TENSIONS within Barisan Nasional (BN) have come under renewed scrutiny following sharp comments by its chairman, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who expressed frustration with MCA and MIC for appearing to exploit the coalition’s weakened state instead of working to revitalise it.
Speaking to The Vibes.com, political observers said Zahid’s displeasure was also driven by the perceived closeness of MCA and MIC to leaders from Perikatan Nasional (PN), a move seen as threatening BN’s unity and credibility.
Independent commentator Mohd Sayuti Omar said the two component parties should have prioritised reinforcing the coalition rather than positioning themselves for advantage amid its internal struggles.
“Zahid wants MCA and MIC in BN, but he made the statement out of frustration. He is fed up with MCA and MIC’s behaviour as both appear to be more close to PN,” Sayuti remarked.
“MCA and MIC should know that BN is not as strong as it was before; therefore they should work to make BN stronger again,” he added.
Sayuti further argued that even if either MCA or MIC were to leave BN, it would not compromise the unity government’s standing or its pursuit of non-Malay voter support.
“Because Umno knows that DAP can help secure the non-Malay votes. Umno can focus on getting or winning the Malay support back,” he said.
“DAP has secured the non-Malay votes, so Umno is not going to lose anything from this,” Sayuti continued, adding that MCA and MIC are unlikely to receive significant positions even if accepted into PN.
Zahid recently claimed that while a study had shown most MCA and MIC grassroots members wished to remain in BN, some leaders were “merajuk” (sulking) over not being granted positions — metaphorically described as “playthings”.
The remarks prompted a sharp rebuke from former MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, who accused Zahid of being “ungrateful” and morally blind for suggesting the two parties were sulking after being sidelined.
In July, MIC expressed that it felt like an “unwanted guest”, with its deputy president, Datuk Seri M Saravanan, stating the party had been “cheated” of a promised Cabinet post following the 15th general election.
Zahid also stated that he had met with MIC and MCA leaders several times in recent weeks, though MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran later said he was unaware of such meetings.
Earlier this week, Zahid said BN would not prevent MIC or any of its component parties from leaving the coalition. The Umno president added he believed MIC would make a “wise decision” at its upcoming annual general meeting and expressed hope the party would not make a move it would later regret, according to Bernama.
Dr Velan Kunjumaran of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia weighed in, suggesting that MIC must uphold its political integrity and decide clearly on its future direction.
“MIC has to be firm if it wants to stay relevant in politics,” he said. “Zahid was clear that he wants MIC out of the coalition.”
“It was an open rejection made by the chairman. We have to be open and accept any party can leave or stay. MIC or MCA is not controlled,” Dr Velan added.
“In this case, I think MIC has to be practical. They have to make it clear whether they want to stay or to leave BN.”
Barisan Nasional, which governed Malaysia continuously for 61 years from independence in 1957 until its defeat in the 14th general election in 2018, returned to power in a coalition government after GE15. That government was formed with former rival Pakatan Harapan and other parties outside of Perikatan Nasional. - October 20, 2025
