MAKKAL SAKTI NEVER INTEND TO "REPLACE" MIC IN BN - THANENTHIRAN

BUTTERWORTH, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party (Makkal Sakti) never intended to 'replace' MIC in Barisan Nasional (BN), its president, Datuk Seri RS Thanenthiran, said.

He said the 17-year-old party would not take advantage of any internal issues between MIC and BN by positioning Makkal Sakti as an alternative for the Indian community. Instead, it would continue to work alongside MIC for the development and progress of the community in the country.

“MIC’s struggle to champion the interests of the Indian community in this country has spanned more than 70 years, and that legacy must be respected. We will never oppose MIC, that is our principle.

“Makkal Sakti is not an alternative to MIC. We are working together with MIC to strengthen our collective voice for the betterment of the Indian community,” he told reporters after Makkal Sakti’s 17th General Assembly, which was opened by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also BN chairman.

Also present was BN Secretary-General Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Thanenthiran described his relationship with MIC and its president, Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran, as very close, likening it to that of siblings.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid said no decision has been made regarding MIC’s position in BN, despite the circulation of copies of letters purportedly related to the party’s application to join Perikatan Nasional (PN).

At the 79th MIC General Assembly last November, the party decided to postpone the decision on whether to leave or remain in BN.

According to Vigneswaran, all three motions that were tabled (at the assembly), including leaving BN, had been accepted and submitted to the leadership.

Meanwhile, Thanenthiran, in his policy speech, requested that the Malaysian Indian Blueprint, which was launched in 2017, be implemented.

-- BERNAMA