MIPP asserts independent identity, denies riding on PAS’s coattails

 The Perikatan Nasional component party says it values its ties with its coalition partners, including PAS and Bersatu.

The Malaysian Indian People’s Party, or MIPP, is an MIC offshoot that joined Perikatan Nasional in April 2024. (P Punithan pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) asserts that it holds its own individual identity as a Perikatan Nasional component, rubbishing analysts’ views that it is simply riding on PAS’s coattails.

MIPP deputy president S Subramaniam said the party will not simply wait for other entities to determine its future, and that its focus is to champion the Indian community.

“The analysts’ comments appear to suggest that the future of MIPP is dependent on which party’s logo we contest under. It is a narrow way of looking at politics.

“A party is not defined merely by its logo. It is defined by its people, principles, organisation, leadership, and the confidence of the community it represents,” he said in a statement.

Subramaniam said recent by-elections and state elections MIPP took part in showed that the Indian-based party had garnered an average of 40% of the Indian community’s votes.

He said this showed that MIPP has become recognised as a possible alternative for the community.

He also said the party will base its strategic decisions on the interests of MIPP, its members, and the Indian community, rather than speculation by pundits.

“MIPP has a strong central committee with the necessary knowledge for political manoeuvring and making the best political decisions for the Indian community.

“Our PN membership is based on a political understanding and commitment to work with all components for the rakyat’s benefit. It should not be interpreted as MIPP being subordinate to any particular party.

“We want PN to remain intact and continue as a strong political coalition,” he said.

MIPP, spearheaded by former Selangor MIC Youth chief P Punithan, joined PN in April 2024.

Earlier today, analysts said MIPP and Gerakan were unlikely to stray far from PAS even if PN faces deregistration over a complaint filed by Bersatu.

The opposition coalition is currently suspended by the Registrar of Societies.

Subramaniam said MIPP values its relationship with all PN components, including PAS and Bersatu, though the two Malay-Muslim parties recently fell out.

“Our cooperation with PAS, Bersatu, Gerakan and other partners is based on mutual respect and the understanding that every party has its own identity and political interests.

“Coalition politics cannot function effectively if one party assumes another party has no independent voice. MIPP believes every component must have a meaningful role, a clear political identity, and appropriate representation within any coalition,” he said. - FMT