5 days ago
Kedah MIC-UMNO rift widens over PN cooperation motion
THE rift between Kedah MIC and Kedah UMNO widened after MIC's state chairman S.K. Suresh defended a motion to consider cooperating with PN in the next general election, accusing UMNO of hypocrisy for working with DAP while criticising MIC's move.
In a widening of the row, 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.
Suresh accused Kedah UMNO of hypocrisy for partnering with DAP despite past hostility and criticism, noting that some Umno leaders had defected and that DAP had previously insulted UMNO before now openly cooperating with it.
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.
Shaiful Hazizy also said that if that was the wish of Kedah MIC's grassroots, then Kedah BN wished them all the best.
'Kedah BN has never been intimidated by any change in the political landscape, especially if it involves parting ways with any component party.
'History has proven that Kedah BN can stand firm, move forward, and continue to gain the people's mandate even without the help of those who choose to turn away,' he said in a statement on Saturday.
Shaiful Hazizy also warned that parties leaving BN should not expect to return seeking seats or privileges.
'Let it be clear to everyone — when this door is opened for you to leave, do not one day come back demanding space, seats, or privileges in BN after having raised your hand in support of the opposing side.
'Loyalty is not a toy that can be pawned during election season and reclaimed when the situation becomes desperate,' he said.
In a statement on Friday, Kedah UMNO Youth chief Raqib Abu Hassan said Suresh was being a hypocrite, while the latter's response to Shaiful was 'shallow'.
'Taking a swipe at Kedah UMNO for 'cosying up' with DAP is trite.
'The reality is that it is MIC that has lost its allies and influence in Kedah, not UMNO.'
Raqib also said that Kedah MIC should stop playing 'hero', adding that Kedah BN would not be cowed by such threats.
However, warning Kedah UMNO not to provoke MIC, Suresh hinted at exposing 'past incidents' if tensions continued.
The motion, passed at Kedah MIC's annual meeting attended by party president S.A. Vigneswaran, will be referred to the central leadership for a final decision. It paves the way for Kedah MIC to work with PN in the next general election.
On August 2, MIC president S.A. Vigneswaran had said the party was open to talks with any political group to ensure its survival and better serve the Indian community.
MIC's future has been questioned after deputy president M. Saravanan said its direction would be decided at the October AGM, noting the party felt like an 'unwanted guest' in the unity government, holding no posts despite having senior leaders. —Aug 10, 2025
Main image: Free Malaysia Today
