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New Straits Times

MIC risks political marginalisation if it leaves BN, say experts

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC could face a bleak future if it chooses to leave Barisan Nasional (BN), as it would struggle to compete with established multiracial parties amid Malaysia's increasingly competitive political landscape. Political experts believe that the Indian-based party's survival hinges on either remaining within BN, given how closely its identity is tied to the coalition, or undertaking major reforms to remain relevant in the country's political arena. This follows a statement by party president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran, who said MIC is prepared to engage in discussions with any political party to ensure its survival and better serve the Indian community. He added that the decision was made in the party's best interest and not due to pressure from any external party. International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri said MIC could face greater political marginalisation if it exits BN, as it would struggle to compete with multiracial parties already gaining support among Indian voters. Speaking to the New Straits Times, Syaza said the party has long depended on BN's framework to maintain its relevance as the Indian community's representative. She added that MIC would also find it difficult to go head-to-head with more established multiracial parties such as PKR and DAP, which have broadened their appeal among Indian Malaysians. "It will be challenging for them to leave BN, as the party has long positioned itself as a representative of the Indian community within BN's larger framework. "This allows them to access resources that would not be available outside BN. "If they leave the coalition, it is unclear how they would compete with parties like PKR and DAP, who also attract Indian support," she said. Syaza added that MIC could only stand a chance outside BN if it goes through significant internal reform, brings in younger leaders and shifts its focus from race-based to issue-based politics. This, she said, could help it shed the perception of being a 'minor' party. However, even with reform, she believes MIC would still face stiff competition. "All in all, I think it is best for MIC to remain in BN but perhaps reinvent itself, much like what Umno is trying to do which is by reaching out to younger voters without losing its core base," she said. Echoing this view, Universiti Malaya political analyst Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said MIC is unlikely to survive outside BN due to its long-standing reliance on the coalition's political structure and the increasingly fragmented support among Indian voters. He said MIC's traditional strength was built within BN's consociational framework, alongside Umno, representing the Malays, and MCA, representing the Chinese, which provided it access to ministerial posts, patronage networks, and grassroots machinery. "Outside this framework, MIC risks being reduced to a symbolic actor without institutional backing," he said. Awang Azman also pointed out that the Indian vote is now heavily fragmented across Pakatan Harapan (PH), Perikatan Nasional (PN) and various groups, making it difficult for MIC to establish legitimacy without the support of a major coalition. He said the most strategic path forward for MIC is to remain within the coalition, led by Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. "Umno under Zahid has shown adaptability by cooperating with PH, demonstrating political pragmatism over rigidity. "This stable and inclusive environment allows MIC space to rehabilitate its image and reconnect with the community through service delivery, policy advocacy, and youth outreach, without the existential risk of venturing into the unknown. "MIC's political survival is not viable outside BN unless it secures a guaranteed platform within a ruling coalition. "Its safest and most strategic path is to work alongside a rejuvenated Umno under Zahid and leverage the machinery of the unity government for the upliftment of the Indian community," he said. Political analyst Assistant Professor Dr Lau Zhe Wei said remaining in BN still offers MIC a viable support structure. He added that while the party may be open to cooperating with other coalitions, such overtures are unlikely to significantly improve its political standing. "For parties like MIC and MCA, there are only two options, whether to stay in BN or form an independent party and stand on their own. "It sounds promising to say they are open to working with other parties, but in reality, Pakatan Harapan does not need them and if they join PN, their fate could be even worse than in BN. "It is a gamble, they could either win independently or suffer even greater losses," he said.