BN to discuss MCA, MIC's non-participation in state polls

PUTRAJAYA - Barisan Nasional (BN) will address the decision of MCA and MIC not to participate in the upcoming six state elections.

According to its chairman, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the matter will be deliberated during the next BN Supreme Council meeting scheduled for Monday.

"I acknowledge and respect the decision made by the two parties, but we will thoroughly discuss it on July 10," he told reporters after attending the monthly assembly of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) here on Thursday.

Zahid stressed that if MCA and MIC remain firm in their decision not to participate in the upcoming six-state elections, the prepared seats will be given to Umno.

"We have already allocated seats for MCA and MIC, but if they choose not to contest, we will reallocate them," he added.

However, Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, dismissed the claims that MCA and MIC are experiencing relationship issues within the BN coalition.

"There are no problems. They will still actively campaign, but they will not be competing," he clarified.

When asked whether MCA and MIC's decision can be considered a boycott, he stated that both parties have their own valid reasons.

"I respect their decision and believe it is important to discuss this matter on July 10 rather than speculating without proper knowledge," he added.

Previously, the Election Commission (EC) announced that the state elections in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan will be held simultaneously on August 12, with candidate nominations taking place on July 29 and early voting on August 8.