THE admission of the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) into Perikatan Nasional can help the coalition shed its “racist” image, said a Selangor Bersatu associate wing leader.
According to an FMT report, Bersatu associate wing deputy chairman S. Gana Pragasam said people used to say PN is a racist coalition that will “never do anything for the Indian community” but accepting an Indian party into the coalition will change that perception.
Gana, who contested the Subang Jaya state seat under the Bersatu banner in the Selangor state polls last year, does not think MIPP’s presence will result in any conflict between the new party and the associate wing.
“When I contested, people used to question me, asking why I am contesting under a banner which does not represent Indians,” he was reported as saying.
“But now with an Indian party in the coalition, it helps us automatically. The coalition can speak for Indians through MIPP.”
On whether the Bersatu associate wing’s Indian members will join MIPP, Gana said the matter was not discussed yet.
“We will gather our members and decide on our next move,” he said, adding that there is a possibility of the associate wing’s Indian and Chinese members eventually joining MIPP and Gerakan, respectively.
“But any decision will only be made after a meeting is held.”
On Monday (April 22), PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin made the announcement that MIPP has officially joined the coalition.
MIPP is the first Indian-based party in the coalition, which comprises Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan and Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP).
Headed by former Selangor MIC Youth chief P. Punithan, MIPP was registered as a political party in 2019. It applied to join PN in December last year.
Punithan was also appointed a deputy chairman of the coalition.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Punithan said MIPP’s inclusion into PN was not only a recognition to the party.
“It sends a clear message that the coalition gives priority to the Indian community which is the third largest race in the country,” he remarked. – April 24, 2024
