Claims of MCA and MIC leaving BN viewed as 'storm in a teacup' - Analyst
Analyst suggested that if MCA and MIC leave BN, their best option would be to form another coalition or a ‘third force’ with other parties, including Muda, providing an alternative for voters disillusioned with PH and PN leaders.
SHAH ALAM - The claims that MCA and MIC want to leave the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition and withdraw support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim are unlikely to destabilise the Unity Government significantly.
Malaysia Chinese Studies (Huayan) Policy Institute Centre Academic Director Associate Professor Dr Chang Yun Fah said that MCA and MIC's potential departure would have minimal short-term impact on the Unity Government's stability, given that they won only three parliamentary seats in the 15th General Election (GE15).
The parliamentary seats won by MCA in GE15 were Ayer Hitam, held by MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, and Tanjung Piai, held by Vice President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng.
MIC's Deputy President Datuk Seri M Saravanan, a former Human Resources Minister, was the only MIC leader to secure a parliamentary seat.
"If these claims materialise, the impact on the Unity Government will be minor, but it could significantly affect Umno candidates’ chances in the upcoming GE16.
"I also foresee the possibility that other BN parliamentarians, particularly those opposed to Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, may also leave BN, risking their seats," Chang told Sinar.
He made these remarks in response to allegations that MCA and MIC might leave BN, despite their long-standing alliance.
Chang further predicted that MCA's chances of joining Perikatan Nasional (PN) are slim compared to MIC's, due to competition with Parti Gerakan, which joined the coalition earlier.
He suggested that if MCA and MIC leave BN, their best option would be to form another coalition or a ‘third force’ with other parties, including Muda, providing an alternative for voters disillusioned with PH and PN leaders.
Political analyst Dr G. Manimaran opined that MCA and MIC would be jeopardising their political future if they decide to leave BN and withdraw support for the Unity Government led by Anwar.
He viewed the rumours as a 'storm in a teacup' aimed at pressuring Zahid, who is accused of sidelining both parties after Umno joined the Unity Government over a year ago.
Manimaran argued that MIC is unlikely to leave BN or withdraw support for PMX, as the party is at its weakest, having won only one parliamentary seat in GE15.
"MCA and MIC are unlikely to leave BN because if they do, their MPs might have to pay RM100 million in compensation to the coalition.
"The three MPs from MCA and MIC might lose their status, privileges, and face by-elections whether as independents or under PN," he said.
Manimaran also predicted that MCA and MIC would face significant challenges in securing seats if they joined PN, as the coalition already has parties representing the Chinese and Indian communities, namely Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP).
"If MIC and MCA are serious about leaving BN, they need to do it now to allow the party to prepare thoroughly to become a 'third force' in the upcoming GE16," he added.
