NO party can claim dominance in the new political era, said Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today.

“We have entered a new era of politics in our country. No one party can claim that it is the most dominant party and have more right to hold power by diminishing the role of other parties. That is old politics,” he said in a virtual address to the MIC annual general assembly.

In this new era, all parties have an equal role to play and their contributions are equally important for the wellbeing of the people and development of the country, he said.

“That is why we need to practise a political culture that is based on understanding, negotiation and consensus to find the best solution to preserve political stability, fend for the people and spur the country’s development,” he said.

He added the interests of the country and the people must always take precedence over the interests of the individual or group. 

“What is good for the people and the country should be the guiding principle for any political organisation, including the MIC, in determining the party’s future direction.”

The Perikatan Nasional government should be guided by the aspirations for economic development, improving the people’s welfare, racial harmony, and good administration, he said.

“I believe if we consistently hold on to these principles, we will definitely be successful in building a developed and prosperous nation.

“To realise this wish, we need the commitment of everyone, including the leadership and members of MIC. As a political party, the biggest contribution the MIC can make is to prioritise political unity for the sake of service to the people and not divisive politics for petty interests.

It is this that has enabled PN to function as a government in this difficult time, Muhyiddin said.

“I think the MIC’s leadership understands the situation the country is in and (the difficulties the) people are facing currently and that is why it continues to support the Perikatan Nasional government in governing the country and helping the people.

“That is the right and rational stance. I believe the Indian community is able to understand the MIC’s stance and support it.”

The Bersatu chairman thanked MIC for its support and said he hoped to count on it in the future.

Earlier MIC president S. A. Vigneswaran in his opening speech said the party would support the leadership of Prime Minister Muhyiddin and work with his party for now despite Bersatu’s issues with Umno.

“Umno last week had decided to end ties with Bersatu in the next 15th general election. As MIC, we respect the decision made in the spirit of Barisan Nasional unity.

“However, MIC, for now, will support Muhyiddin’s administration and will cooperate with Bersatu pending new developments (and) a decision from the BN supreme council.

“Let us wait and see the political movement for the near future,” he said at the AGM in Wyndham Acmar Hotel, in Klang. – April 3, 2021.