It's about time important positions in the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, such as the secretary-general, is given to MIC or MCA leaders.

This is crucial so Umno is not seen as the "big brother" in the more than 48-year-old coalition, MIC deputy president C Sivarraajh was quoted saying by Malay daily Sinar Harian.

"(Giving important positions) is the right step to take. Umno should give the BN secretary-general post to MCA or MIC. This would show that BN's component parties are on a more equal standing, rather than Umno being in a 'big brother's' position."

Ketereh MP Anuar Musa was sacked as the BN secretary-general last January and the position has remained vacant since. There have been reports that Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan will be appointed to fill the vacancy, but Sivarraajh said any such decision must go through the BN supreme council meeting.

Meanwhile, the Malay daily also quoted MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon saying that the BN secretary-general position remains vacant.

According to him, there have been previous suggestions that such important positions should be "shared" among coalition partners.

"This is important to reflect the multiracial composition of the coalition, which is part of its main identity.

The daily also spoke to Umno Veterans secretary-general Mustapha Yaakub, who said that there was basis to MIC's and MCA's demands.

"However, if the parties really want the position, let them bring the matter up in the BN supreme council meeting," he said.


Source: Sinar Harian
Photo source: Astro Awani