New political party for Indian Muslims launched

Parti India Muslim Bersatu Malaysia protem president Datuk Jamarulkhan S. Kadir (holding mike) announces formation of the party during a press conference at a restaurant in the Malaysian Tourism Centre (MaTiC).

KUALA LUMPUR: In effort to unite the local Indian Muslim community, Datuk Jamarulkhan S. Kadir has announced the formation of Parti India Muslim Bersatu Malaysia (PIBM).

Jamarulkhan S. Kadir, who is the PIBM’s protem president, said the party was formed because there is no political platform for the Indian Muslim community in the country following GE14.

"Yes, there is Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma), but the whole political scenario changed after GE14.

."We feel that there isn't an Indian Muslim party in the country that is in the same direction as the government. In short, there is a vacuum for the Indian Muslim community to work with the government of the day," he said.

Jamarulkhan, who was speaking to the media at the launch of PIBM at the Malaysian Tourism Centre (MaTiC) on Friday (Sept 21), said the party aims to recruit 5,000 members within three months.

"Within three months after the soft launch of the party, we are expecting to recruit at least 5,000 members," he said.

According to Jamarulkhan, PIBM had already submitted an application to the Registrar of Societies (RoS) on Aug 23.

"We are still waiting for the RoS reply, but we are confident that this party will be approved," he said.

Asked if the party would forge an alliance with the Pakatan Harapan Government, Jamarulkhan maintained that the party would be free and independent.

"This party is independent and we will not join forces with any parties. But we will work together with any parties in the same direction with us," he said.

PIBM's head of strategy and information head Ariff Farhan said the party is planning to reach out to the Indian Muslim community across the country to explain its vision and to obtain feedback.

"The feedback will be crucial for our planned convention.

"We hope to hold a convention in conjunction with the official launch of the party after three months of the date of approval from the RoS," he added.- Star