Some fuss when they don't get 'toys' - Zahid on MIC, MCA
BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claimed that a study found grassroots members of MCA and MIC do not wish to leave the coalition their parties have been part of for decades.
Without naming anyone, the Umno president suggested that some leaders throw a tantrum when they are not given “toys”, but their complaints do not reflect the sentiments on the ground.
BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claimed that a study found grassroots members of MCA and MIC do not wish to leave the coalition their parties have been part of for decades.
Without naming anyone, the Umno president suggested that some leaders throw a tantrum when they are not given “toys”, but their complaints do not reflect the sentiments on the ground.
"When they do not get their 'toys', they start stomping their feet," he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times, which referenced an interview with Mingguan Malaysia.
According to Zahid, he met with MCA and MIC leaders “two or three times” last week amid speculation about the parties’ future direction.
As for the opposition seeking to meet MIC representatives, Zahid said there was no restriction.
"We remain open, they can meet, they can discuss, but when it comes to making decisions, they must inform the BN supreme council," he added.
Responding to a question on whether MCA and MIC had been sidelined under the current administration, Zahid said it was the two parties themselves that did not want government positions.
"But if they want it now, they have to wait until the next general election. When we perform, then certainly we will work towards placing all our partners in the cabinet. However, what is important is that we win first," he added.
Still at meetings, events
Zahid noted that MCA and MIC parliamentarians continue to attend BN meetings and events.
Describing the two parties as “core partners”, he said: "Our uniqueness lies in the fact that we can differ in opinion, but when it comes to making decisions, we decide together."
Previously, MIC president SA Vigneswaran said he was prepared to engage in discussions with any political party to ensure the party’s survival and better serve the Indian community.
“We have decided that a leader must act in the interest of the party. So, I have decided to open the door to discussions with other parties,” he said.
In August, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man invited MCA and MIC to join Perikatan Nasional.
Last month, MIC Youth deputy chief K Kesavan attended the Bersatu Youth annual general meeting, with the party’s deputy president M Saravanan confirming that he was a “representative” of the party following an invitation from Bersatu.
