He said he had closely monitored developments in MIC, particularly discussions at the party’s recent annual general meeting which saw delegates unanimously agreeing to leave a final decision on exiting BN to the central working committee (CWC) and party president SA Vigneswaran.

“I have been following the debates at their general assembly closely. I respect any decisions made by the MIC delegates and leadership, and I have no intention of interfering in their internal affairs,” said Zahid.

“We will accept whatever decision they make with an open heart and mind. The decision is entirely up to the party,” he said after officiating a summit at Wisma MCA here.

He also backed a call by BN deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan for BN and MIC to meet after the Sabah election on Nov 29 to clarify the party’s future in the coalition.

“Such discussions are the best approach,” he said.

Last Sunday, MIC delegates passed motions allowing the party’s leadership to determine its future direction, including the proposal to leave BN.

Vigneswaran said the delegates had unanimously agreed to defer a final decision on leaving BN to the CWC and president.

He also rejected the possibility of MIC going solo, saying the party would only decide which coalition to join if it does leave BN.

MIC, together with MCA and Umno, is a founding member of the pre-independence Alliance Party, which became BN in 1973.