BARISAN Nasional chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has confirmed that an internal dispute involving coalition partner the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) has been resolved, describing the party’s continued participation in BN activities as a clear demonstration of its loyalty.
Speaking to the media after officiating the Parti Progresif Penduduk (PPP) Annual General Assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today, Zahid said MIC’s involvement in both the 2025 Umno General Assembly and a pre-council meeting of BN representatives reflected the party’s commitment to the coalition.
“During the Umno General Assembly, MIC was represented by its Deputy President, Datuk Seri M Saravanan. Earlier this morning, at our pre-council meeting with Members of Parliament, Senators, and State Assembly members, MIC was present as well.
“Not only did they send MPs, Senators, and ADUNs, but the Deputy President was also present to represent MIC. This shows that the storm in a teacup has been resolved, and it is further reinforced by the positive news of the Parti Progresif Penduduk (PPP) joining BN today,” he said.
The event was attended by senior BN leaders, including PPP president Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan, BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, BN Women chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, and BN Youth chief Datuk Dr Mohamad Akmal Saleh.
Zahid’s remarks follow a period of uncertainty for MIC. Last November, the party’s 79th Annual General Assembly deferred a decision on whether to remain in or leave BN.
MIC president Tan Sri S A Vigneswaran confirmed that all three motions, including the proposal to exit the coalition, had been submitted to the Central Working Committee for leadership consideration.
MIC, a founding member of the Alliance Party alongside UMNO and MCA in 1955, later joined the expanded Barisan Nasional coalition in 1973 as additional component parties were brought into the fold. - January 18, 2026
