Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi issued a stark warning to any component party contemplating a departure from the coalition. He emphasized that once a party leaves BN, it will not be welcomed back, urging them to carefully consider their decision. This statement comes amidst speculation that the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) and the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) might withdraw from the coalition. Zahid's comments were made during the Indian Progressive Front's (IPF) general assembly, where he stressed the importance of stability within the coalition, especially with the upcoming general election looming less than two years away. He advised against hasty decisions that could lead to regret, as the political landscape is expected to evolve rapidly. Additionally, Zahid hinted that the IPF's request to become a full component party of BN, after 35 years of support, is likely to be granted, provided it gains consensus among the core parties. The IPF, a splinter party of MIC, was formed in 1990 and has been a loyal supporter of BN.
