MIJP, a new kid on the block

Analysts do not see the need for another Indian political party as it brings no added value to the community

PETALING JAYA: Political analysts questioned the rational for the formation of another new Indian political party in the nation. The Registrar of Societies approved the registration of Malaysian Indian Justice Party (MIJP) yesterday.

Universiti Sains Malaysia’s political scientist P Sivamurugan said that there was no need for new Indian based political parties to be registered.

“There is no necessity for more small Indian parties to represent the Indian community as it only divides them further,” said Sivamurugan, who is also the deputy dean in USM’s school of social sciences.

He also voiced doubts over this new party since there was little information on its aspirations.

“I don’t know where the new party is heading. Can it work in the interest of the Indian community?

Where will they be positioned in the event that we have a two party system?  Are they a third force?” said Sivamurugan.

On Monday the Registrar of Societies approved the registration of 20 new parties.

Of the 20, four are based in Peninsula Malaysia; five in Sarawak and the balance are in Sabah.

The MIJP joins a list of six other registered parties claiming to represent the interest of the Malaysian Indian community.

Currently the 1.8 million Indians are represented by the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), Indian Progressive Front (IPF), Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (KIMMA), Malaysian Makkal Sakthi Party (MMSP), Malaysian United Indian Party (MUIP), and Indian majority People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

Above that PKR and DAP also have a significant of Indian members.

Universiti Utara Malaysia’s Dr Fuad Othman echoed the similar sentiments of Sivamurugan, that there is no need for a new party to represent the interest of the Indian community.

“It is unnecessary because there are too many parties representing the Indian community,” said Fuad who is a senior lecturer at the university’s department of international relations.

He however dismissed suggestions that BN orchestrated the registration of this new party to divide the Indians.

“The Indian community has to decide on their priorities. For example do they need more education opportunities or do they need to practice more democratic values,” said Fuad.

“Indians are in the lower economic strata so it is time they get their priorities right,” he said.

Political analyst Khoo Kay Peng doesn’t see an issue with the additional new party but believes that a small party like MIJP would not survive in the context of a two party system.

“In a democratic system, it is their freedom of association to form a new political party but the question is whether they would survive or not.

“The current first past the post electoral system and growing two party system will force them to consolidate with other parties. Otherwise there is no chance to gain political power,” said Khoo.

As for the Indian community, the independent analyst feels that they should support the regime that provides the best policies suited for them.

“The policies should allow social mobility because despite being only 7% of Malaysian population, Indians make up 15% of the professionals,” he said.