BARISAN Nasional (BN) has rejected speculation that the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) is preparing to leave the coalition, with its secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir affirming that the party remains a component member of BN.
Zambry said BN has not received any official notification to suggest that MIC intends to withdraw from the coalition, adding that relations among the top leadership of BN component parties continue to be stable and cordial.
“I am confident that MIC is still with BN to this day. There are no issues arising in relation to this matter and it was not even discussed (in the meeting).
“So far, we have not received anything, any report saying that they have exited or otherwise, and we do not take such claims as a credible source,” he told reporters after attending the BN Supreme Council meeting here today.
The meeting was chaired by BN chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. It was also attended by Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup and MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
Commenting on the absence of MIC representatives at the meeting, Zambry said it was due to time constraints rather than any political rift.
“BN always gives the benefit of the doubt. We work together and perhaps there are speculations being made, but we regard those merely as speculation,” he said.
Zambry added that the BN Supreme Council meeting also decided to accept the return of Parti Progresif Penduduk (PPP) into the coalition.
He said the meeting further agreed on new leadership appointments in Sabah, with Arthur named as the new BN Sabah chairman, Datuk Seri Jafry Ariffin appointed as deputy chairman, and Datuk Mohd Hasnol Ayub appointed as the state BN secretary. - January 22, 2026
