JOHOR BARU: It is too soon to tell how the decision of MIC and MCA not to run in the next elections on Aug 12 will affect the chances of Barisan Nasional (BN).
MIC Youth chief K Raven said it was still too early to predict the impact, as it would depend on the end result of the state elections in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor, and Negri Sembilan.
"Perhaps there will be an impact.. or maybe not, but it can only be assessed after the results in these six states are announced," he said.
Raven was commenting on reports about BN's future after MIC and MCA decided not to participate in the state elections. Nomination day is set for July 29.
"MIC's decision not to contest was to enable the party to strengthen its support with its members and supporters.
"I believe MIC will not face any difficulties winning the seats if we contested in the Aug 12 polls, but our focus now is to strengthen the cooperation within the unity government first.
"We will not be contesting but our presence will be felt… we will participate in the campaign to support our coalition partners in Pakatan Harapan (PH)," he said.
He added MIC was supportive and cooperative of the unity government.
"We will continue to adhere to the decisions made by BN for the welfare and stability of the nation, with the 16th General Elections as our primary focus.
Raven also rubbished reports claiming BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, failed to represent the interests of MCA and MIC in the negotiations with PH.