GEORGE TOWN: Penang MIC's decision to leave the state Barisan Nasional is due to the frustration with the coalition's unfulfilled promises, says state MIC head Datuk J. Dhinagaran.
He said the decision was supported by the party's 177 branches and 13 divisions at the state MIC's annual general meeting recently.
"They never gave us any city councillors' posts nor any seats in government-linked companies, and any meetings to discuss these issues fell on deaf ears," said Dhinagaran when contacted.
"Even my representation on the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) was due to the invitation by the state DAP, which heads the board, rather than through Barisan.
Dhinagaran was appointed as commissioner on the board two years ago and re-appointed for another two years when a new board was appointed recently.
PHEB is the only state entity on which MIC sits.
"We have been a loyal partner and worked tirelessly every general election to ensure Barisan candidates' victory at the state and national level.
However, Dhinagaran said the state was not making a unilateral decision to leave Barisan.
"Our president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran has acknowledged our stand but said a decision on the issue would be made at the national level," he added.
Kedah MIC made a decision last week to leave Barisan, voicing their frustration at not being acknowledged as an equal partner in the coalition.
