Kedah MIC hits back at Umno over PN cooperation criticism
Kedah MIC chairman S.K. Suresh said MIC does not need anyone's permission to make decisions regarding its political future.
"The future of the nation and the Indian community is our priority, and we always welcome cooperation with all parties for the benefit of the party and the community," he said in a statement today.
Earlier, Kedah Umno information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said Kedah MIC's move was a clear indication that it no longer wished to be part of BN's efforts to rebuild its political strength.
He said Kedah BN had never been intimidated by changes in the political landscape, including parting ways with any component party.
Suresh, however, questioned Kedah Umno's stance on loyalty, pointing to its cooperation with DAP.
"The message from Umno grassroots to your leadership is that they do not like Umno working together with DAP. Yet you are happy to enjoy all the privileges from the federal government and continue embracing them," he added.
He also took aim at recent defections from the party, including Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who joined PKR.
"Tengku Zafrul left the party, and even Umno members themselves have left BN and Umno. You could do nothing about it, so what is there for you to say?
Suresh cautioned Kedah Umno against provoking MIC further.
"It would be better for you to remain silent before we start revealing past incidents that will only worsen the situation and when that happens, do not regret it," he said.
Yesterday, Suresh announced that the party had approved the motion to work with PN and did not rule out the possibility of leaving BN.
He said the final decision on the matter would be determined by the MIC central leadership, led by its president, Tan Sri S A. Vigneswaran.
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