KOTA TINGGI: MIC has started unofficial discussions with Perikatan about its future, says party president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran.
"Yes, unofficially (there are discussions). We have nothing to hide.
"This is not a secret affair, we are open," he said at a press conference after the Johor MIC annual general meeting in Desaru.
He said this when asked if the party had started talks with Perikatan or any other parties.
Vigneswaran said the party leadership is reviewing its direction following motions proposed by grassroots members in several states.
"The motions from Perak, Penang and Kedah were about the direction of the party and the Indian community in the country.
"Everyone must understand that the nation’s political dynamics have changed. If MIC does not accept this reality, we will disappear.
"MIC accepts if we are called weak, but it is strange that many still want to talk about the party. That we do not understand.
"Many analyses have been made about MIC, with all sorts of things said, but we do not believe them. MIC only believes in our grassroots," he said.
On Friday (Aug 15), PAS spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin reportedly said the coalition had been invited to discuss the matter with Barisan component parties, including MIC.
Last week, Kedah MIC decided to leave Barisan, while on Sunday (Aug 10), Penang MIC expressed a similar sentiment.
Earlier this month, Vigneswaran said the party was open to talks with other parties as it seeks to rebuild following its weakened position after the 15th General Election.
Deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan was also previously quoted as saying the party would decide on its direction during its annual general meeting in October.
