SHAH ALAM - Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today's meeting with the MIC leadership at the national level was a significant event that signified the unity and solidarity among the parties under the unity government and BN.
He said the meeting, which was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was an opportunity for the two parties to discuss various issues, including the upcoming state election.
"MIC expressed their views and intentions to support the agenda of the unity government and demonstrate their commitment to assist in the success of the BN-PH candidates in the upcoming state election," he said in a statement today.
Zahid said despite some attempts to portray the relationship between Umno and MIC as strained, it was more of a desperate action and bankrupt political tactics from certain parties, especially during the ongoing state election.
"The presence of the MIC leadership today reaffirms the strength and clear manifestation of the continuous unity that has been maintained since 1973," he said.
He added that the loyalty of the parties within BN had been the foundation of many successes achieved by the country, and he always hoped for the continuity of friendship from the leadership level to the grassroots, preserving it forever.
He also said that he was confident that the BN-PH alliance would be victorious in the upcoming state elections, and that the two parties would continue to work together to bring development and progress to the people of Malaysia.
Earlier today, Anwar who is also the Pakatan Harapan chairman and PKR president, urged MIC members to continue supporting Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran as the party’s president, describing him as a politician who has mastered 'the art of persuasion and diplomacy'.
Vigneswaran said MIC’s allegiance was with Anwar and vowed to help ensure BN and PH win in the coming Aug 12 state elections.
He claimed that MIC has received 'good offers', without elaborating on what kind of offers, but said 'we cannot take the offers'.
He expressed hope that Anwar will ensure MIC and MCA will be given the respect due to them after the state elections are concluded.