Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) is seriously considering leaving the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, a move that could significantly alter the political landscape in Malaysia. Despite this potential departure, the party has affirmed its unwavering support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim until the end of his term.

Delegates at MIC's 79th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, November 16, 2025, unanimously passed a resolution to delegate the final decision on exiting BN to the party's central working committee (CWC) and its president, Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran. This decision underscores the party's internal deliberations regarding its future political direction.

Vigneswaran stated that the MIC is prepared to collaborate with any coalition that respects the party's principles and ideology. He has also indicated an openness to joining the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. However, he clarified that no formal decision has been made regarding joining any specific coalition, including Perikatan Nasional (PN). Some reports suggest that MIC will officially apply to join Perikatan Nasional.

The MIC’s potential departure from BN marks a significant moment, as the party has been a component member of the coalition since its formation. According to a resolution, the present cooperation does not provide MIC with enough opportunities to participate effectively in promoting the interests of the Indian community and contributing to the country's development. The party believes that a new platform is required to give the Indian community in Malaysia more voice, be more inclusive, and be more principled.

Vigneswaran has already spoken with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim about MIC's intentions. He claims that during their conversation last Friday, he informed him of the party's desire to leave BN. The Prime Minister, though, apparently advised him to reconsider given their long history with BN. Vigneswaran stated that he had informed Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of the difficulties MIC was experiencing and that these difficulties were unrelated to Pakatan Harapan.

Despite the potential split with BN, MIC has assured that it will continue to support Anwar Ibrahim's leadership. Vigneswaran affirmed the party's commitment to support Anwar until the end of his term, regardless of any political decisions the party may make. "We have guaranteed before that we will support Anwar through this term. That decision is still in effect,” he stated.

MIC's decision to explore new political alignments comes amid what it perceives as a lack of respect within the BN coalition. Vigneswaran has expressed the view that MIC is no longer respected within the alliance, whether as a "sibling" party or a genuine party. Dissatisfaction with perceived neglect by UMNO, BN's leading party, has fueled speculation about MIC's future for months.

The move by MIC could have significant implications for BN, which currently functions as part of the unity government led by Anwar. BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has previously stated that the coalition would not prevent MIC or any other component party from leaving if it so chose. The implementation timeline for MIC's potential exit remains unclear as party leadership navigates constitutional requirements and formal application procedures with potential new allies.

MIC's potential departure from BN and alignment with a new coalition signals a significant shift in Malaysian politics, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the country's political landscape.