BARISAN NASIONAL components - the MIC and MCA have voiced concerns that they will be sidelined once again when it comes to ministerial positions.
Reacting to BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's statement that Umno was open to accepting Cabinet positions, the Indian and Chinese-based parties stressed that they could not be 'blindly discounted'.
A senior MCA leader said despite weathering numerous storms with the BN over the years, their contributions seem to have been forgotten and overlooked.
"We have played our part and remained a loyal BN component all this time. When we were denied any Cabinet positions previously, we remained silent and accepted it.
"Now, there is another opportunity, and we hope we are not forgotten again," said the leader.
He said the MCA has been on the ground in full force at every by-election and has played its part in wooing the Chinese support.
These sentiments were echoed by MIC leaders who told The Vibes that they were finding it tough to justify their membership as a BN component party.
"MIC along with the MCA are core coalition partners in BN but are totally not respected by Umno.
"Umno, long seen as the dominant force in the Barisan Nasional coalition, continues to treat MCA and MIC as its "punching bags."
MIC does not have a voice in the government and one wonders who is the voice of the Malaysian Tamil-Indian community today?, they asked.
Recall that Umno’s big boss Zahid had promised MCA and MIC back in 2022 that they would have representation in the cabinet.
But this has turned out to be an empty promise. With the current scenario, there are fears that Umno may even turn its back on both parties come 2027.
“MCA and MIC have been shoved to the periphery. We’ve been handed a raw deal, and we cannot just stand back and do nothing.”
To avoid further insult and humiliation, leaders from both parties said the MCA and MIC should seriously consider leaving BN.
The MCA is represented by Datuk Seri Wee Ka Seong (Ayer Hitam), Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng (Tanjung Piai) and the MIC by Datuk Seri M. Saravanan (Tapah).
“Saravanan recently proved his capabilities and influence in the Ayer Kuning by-election by helping BN clinch a huge victory.
"It is time Zahid propose to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that the MIC and MCA be given ministerial positions.
"Umno is well-represented in today’s Madani government with seven ministers and five deputy ministers – including Zahid himself holding two portfolios as the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Rural and Regional Development Minister.
"It is only fair and also justified for the MCA and MIC to also have a voice in Cabinet," they added. - May 25, 2025
