The meeting of the two leaders from across the political aisle at the event, largely attended by the Indian community, came amid speculation about MIC’s future in Barisan Nasional.

Azmin, who is Hulu Kelang assemblyman, was present to officiate the launch, while Saravanan attended in his capacity as a leader of the Indian community.

Also present were Taman Medan assemblyman Afif Bahardin and Bersatu Youth chief and Gombak Setia assemblyman Hilman Idham, as well as Bersatu Youth information chief Harris Idaham Rashid, who confirmed their attendance with FMT when contacted.

The event took place while the federal government’s national Deepavali open house was being held at the nearby KL Sentral, officiated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Yesterday, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition will not prevent MIC or any of its component parties from leaving the coalition.

MIC is reportedly considering leaving BN, citing dissatisfaction with its position in the unity government.

In July, MIC said it felt like an “unwanted guest”, while Saravanan claimed MIC was “cheated” of a promised Cabinet post after the 15th general election.

Last month, the attendance of several MIC leaders at Bersatu’s annual general meeting sparked speculation about increasingly closer ties between MIC and PN.

Zahid said he had met MIC and MCA leaders two to three times last week, but MIC president SA Vigneswaran expressed surprise as he had no knowledge about this.