Its deputy president, M Saravanan, said while invitations had been extended by PAS and Bersatu, the final decision rests with the party’s top leadership, Sinar Harian reported.

“The (final decision) will not be by me or the president. Both the president and I have no power to decide,” he was quoted as saying.

Saravanan said the invitation by PAS for MIC to join PN meant that the party remains influential among the Indian community.

He said the overture also reflected PAS’s openness in working with the country’s main Indian-based party.

Meanwhile, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he would personally seek clarification from MIC president SA Vigneswaran over speculation that the party might work with or join PN.

“I will ask him myself,” Utusan Malaysia quoted him as saying.

Vigneswaran had previously said MIC did not rule out the possibility of joining PN, though it was still too early to make a decision.

MIC had voiced its dissatisfaction in July over being sidelined within the unity government, saying it felt like an “unwanted guest”.

Saravanan was reported to have claimed the party had been promised a Cabinet post after the 2022 general election, only to be “cheated” when the promise was not fulfilled.

Earlier this month, MIC said it was prepared to engage in discussions with any political party to ensure its survival and better serve the Indian community.