Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party (Makkal Sakti) never intended to 'replace' MIC in Barisan Nasional (BN), its president, Datuk Seri RS Thanenthiran, said. He emphasized that the 17-year-old party would not exploit any internal issues between MIC and BN by positioning Makkal Sakti as an alternative for the Indian community. Instead, the party aims to collaborate with MIC for the development and progress of the community in the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Thanenthiran stated, "MIC's struggle to champion the interests of the Indian community in this country has spanned more than 70 years, and that legacy must be respected. We will never oppose MIC, that is our principle." He further clarified that Makkal Sakti is not an alternative to MIC, but rather, they are working together to strengthen their collective voice for the betterment of the Indian community. These remarks were made during Makkal Sakti's 17th General Assembly, which saw the attendance of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also BN chairman, and BN Secretary-General Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Thanenthiran also described his relationship with MIC and its president, Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran, as very close, comparing it to a sibling-like bond. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid mentioned that no decision has been made regarding MIC's position in BN, despite the circulation of letters allegedly related to the party's application to join Perikatan Nasional (PN). At the 79th MIC General Assembly last November, the party decided to delay the decision on whether to leave or remain in BN.

According to Vigneswaran, all three motions tabled at the assembly, including the possibility of leaving BN, had been accepted and submitted to the leadership. In his policy speech, Thanenthiran requested the implementation of the Malaysian Indian Blueprint, which was launched in 2017.