Zahid, who is Umno president and BN chairman, said MIC should not quit the coalition nor the unity government, and praised the party as a well-structured entity that always looks after the needs of the Indian community, Berita Harian reported.

“It is a very influential party. I believe that if the Indian voters throw their support behind MIC again, the party will be able to have more representatives in Parliament and the state assemblies.

“MIC needs to continue the cooperation (in BN). This relationship has been intact since the days of the Alliance (party). (Umno, MCA and MIC) are like three-in-one, and such ties need to be preserved,” he was quoted as saying.

Earlier today, MIC deputy president M Saravanan said the party will decide on its future direction after its annual general meeting in October.

The former minister said MIC felt like an “unwanted guest” in the unity government with no posts in the government despite having senior political figures like himself as party leaders.

He questioned whether it would be logical for MIC to remain in the unity government when it was not wanted by its allies.

Asked if MIC was considering joining PN, he said: “Right now, I dare not say yes or no.”