He said BN should not demand (positions) because that would go against the principle of “No Anwar, No DAP” adopted before the general election, when BN and Umno had decided against working with Anwar, chairman of Pakatan Harapan, and PH member DAP.

“But we can support (the unity government formed by Anwar),” he told FMT.

“To support (the unity government) does not mean we have to be in (ministerial) positions. But if the prime minister wants to give positions and wants anyone to come and work with the unity government, that is a totally different thing.”

Vigneswaran was amplifying on comments made to Sinar Harian yesterday where he was reported as saying that MIC would not seek any ministerial positions in Anwar’s government.

Anwar was appointed prime minister on Thursday as the head of the party with the most seats won in the general election. He was requested by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to form a unity government which would have majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.

Pakatan Harapan won 82 seats, not enough for the 112 needed for a simple majority. Barisan Nasional (30 seats) and East Malaysia parties (34 seats) have declared support for Anwar’s government. Perikatan Nasional (73 seats) comprising Bersatu, PAS and minor parties, has opted to form the opposition.