

The first was whether “readmission” would be automatic and without preconditions. It also wanted a formal offer letter for the party to deliberate on.

The second question was regarding expectations of requirements from MIC, as the most senior Indian party, should it join PN. It also wanted “mandatory assurances” that the Indian agenda would be safeguarded and prioritised.

MIC president SA Vigneswaran

Thirdly, MIC wanted to know what positions it would get within the coalition.

Finally, it wanted to know if there were any other terms and conditions it should be aware of before making a decision.

“Needless to say, all our rights are expressly reserved,” Vigneswaran added.

Following the submission of the letter, PN said it had accepted MIC as a member in December, with the decision ratified on March 14.

However, MIC has repeatedly denied that the letter it sent to the coalition was an application to join.

MIC has since reportedly decided not to pursue PN membership and will remain in BN for now. - Mkini