SHAH ALAM — The action of a political party not inviting leaders from other parties to attend its general assembly is nothing new, said Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said MIC’s decision not to invite him or any other party leaders, including those from BN, could be due to the party’s top leadership or members wanting to focus on resolving several crucial issues affecting the party.

“They are holding their AGM (annual general meeting) this time to resolve their internal problems, so surely we must give them ample space to do just that,” he told reporters at the Asean Sports Industry Expo 2025 here today.

Asked if BN was prepared should MIC decide to leave the coalition, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister, said the coalition was open to accepting whatever decision is made by the MIC leadership.

“We are open to it. Previously, we had 14 component parties in BN and there was no coercion on whether to stay or leave. So, they will definitely make a wise decision about which coalition they want to join — just don’t regret it later,” he said.

MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran was reported to have said that the party would not invite any other party leaders, including those from BN, to attend its AGM on November 16.

He said this year’s AGM would be a one-day affair focusing solely on internal party matters.