MIC treasurer-general S Vell Paari has congratulated Pakatan Harapan and its chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the coalition's victory in yesterday's general election.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, he said though shocked and saddened by the results, MIC must accept the people's verdict.

"Malaysians have spoken and the mandate given to Harapan must be respected," he added.

Vell Paari said since Malaysians have placed their trust in Harapan to lead them for the next five years, some are calling on Harapan to ensure that it delivers the promises in its manifesto.

However, the MIC leader said his only request is that Harapan leaders work towards healing the nation, which has been divided by partisan politics.

"I admit that I too played a role in this. As a member of BN, it was my responsibility and duty to defend the coalition and its leaders. Such is the nature of politics.

"However, now is the time to bring Malaysians together again. And all must be willing to help in this aspect if needed," he added.

MIC's president Dr S Subramaniam and his deputy SK Devamany were both defeated in the Segamat and Sungai Siput parliament seats respectively.

However, former MIC vice-president M Saravanan and Youth chief C Sivarajjh won the Tapah and Cameron Highlands seats respectively.

All three BN component parties in the peninsular witnessed their presidents falling in the historic election.

Apart from Subramaniam, other casualties included MCA president Liow Tiong Lai (Bentong), Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong (Teluk Intan) and SUPP president Dr Sim Kui Hian (Stampin).